Sunday, August 31, 2025
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Monday, August 25, 2025
MY JOURNAL -11: FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE.Part 2
*FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE*
PART 2
Independence is not just a historical milestone but a living embodiment of core values. For countries like India, which celebrated Independence Day recently, it symbolizes the triumph of unity over division and courage over oppression.
It's a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure the rights of liberty, equality, and justice for all citizens.
Sovereignty and Self-Governance:
A country's independence signifies its right to self-rule, allowing it to establish its own laws, maintain order, and make decisions in the best interest of its people, free from foreign influence.
Identity and Unity:
The struggle for independence and the subsequent celebration of it foster a sense of shared history and national identity. It unifies diverse people under a common flag and shared values, strengthening the fabric of the nation.
Economic and Social Progress:
National independence is often linked to the ability to pursue economic and social policies that serve the country's unique needs, leading to progress, innovation, and self-sufficiency.
The power and profoundness of freedom and independence have been eloquently expressed by leaders, philosophers, and writers throughout history. Here are some of the most powerful quotes that highlight their sweetness and essentiality:
On the Essentiality of Freedom
"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit." - Kahlil Gibran
This quote beautifully captures the idea that freedom is not just a luxury, but the very essence of existence, without which life is hollow and meaningless.
"Freedom is the oxygen of the soul." - Moshe Dayan
A simple, yet powerful metaphor, suggesting that a person's spirit cannot breathe, thrive, or live without the presence of freedom.
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's words speak to the moral and ethical foundation of freedom, emphasizing that it is a universal right that cannot be selectively applied.
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote highlights the idea that freedom is an ongoing struggle and a personal responsibility, not a passive gift to be received.
On the Sweetness of Independence
"Independence is happiness." - Susan B. Anthony
This is a concise and direct statement that links personal autonomy and self-reliance to a state of contentment and joy.
"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will." - Charlotte Brontë
From her novel Jane Eyre, this famous line is a declaration of personal independence and a refusal to be confined by social or gender expectations.
"The sense of independence and security is very sweet." - Susan B. Anthony
This quote expands on her previous one, connecting independence to a feeling of security, which together form a very satisfying and "sweet" state of being.
"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson's words describe the ultimate form of independence: maintaining one's individuality and integrity even while surrounded by the pressures of society. He calls this a "perfect sweetness," suggesting a profound inner peace.
Grateful thanks to Google Gemini for its help and support in creating this blogpost
To be continued..
Part 3
Remembering the painful and horrible days of our slavery: A Lesson for the Future
Sunday, August 24, 2025
HISTORY TODAY : AUGUST 24
HISTORY TODAY : AUGUST 24
Selected purely from my personal perspective
Mikhail Gorbachev – leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991
Author: Vladimir Vyatkin
under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Attribution:
RIA Novosti archive, image #850809 / Vladimir Vyatkin / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EVENTS
1349 – Six thousand Jews are killed in Mainz after being blamed for the bubonic plague.
American aviator/pilot Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) standing by her Lockheed Electra dressed in overalls, with Fred Noonan getting into the plane in the background. Parnamerim airfield, Natal, Brazil.
This image was taken from Flickr's The Commons
The copyright is in the public domain
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
1932 – Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the United States non-stop (from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey).
1991 – Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as head of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
1991 – Ukraine declares itself independent from the Soviet Union
2023 – Japan officially begins discharging treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, sparking international concerns and condemnation
BIRTHS
1908 – Shivaram Rajguru, Indian activist (died 1931). Indian Freedom Fighter, who sacrificed his for the sake of the country
The Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho.
Source: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paulo_Coelho_30102007.jpg
Author: Marcello Casal Jr./ABr
licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license.
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
1947 – Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author and songwriter
Grateful thanks to WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA and Image credit is given under each image. My grateful thanks to WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, FLICKR, RIA Novosti archive and authors of the images:
Vladimir Vyatkin and Marcello Casal Jr./ABr
NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY: AUGUST 24
Soft waffle
Author : Jacques Renier
Public domain
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
HEALTH WATCH
A landmark study from Karolinska Institutet shows adults can still grow new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. Neurogenesis was observed across ages up to 78, reshaping our understanding of brain plasticity and opening doors for future therapies targeting memory, cognition, and mood.
