Saturday, December 13, 2008

THE BEATLES , ROCK STARS !

The Beatles

The Beatles were a British pop and rock group from Liverpool. They are widely regarded as the most successful group of the rock and roll era, having achieved broad popular success, critical acclaim and cultural influence. The group broke many sales records and charted more than 50 top 40 hit singles, including 20 #1's in USA alone. The band is estimated to have sold over a billion records worldwide (a figure, most likely, that in the forseeable future no other artist will ever come close to breaking).

Dubbed "The Fab Four" by some of their fans, the Beatles were John Lennon (1940–1980), Paul McCartney (born 1942), George Harrison (1943–2001), and Ringo Starr (born 1940). Lennon and McCartney were the principal songwriters, with Harrison making a significant contribution as the band matured. George Martin produced most of the Beatles' recordings.

The Beatles created a sensation in late 1963 in the UK (the phenomenon was dubbed "Beatlemania" by the British press), notable for the hordes of screaming and swooning young women the group inspired. Beatlemania came to North America in early 1964, and the band's popularity extended across much of the world. Within the space of five years, their music moved from the awakening of their early hits (such as "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand") to artistically ambitious suites of songs (such as the albums Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road). By writing their own songs, exploring the possibilities of the recording studio and working on unprecedented quality in every recording they released, the Beatles had far-reaching effects on popular music and made two feature films. They were subjected to unprecedented press scrutiny which included criticism of their later role as symbols of 1960s youth counterculture. The group disbanded in 1970.

ALBERT EINSTEIN , GENIUS OF A KIND !

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955) was a German-born Jewish theoretical physicist of profound genius, who is widely regarded as the greatest scientist of the 20th century and one of the greatest scientists of all time. The undisputed "father of modern physics," he proposed the theory of relativity and also made major contributions to the development of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and cosmology. He was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect in 1905 (his "miracle year") and "for his services to Theoretical Physics."

After his general theory of relativity was formulated in November 1915, Einstein became world famous, an unusual achievement for a scientist. In his later years, his fame exceeded that of any other scientist in history. In popular culture, his name has become synonymous with great intelligence and even genius.

Einstein himself was deeply concerned with the social impact of scientific discovery. His reverence for all creation, his belief in the grandeur, beauty, and sublimity of the universe (the primary source of inspiration in science), his awe for the scheme that is manifested in the material universe—all of these show through in his work and philosophy.


ADOLF HITLER - WORLD WAR II SAGA !

Adolph Hitler

Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945) was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 and Führer und Reichskanzler (Leader and Chancellor) of Germany from 1934 to his death. He was leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP), better known as the Nazi Party.

Under Hitler's charismatic leadership Germany emerged from the depths of post World War I defeat to rebuild its economy and decimated military. At the height of their power during World War II, the armies of Nazi Germany and its Axis Powers dominated much of Europe. The racial policies that Hitler directed culminated in a massive number of deaths, commonly cited as at least 11 million people – including 6 million Jews – in a genocide now known as the Holocaust.

Ultimately, Germany was defeated by the Allied powers in 1945 and during the final days of the war Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker in Berlin together with his newly wed wife, Eva Braun. The Third Reich, which he had said would last a thousand years, collapsed shortly thereafter.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

BEAUTIFUL KUFRI , SHIMLA, INDIA

Snow at Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Snow at Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri, a tiny hill resort in the southern part of Himachal, is situated quiet close to Shimla. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the history of Kufri is inextricably linked with that of Shimla. In earlier times, Shimla and its surrounding areas, including Kufri formed part of the Kingdom of Nepal. During this time, not much of attention was given to this area. However, things changed when the British discovered this region in 1819. They were mighty impressed by the fresh air and beauty around. Shimla gained the status of summer capital in 1864 and retained its enviable position till 1939. With Shimla gaining prominence, Kufri couldn't probably remain behind. Gradually, it made its position as 'an important place to visit near Shimla' secure.

As of today, all those visiting Shimla make it a point to visit Kufri. However, there are many who want to visit Kufri specially. This is primarily because of the umpteen adventure option available in and around Kufri. Moreover, the natural beauty of Kufri is heartening. So even if one doesn't want to indulge in adventurous activities, just roaming around and savouring the beauty is also quiet a delightful option.

Ideally Kufri can be visited anytime between April to June when it is pleasant. However, December to February is also a good time to visit and enjoy snowfall.