LOVE IN THE AIR

Lovebirds

Lovebirds are small, multi-hued parrots that get their name from their habit of pairing for life. If separated, they are believed to pine away!

There are nine species of lovebirds and they are native to sub-Saharan Africa with one species, the grey-headed, found only in Madagascar. Also known as short-tailed parrots, they are popular aviary birds as well as pets. One can find feral (a domesticated animal that returns to the wild after being released or escaping captivity) populations in the United States, Australia and South Africa. 

Like parrots, lovebirds have bright green plumage on their bodies but different colours on their heads, ranging from crimson and orange, to deep rust and greyish white. They have hooked bills and zygodactyl feet, which means that two toes point forward and two toes point backward. Unlike parrots which can grow to around 100 cm in length, lovebirds range from 12 to 15 cm long.

Four species—the masked, black-cheeked, Nyasa and Fischer’s lovebirds—have distinctive white eye rings. They are monogamous, choosing to be with one mate for their lifespan of 15 years. Since parrots in general are social, gregarious birds that move about in big flocks, the lifelong pairing is believed to keep the group stable. It has been observed that if separated from its flock or if its companion dies, a lovebird shows signs of stress and behaves differently. If reunited, one will feed morsels of food to the other to rekindle the bond they shared!

In the wild, lovebirds like most parrots, live in cavities, such as tree holes, or niches in rocks and shrubs. They may nest together as a flock or as individual pairs. In cities, feral birds choose crevices in buildings or trees in urban parks to nest. Peach-faced or rosyfaced lovebirds in Phoenix, Arizona, often make their homes in cacti. 

The nests are typically constructed of grass, stalks and bark. Some even build a domed roof over the nest. If the lovebirds are feeling lazy, they often occupy communal nests abandoned by weaver birds.

The birds may not be lovey-dovey all the time as their name suggests! Parrots are territorial and lovebirds, too, will attack other species and each other, especially during the breeding season.

Lovebirds eat seeds, berries, fruits, and occasionally insect larvae in the wild. In Africa, farmers consider them pests, as they love to feast on maize and millet crops. 

Fact File

● Their closest relatives are hanging parrots found in Asia. The vernal hanging parrot is native to India.

● Fossils of ancient lovebird species dating as far back as 1.9 million years ago, have been unearthed in South Africa. 

● In some species, the females sport different colours but in others, it is difficult to tell the two sexes apart.

● Lovebirds are affectionate, sociable and intelligent, making them ideal as pets. Fischer’s lovebird, the peach-faced lovebird and the black-masked lovebird are favourites. In fact, Fischer’s lovebird was so widely traded that its population declined drastically in the 1980s.

● Unlike other parrots, lovebirds cannot talk or mimic sounds. They are very noisy birds, though, twittering and chirping the livelong day!

● Unusually, after moulting, a lovebird’s feathers may grow back in a jumble of colours it didn’t have before!

LITTLE STUDS ON JEANS

Rivets

 

The little studs on jeans, also known as "rivets", serve a functional purpose to reinforce and strengthen areas of the jeans that are subject to stress and wear. They are typically found near pockets, belt loops, and other stress points. The rivets prevent the fabric from tearing or fraying over time, especially in areas that experience frequent movement and tension. 

Originally designed in the late 1800s by Levi Strauss to improve the durability of workwear, rivets have become a standard feature in modern jeans. Apart from enhancing the jeans' longevity, rivets add a stylish and distinctive element to the overall design, making them a practical and fashionable addition to denim apparel.

A TRADITIONAL GOAN DELICACY

Patoleo

Pataleo, a traditional Goan delicacy, is a sweet and savoury dish that holds a special place in the hearts and palates of Goans. Made primarily during monsoon season on festivals such as Nag Panchami, Chaturthi and also on Feasts, this steamed dish is a labour of love, reflecting Goa's rich culinary heritage. 

The key ingredient in Patoleo is turmeric leaves, which lend a distinct aroma and flavour to the dish. The filling consists of a sweet and sticky mixture of coconut, jaggery and rice flour, often flavoured with cardamom or other spices. The mixture is carefully wrapped in the turmeric leaves, creating small, rectangular parcels. 

After being neatly folded, these parcels are steamed to perfection, resulting in a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Patoleo is a testament to Goa's cultural diversity and the influence of Konkani traditions on its cuisines. It is equally relished by all, irrespective of religion and culture. It’s not a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that connects generations and preserves the unique flavours of Goa's past.

AMAZING ANIMAL WORLD

The Volcano Snail

In the depths of the Indian Ocean, where sea water is heated by underlying magma reaching 750 degree Fahrenheit or more, a snail wanders around in its shell made of iron. This is the scaly-foot snail, also known as the Volcano snail, and it’s perhaps one of the most absurd creatures in the world. 

First discovered in 2001, the Volcano snail is endemic to three known hydrothermal vent fields along the deep-sea ridges in the Indian Ocean. Down there, magma is pouring out from under the ground and bringing toxins with it, leaving almost no room for oxygen. This is an extremely tough environment, which is why the Volcanic snail has evolved amazing features to adapt and thrive. 

There's no food since it's three kilometers below the surface, which is why the snail has evolved to live primarily on bacteria, meaning that the snail isn’t eating food but instead relying on microbes for sustenance. 