#Neuroscience #BrainHealth #Neurogenesis #MemoryResearch #HealthFacts
TECH WATCH
France has taken a bold step toward sustainability by requiring that all new commercial buildings be built with green roofs or solar panels. Green roofs covered in vegetation help reduce urban heat, absorb rainwater, and improve air quality, while solar panels generate renewable energy for the grid.
This forward-thinking law transforms rooftops from wasted spaces into tools for climate resilience and clean energy production. In Paris alone, the initiative could reduce city temperatures by several degrees during heatwaves, while contributing significantly to France’s renewable energy targets.
Other nations are now considering adopting similar policies, making France a model for sustainable urban planning.
#FranceInnovation #GreenRoofs #SolarEnergy #SustainableCities #ClimateAction #UnboxFactory
LOOKING BACK AT HISTORY : BEAUTIFUL CONSTANTINOPLE, SEAT OF EMPIRES
The Remarkable History of Constantinople
18th century map of Constantinople (now Istanbul) map
Public domain
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Constantinople, known today as Istanbul, is one of the world’s most historically significant cities, having served as the capital for numerous empires over more than 1,600 years.
Byzantine Emperor Constantine I holds a model of the city of Constantinople and presents it to the Virgin Mary (not shown). Southwestern entrance mosaic, Hagia Sophia, 10th century CE. Istanbul, Turkey.
AuthorOsama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg)
licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Foundation and Early History
Founded by Constantine the Great: In 330 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great officially inaugurated the city as "New Rome," but it soon became known as Constantinople. The site selected was the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, ideally positioned on the Bosphorus Strait. Its unique location connected Europe and Asia, which made it an essential hub for commerce, trade, and cultural exchange.
Strategic Importance: Control over the Bosphorus gave Constantinople significant military and economic leverage, governing trade routes between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
Capital of Empire
Roman Empire: As the seat of imperial power, the city shifted the Roman Empire’s focus eastward, marking the first lasting unification of Greek territories and the blending of Roman and Greek customs, arts, and architecture.
Byzantine Empire: After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Constantinople became the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire), which lasted for nearly a millennium. During this time, it flourished as the largest, wealthiest, and most influential city in Europe and the Middle East.
Center of Culture and Religion
Hagia Sophia
available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The city was famed for its grand structures such as the Hagia Sophia, Imperial Palace, Hippodrome, and opulent aristocratic palaces. It was also an academic and cultural center, hosting the University of Constantinople and the Imperial Library.
Constantinople was pivotal in the evolution of Christianity, serving as the center of Orthodox Christian civilization and the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
File:A view from The Sphendone of the Hippodrome.jpg
Author:Hbomber
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Major Events
Sieges and Intrigue: Over the centuries, the city withstood numerous sieges due to its formidable walls, especially the Theodosian Walls, and endured waves of political turmoil, uprisings, and dynastic changes.
The Great Schism (1054): A significant religious event where the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic churches was formalized, with the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Pope in Rome leading rival Christian traditions.
Constantine the Emperor of the Greco-Romans exits fearless into the battle on 1453 May 29. Mural recovered from the house-cafe of G. Antikas in Skopelos, Gera, Mytilene, 141 cm x 179 cm.
Author: Theophilos Hatzimihail (1870–1934)
available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Era of the Latin Empire (1204–1261)
The capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in April 1204 marked the beginning of the Latin Empire, a dramatic period in the city's history. Baldwin of Flanders was crowned emperor in Hagia Sophia, and Western Europeans—mainly French and Venetian crusaders—established a feudal society on the ruins of the Byzantine state. The new regime ruled only parts of the city itself and immediate surroundings, while the rest of Byzantine territories fragmented under rival Greek, Bulgarian, and Turkish authorities. The Latin emperors and their Venetian partners divided the city and empire, often in line with Western feudal custom, but their control was tenuous. Constantinople’s population shrank, trade declined, churches and palaces were looted, and much of the city’s historic infrastructure fell into neglect. Despite attempts to integrate Latin ecclesiastical and political structures, the city remained in crisis, facing frequent revolts and economic hardship. The Latin Empire lasted until July 1261, when Michael VIII Palaiologos recaptured Constantinople for the Byzantines during a daring surprise attack, restoring the city’s Greek leadership. This turbulent era left lasting scars but also set the stage for the final centuries of Byzantine civilization.
Daily Life in Byzantine Constantinople
Life in medieval Constantinople was vibrant and diverse, reflecting the city’s status as a thriving metropolis bridging East and West. Its marble-paved streets were lined with columned porticos, bustling shops operated by families, lively market squares, fountains adorned with classical sculptures, and arcaded walkways that shielded residents from the elements. Constantinople’s citizens included a mix of merchants, craftspeople, scholars, priests, monks, and visitors from across the known world. Processions of religious icons, crowded markets selling food, wine, textiles, and luxury goods, and public festivals in the Hippodrome provided color and excitement. The city was supplied by aqueducts to cisterns and fountains, and much of daily life revolved around communal courtyards, neighborhood wellsprings, and busy street scenes. Women played key roles in domestic crafts, textile production, and even shopkeeping, especially as fashion evolved rapidly in the empire. Public leisure and entertainment ranged from chariot races and acrobatics to theatre performances, while churches, baths, and gymnasia served as places for both spiritual growth and lively social discussion. Life could be challenging, and most people worked hard to secure food and shelter, but the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, regular pilgrimages, and spectacular festivals made daily existence in Constantinople uniquely dynamic and memorable.
Legacy
Constantinople’s history is a testament to its resilience, diversity, and influence in world affairs. Even after its official renaming to Istanbul in 1930, the city remains a bridge between East and West, rich in culture and tradition.
“Constantinople was to become one of the great world capitals, a font of imperial and religious power, a city of vast wealth and beauty… As the centuries passed—the Christian empire lasted 1,130 years—Constantinople, seat of empire, was to become as important as the empire itself; in the end, although the territories had virtually shrunk away, the capital endured.”
Grateful thanks to PERPLEXITY AI for its great help and support in creating this blogpost and Wikimedia Commons and others (mentioned against each image) for the beautiful images.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
LOOKING BACK AT HISTORY: KASI, THE ETERNAL CITY
KASI, THE ETERNAL CITY
Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is an ancient city in India that is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and is known for its spiritual significance, history, and culture.
Some key points about Kashi, the Eternal City:
Spiritual Significance:
KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
| Author: | Das740724 |
licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
It is believed that Kashi was founded by Lord Shiva and is considered his home. It is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Shiva temples in the world. The Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines) dedicated to Shiva, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Source: Ghat Scene - Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh - India - 03
AuthorAdam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Eternal City:
The name "Kashi" is derived from the Sanskrit word kash, which means "to shine," referring to the city's spiritual light and enlightenment. It is often referred to as "the City of Light."
Death and Liberation:
Hindus believe that dying in Kashi and being cremated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River grants moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
History and Culture:
The city has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It has been a center of learning, art, and music, and has been a melting pot of different religions and cultures.
its historical significance is immense and multifaceted. It's a place where myth, religion, and documented history intertwine to form a unique cultural tapestry.
Vedic and Epic Era:
Kashi is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Rigveda and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, suggesting its importance in ancient times. It was the capital of the Kashi kingdom, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India.
Birthplace of Jain Tirthankaras:
Kashi is also a significant place for Jains, as it is believed to be the birthplace of four Jain Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
Center of Knowledge and Learning
Hub of Philosophy and Religion:
For millennia, Kashi has been a major center of learning, philosophy, and spirituality. It attracted scholars, sages, and mystics from across the Indian subcontinent. It was a cradle of Vedic thought and a place where significant philosophical and religious debates took place.
Buddhism and Sarnath:
Just a few kilometers from Kashi lies Sarnath, the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This proximity has made Kashi a symbol of the Hindu renaissance and a place where different religious traditions, including Buddhism, have historically coexisted.
Literary and Artistic Legacy:
The city has been a home to renowned literary figures and saints. Tulsidas, the 16th-century saint-poet, wrote his epic Ramcharitmanas in Varanasi, and it was also the birthplace of famous novelist Munshi Prem Chand.
A History of Resilience and Revival
MUNSHI GHAT, VARANASI
Author: Kodari12
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Wikimedia Commons
Invasions and Destruction:
Throughout its long history, Kashi has faced numerous invasions and periods of destruction, particularly of its temples. The original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, for instance, was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The most notable destruction was by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on the site of the demolished temple.
Maratha and British Era: The city experienced a new revival under the patronage of the Marathas and other Hindu rulers, who sponsored the construction of new temples and ghats. During the British colonial period, Kashi continued to be a religious and commercial hub, and it also became a center for nationalist activities.
Institutions like the Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, were established here, further cementing its status as a seat of learning and culture.