The snail has evolved a special gut where bacteria live and produce food. They break down the chemicals that leak from the volcanic vents, creating food in the process. Besides food, these bacteria also help keep the snail alive in extremely hot conditions 

The Volcano snail draws iron sulphide from its environment to develop a suit of armour to protect its soft parts. It’s the only known organism to incorporate metals into its skeleton, both into its shell and into the hundreds of external scales. Another cool fact about the Volcano snail is its big heart, which is approximately four percent of its body volume. This makes it the largest heart relative to body size in the entire animal kingdom, helping the snail to live in an oxygen-lacking environment. Thus, scientists have associated the snail with a big-hearted knight in shining armour. 

Sadly, the Volcano snail is on the verge of extinction. In 2019, it was listed as endangered. Their existence is continuously under threat due to deep-sea mining operations interfering with their habitat. 

DO YOU KNOW

What is the origin of the term ‘piggybank’?

Nowadays, when you hear the word ‘piggy bank’, you immediately think of an object shaped like a pig, which parents give their children in order to encourage them to save money. Whenever a child receives money from the parents or relatives, they are expected to put it in the little bank. The curious among you may wonder why this ‘bank’ is shaped like a ‘pig’ — after all, this animal, is not known for its ability to save — it never stores food for winter. The only thing it does is eat. As you are probably aware, several centuries ago the dishes and utensils that we make use of today were made of clay, and not metal. In England, the clay that was used to make jugs, jars, plates, etc. was called ‘pygg’. Whenever a housewife managed to save some money, she used to put it in a ‘pygg jar’ which she called ‘pygg bank’ — meaning ‘clay bank’. Around the 18th century the spelling of the clay was changed to ‘pig’, and by the time the 19th century arrived, most people had forgotten that the word ‘pig’ in ‘pig bank’ referred to a type of clay and not the animal. 

DO YOU KNOW

What are crocodile tears?

Crocodile tears is a phrase used to describe fake or insincere expressions of sadness. The term comes from an old myth that crocodiles cry while eating their prey. People once believed that crocodiles wept to lure in their victims or to show false remorse. However, this is not true. 

In reality, crocodiles do produce tears, but not because they are sad. Crocodile tears are a natural part of their body’s function to keep their eyes moist, especially when they are out of water for a long time. When crocodiles eat, their jaw muscles can press on the tear glands, causing them to release tears. This has nothing to do with emotions. 

Today, when someone says you are shedding "crocodile tears", it means they think you are pretending to be sad or sorry when you really are not. It’s a way to call out someone who is being insincere. 

LAND OF RISING SUN

 Japan

Hello, young explorers! Have you ever heard Japan being called the “Land of the Rising Sun”? It’s a fascinating nickname, isn’t it? Today, we are going to dive into the history, culture, and geography of Japan to understand why it has this special title. So, let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the secrets behind Japan’s famous name!

The Geographical Explanation: Japan is located in East Asia, and it’s one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise every day. If you look at a map, you’ll see that Japan is east of China and Korea, stretching out into the Pacific Ocean. Because of its position, the sun rises in Japan before it rises in many other parts of the world. This geographical fact is a big part of why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Historical Background: The name “Land of the Rising Sun” isn’t just about geography, though. It has deep historical roots. Long ago, China was a powerful and influential country in East Asia. The Chinese called Japan “Rìběn” (日本), which means “origin of the sun” or “sun’s origin,” because Japan is to the east of China, where the sun rises. Over time, this term evolved and spread, becoming a key part of how Japan is identified.

In the 8th century, Japanese emissaries to China started using the name “Nihon” or “Nippon” (日本) to describe their country. This name is still used today and directly translates to “origin of the sun,” reinforcing the idea of Japan as the place where the sun rises.

Cultural Significance: Japan’s association with the rising sun goes beyond geography and history; it is deeply embedded in its culture and national identity. The Japanese flag, known as the Nisshoki or Hinomaru, features a red circle in the centre, representing the sun. This simple yet powerful design symbolises the importance of the sun in Japanese culture.

In Japanese mythology, the sun goddess Amaterasu is a central figure. She is considered the ancestor of the imperial family and one of the most important deities in Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. According to legend, Amaterasu brought light to the world, and her descendants became the rulers of Japan. This myth further ties Japan’s identity to the rising sun.   

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• The Modern Perspective: Today, the nickname “Land of the Rising Sun” continues to be a source of pride for the Japanese people. It symbolises Japan’s unique position in the world, its rich cultural heritage, and its forward-looking outlook. The rising sun represents hope, renewal, and a bright future, which are values that resonate deeply in Japanese society.

Fun Facts About Japan

Now that we know why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” let’s explore some fun facts about this amazing country!

Mount Fuji: Japan is home to Mount Fuji, an iconic and sacred mountain that is also an active volcano. It is the highest peak in Japan and a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Cherry Blossoms: Every spring, Japan celebrates the cherry blossom season, known as “Sakura.” The blooming of cherry trees is a beautiful sight, attracting people from all over the world to witness the stunning pink and white flowers.

Technology and Tradition: Japan is famous for its advanced technology and futuristic cities. However, it also values traditional arts and crafts, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and sumo wrestling.

Delicious Cuisine: Japanese food is loved globally. Sushi, ramen, tempura, and sashimi are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that originate from Japan.

Politeness and Respect: Japanese culture places a high value on politeness and respect. Bowing is a common greeting, and there are many customs related to showing respect to others.

Anime and Manga: Japan is the birthplace of anime and manga, which are popular forms of entertainment enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Conclusion: Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Its nickname is a reflection of its geographical position, historical significance, and cultural heritage. From the stunning sunrise over Mount Fuji to the ancient myths of the sun goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s connection to the rising sun is a fascinating story that continues to inspire people around the world.