In essence, the historical significance of Kashi lies not just in its age but in its enduring role as a spiritual and cultural heartland of India, a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires while remaining a beacon of religious devotion and intellectual pursuits.
Grateful thanks to Google Gemini for its help and support in creating this blogpost and Wikimedia Commons for the images.
Friday, August 22, 2025
HEALTH WATCH
German scientists have unveiled a revolutionary injectable gel that can regrow cartilage in damaged joints, offering a potential end to many knee and hip replacement surgeries. This bioactive hydrogel is loaded with growth factors, collagen fibres, and stem cell attractants, creating the perfect environment for natural cartilage repair.
Once injected into a worn joint, the gel forms a flexible scaffold that mimics real cartilage. It recruits the body’s own stem cells, triggering layer-by-layer regrowth of cartilage while adapting to movement and becoming stronger over time. In clinical trials, patients with severe osteoarthritis showed visible cartilage regeneration within just 60 days, along with significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Unlike traditional implants, this gel does not require surgery, has no risk of long-term wear or rejection, and even reduces inflammation without the need for post-operative medication. It naturally biodegrades once healing is complete, leaving behind healthy, functional joint tissue.
The treatment could be life-changing for millions, especially younger patients and athletes seeking non-invasive recovery options. With regulatory approval in Europe expected soon, Germany plans to make this breakthrough therapy available in clinics by 2026. Experts say this could mark the beginning of a new era in orthopaedic medicine, replacing artificial joints with the body’s own natural healing power.
#JointRegeneration #MedicalBreakthrough #CartilageRepair #PainFreeMovement
SCIENCE WATCH
Speech balloons. Question and Answer. Icon for FAQ or Help.
Date27 August 2011, Source: Own work, Author: AlphaZeta
Available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons
Question:
Is there a way for Endless power, at least theoretically?
Answer by
PERPLEXITY AI
The concept of "endless power" in a strict physical or energy sense is theoretically and practically impossible due to fundamental laws of physics, particularly the first and second laws of thermodynamics:
First Law of Thermodynamics (Energy Conservation): Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. So, no system can produce infinite or endless energy without input.
Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy): Systems naturally tend toward disorder and energy quality degrades over time, preventing 100% efficient energy conversion or perpetual motion.
Theoretical Concepts Related to "Endless Power":
Perpetual Motion Machines: Hypothetical machines that can work indefinitely without energy input, producing unlimited energy. These are proven to be impossible based on thermodynamic laws.
Fusion Energy: Nuclear fusion (like stars) releases immense energy from small amounts of fuel and could provide a very long-lasting and powerful energy source, but it is not infinite or "endless."
Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, wind, and other renewables provide nearly continuous energy as long as natural forces act, but they are not strictly endless since they depend on finite planetary and cosmic conditions.
Quantum or Exotic Physics Theories: Some speculative theoretical concepts (like zero-point energy or harnessing vacuum energy) hint at potential new energy sources, but these remain unproven and theoretical, with no practical "endless power" available yet.
Summary
While scientific and technological advances—such as highly efficient catalysts, renewable energies, or nuclear fusion—can provide very powerful, long-lasting energy sources, the idea of truly "endless power" is a physical impossibility under current scientific understanding. It remains a theoretical or metaphorical goal rather than a feasible reality.
The closest practical concept is a sustainable, extremely efficient energy system that can operate for a very long time with minimal inputs and environmental impact, but always within physical laws.
Grateful thanks to PERPLEXITY AI for providing explanation
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
MY JOURNAL-10: Freedom and Independence why are they loved and valued so much?
by Mayankmakhija9, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons
(This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license)
Freedom and Independence why are they loved and valued so much?
Freedom and independence: are deeply valued because they are fundamental to human dignity, self-realization, and progress. They allow individuals to pursue their own goals, make personal choices, and live a life that is authentic and meaningful to them. This value is reflected in both a country's collective liberation from foreign rule and an individual's personal autonomy.
Philosophical and Psychological Value
Philosophical and psychological perspectives highlight several reasons why freedom and independence are so prized:
Self-determination:
At its core, freedom is the ability to choose and act according to one's own will without coercive constraints from others, whether they be individuals, groups, or governments. This includes the ability to think one's own thoughts and control one's own actions.
Human Flourishing:
Freedom is seen as a necessary condition for happiness and human fulfillment. It allows people to form voluntary communities based on shared values and interests, and to engage in social cooperation that leads to greater success and happiness.
Responsibility and Growth:
True independence of character enables a person to act rather than be acted upon. It requires the integration of virtues like integrity, courage, and honesty. People who value freedom are often self-reliant and confident, and they embrace change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
Freedom from and Freedom to:
Philosophers distinguish between "negative freedom" (freedom from external constraints) and "positive freedom" (the ability to achieve one's goals and desires).
Both are valued.
Negative freedom means the absence of interference, while positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act and realize one's potential.
Overcoming Societal Conditioning:
Psychological freedom is the ability to make choices aligned with one's authentic self, free from the chains of subconscious or societal conditioning. This requires critically examining external influences and consciously choosing a path that reflects one's true desires.
National Independence
On a national level, independence is not just a historical milestone but a living embodiment of core values. For countries like India, which celebrated Independence Day, it symbolizes the triumph of unity over division and courage over oppression.
It's a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure the rights of liberty, equality, and justice for all citizens.
Sovereignty and Self-Governance:
A country's independence signifies its right to self-rule, allowing it to establish its own laws, maintain order, and make decisions in the best interest of its people, free from foreign influence.
Identity and Unity:
The struggle for independence and the subsequent celebration of it foster a sense of shared history and national identity. It unifies diverse people under a common flag and shared values, strengthening the fabric of the nation.
Economic and Social Progress:
National independence is often linked to the ability to pursue economic and social policies that serve the country's unique needs, leading to progress, innovation, and self-sufficiency.
(On the occasion of the 79th Indian Independence day, while ruminating on various related topics, this question stood up demanding a clear-cut answer. I turned to Google Gemini for help. This blogpost is the result of that interaction)
Grateful thanks to Google Gemini for its help and support in creating this blogpost and Mayankmakhija9 and Wikimedia Commons for the image
LOOKING BACK AT HISTORY: JERUSALEM
The ancient city of Jerusalem with Solomon’s Temple, Charles O'Donnell, c. 1871, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (digital file LC-DIG-pga 02305), no known copyright restrictions.
Looking Back at History: Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities, revered by millions and central to the stories of three major monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its history stretches back over 5,000 years, shaped by conquests, faith, and resilience.
Ancient Beginnings
Earliest Settlements: Archaeological evidence points to settlement around 3500BCE, near the Gihon Spring.
Canaanite & Egyptian Rule: The city appears as “Rusalimum” in Egyptian texts from the 19th century BCE, and by the Late Bronze Age, it had become a fortified city and vassal of Egypt.
Jebusites: By about 1200BCE, Jerusalem was controlled by the Canaanite Jebusites.
The Israelite Era (c.1000–586BCE)
King David & Solomon: King David captured Jerusalem around 1000BCE, making it the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. Solomon, his son, built the First Temple, cementing Jerusalem’s role as a spiritual center.
Kingdom Divisions & Foreign Invasions: After Solomon, the kingdom split. Jerusalem survived invasions—Egyptians, Philistines, Assyrians—before falling to Babylon in 586BCE. The First Temple was destroyed, and Jews were exiled.
Persian Rule & Second Temple
Cyrus the Great: In 539BCE, the Persian emperor allowed exiled Jews to return. The Second Temple was rebuilt in 515BCE, marking a renewal in Jerusalem’s spiritual significance.
Greek, Roman, & Byzantine Eras
Hellenistic Influence: Alexander the Great conquered Jerusalem in 332BCE. The city saw the rise of the Hasmoneans and later became a province under Roman control.
Herodian Expansion: King Herod greatly expanded the Second Temple.
Roman Destruction: In 70CE, Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple. After the Bar Kochba revolt (135CE), the city became a Roman colony, Aelia Capitolina.
Christian Center: By the early 4th century, Christianity flourished; sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre were built.
Islamic Period & the Crusades
Muslim Control: Caliph Umar captured Jerusalem in 638CE. The Dome of the Rock (691CE) and Al-Aqsa Mosque (701CE) were built, establishing Jerusalem as the third holiest city in Islam.
Crusader Kingdom: Crusaders seized Jerusalem in 1099CE, leading to nearly a century of Christian rule until Saladin’s reconquest in 1187CE, which returned the city to Muslim governance.
Ottoman and Modern Eras
Ottoman Stability: The Ottomans ruled from 1517 to 1917CE. Landmarks such as the current city walls stem from this era.
British Mandate & Israeli Statehood: After World WarI, the British took control. Following the founding of Israel in 1948, Jerusalem was divided. The Six-Day War in 1967 led to Israeli reunification of the city.
Why Jerusalem Matters
Jerusalem embodies centuries of religious devotion, political ambition, and cultural exchange. It remains a symbol of peace and conflict, resilience and hope, visited and prayed for by believers of countless generations.
This overview only scratches the surface. Each era—Canaanite, Israelite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader, Ottoman, and Modern—has etched its mark onto the city’s landscape and spirit.
Jerusalem’s enduring legacy continues to shape world history and inspire hearts and minds, inviting us to look back, reflect, and—perhaps—seek paths of peace.
Historical overview generated with the help of Perplexity AI.
Grateful thanks to PERPLEXITY and Wikimedia Commons for the image
SCULPTURE OF THE DAY
“High-relief sandstone sculpture of Mahishasuramardini (Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura), from 11th-century Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat. Photo by Opticon1974 — CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons.”
Rani ki Vav is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commissioned in memory of Bhima I by Queen Udayamati, featuring over 500 principal sculptures and 1,000+ minor ones .
Brief Write-Up
Rani ki Vav, also known as the Queen’s Stepwell, is an architectural and sculptural marvel of 11th-century India. Commissioned by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty, the stepwell stands as a testament to high craftsmanship in Maru-Gurjara architecture .
Designed as an inverted temple, the stepwell spans approximately 65 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and consists of seven descending levels leading to a deep well shaft . Its stone surfaces are richly adorned—housing more than 500 primary sculptures of deities and 1,000+ minor carvings depicting mythological, religious, and even secular themes .
The Central Panel: Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini
This high-relief panel captures Durga in her Mahishasuramardini form, heroically depicted slaying the buffalo demon while maintaining poise and grace .
The sculpture is almost full relief, remarkable for its depth and lifelike quality—she is shown with ten hands, each holding a distinct weapon or attribute: trident, vajra (thunderbolt), arrow, mace, ankush (goad), spear, chakra, lotus, damaru (small drum), and sword .
In her left hands, she grasps the demon’s hair, a noose (pasha), bow, war horn, three-headed cobra, skull-cup with fish, bell, and shield—symbols of her comprehensive power and martial prowess .
The scene includes a lion aiding the goddess, reinforcing the iconography of strength and victory .
Artistic and Historical Significance
The sculpture’s preservation owes much to its burial under sand and mud for centuries, until rediscovery in the 1980s .
It illustrates the depth of craftsmanship, the religious ethos, and narrative artistry of the era.
Within the broader design of the stepwell, such panels contribute to a cosmic allegory—where water functions not only as a life-giving force but also a vessel for spiritual symbolism, making the stepwell an underground temple in itself .
Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for its kind help and support in creating this blogpost and Wikimedia Commons and Opticon 1974 for the image
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY
"Taipei Night Skyline from Hongludi 20240113" by xiangyang17, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons and Flickr.
PAINTING OF THE DAY
Édouard Manet – At the Café, circa 1878–1879. Google Art Project.
Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY
🌍
🌍 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY – AUGUST 19
Every year on August 19, the world comes together to observe World Humanitarian Day — a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the countless men and women who devote their lives to helping others in times of crisis.
The day was first established in memory of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sérgio Vieira de Mello. Since then, the UN has recognized August 19 as a day to celebrate humanitarian work across the globe.
✨ What It Means to Be Humanitarian
To be a humanitarian is to embody compassion, empathy, and action. It is about reaching beyond boundaries of race, religion, or nationality to help fellow human beings in need. Humanitarians are often the first to arrive and the last to leave during disasters, conflicts, and emergencies — risking their own lives for the sake of others.
🌱 Theme for 2025
Each year brings a distinct theme to highlight pressing humanitarian priorities. For 2025, the official theme is “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.” It conveys a powerful truth: true humanitarian action blossoms when the international community unites to support, uplift, and empower communities to shape their own futures. This, to me, remains the essence of Humanity in Action—the courage of aid workers, the resilience of communities, and the unity that binds us as human beings.
🌺 Why It Matters for All of Us
While international agencies, NGOs, and volunteers play visible roles, the spirit of humanitarianism is not limited to them. Each one of us can be a humanitarian in our daily life — by lending a hand to a neighbor, supporting the vulnerable, standing up against injustice, and fostering kindness in our communities.
As the saying goes:
> "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." — Oscar Wilde
🌏 A Call to Action
On this day, let us remember the courage of humanitarian workers, honor those who lost their lives in service, and commit ourselves to building a more compassionate world.
Whether it is through donations, volunteering, or simple everyday kindness — each action matters. Humanity thrives when we recognize that we are one global family.
Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for its kind help and support in creating this blogpost and United Nations for the image.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
SCIENCE WATCH: ELECTRONS, THE KEY TO BOUNDLESS ENERGY?
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ELECTRONS, THE KEY TO BOUNDLESS ENERGY?
What if the tiniest particles in the universe—electrons—held the secret to infinite energy? This thought-provoking idea forms the heart of the fascinating documentary, Electron’s Endless Energy: A Quantum Documentary, now available on YouTube.
The film takes us on a breathtaking journey into the quantum world, where electrons are no longer just “small particles,” but mysterious carriers of energy, flickering between wave and particle, and constantly in motion.
✨ What the Documentary Explores
Electrons and Quantum Behavior
They are never still, governed by probabilities rather than certainties. Their restless nature suggests a world far stranger than what our senses can grasp.
Zero-Point Energy
Even in a perfect vacuum, energy exists! This is known as zero-point energy, a cornerstone of quantum physics that reveals the universe’s hidden dynamism.
The Dream of Infinite Energy
Could this background energy one day be tapped as a limitless resource? The film stirs imagination with this possibility, though current science has not found a way to make it practical.
🎥 Why It Matters
The documentary is visually rich and conceptually stimulating. It makes us pause and reflect:
How much of our understanding of reality is limited by classical thinking?
Can quantum physics open new doors in energy science, medicine, or technology?
Or is the idea of “boundless energy” still more wonder than reality?
⚖️ A Balanced Note
While it’s thrilling to imagine electrons as “keys to infinite energy,” the laws of physics have different ideas. Zero-point energy is indeed real—but as the universe's lowest energy state, it can't be lowered (or tapped) for usable power. Though quantum phenomena like the Casimir effect provide glimpses into vacuum fluctuations, the forces involved are vanishingly small and not practical for energy production. Even so, curiosity remains the catalyst of discovery, and that's what this film celebrates.
🌌 Final Thought
As the documentary beautifully shows, the universe is alive with invisible motion. Electrons, in their ceaseless dance, remind us that energy is all around us—waiting to be better understood.
Perhaps the dream of boundless energy is not a scientific fact today, but it is a powerful symbol of humanity’s quest to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.
“Clocking in at just under an hour and produced by BMResearch, this recently released documentary offers a sweeping introduction to the quantum frontier.”
🔗 Watch here: Electron’s Endless Energy: A Quantum Documentary
Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for its great help and support in creating this blogpost and Wikimedia Commons for the image.
Monday, August 18, 2025
BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS
Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.
― Thich Nhat Hanh,
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
TECH WATCH
🚄🇯🇵 60 Years. Zero Fatal Accidents. Always on Time.
Japan’s bullet trains aren’t just fast — they’re flawless.
Since launching in 1964, the Shinkansen has transported over 10 billion passengers without a single fatal accident due to derailment or collision.
Thanks to cutting-edge earthquake detection, automated braking systems, and dedicated tracks, it’s one of the safest transport systems in the world.
🎯 Average delay? Just 24 seconds.
🧠 AI-powered scheduling keeps it precise.
🌍 An inspiration for high-speed rail worldwide.
When it comes to rail travel, Japan isn’t just ahead — it’s in a league of its own.
#Shinkansen #ZeroAccidents #TrainTech #JapaneseEngineering #TransportRevolution #HyperEfficiency #MtFujiView
HEALTH WATCH
Scientists have uncovered a completely new structure inside mammalian cells, dubbed the hemifusome. These tiny bubble-like organelles — even smaller than mitochondria — went unnoticed until now because they blended into background “noise.”
Using advanced cryo-electron tomography, researchers spotted strange double-vesicle shapes: a small sac half-fused onto a larger one. They believe hemifusomes act as cellular cleaners, collecting and recycling unwanted proteins — a role that could be vital in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The team also found hemifusomes across many cell types and species, suggesting they’re a fundamental part of life. Understanding how they form and work could open the door to treatments for genetic and neurodegenerative disorders.
RESEARCH PAPER 📄
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59887-9
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