Some readers may be surprised to find that the image shown is actually modern British army issue. It is issued to one of the most feared units in the British army: the Gurkhas.
It is their weapon of choice in close combat, rather than the bayonet.
The story of the Gurkhas is a long and historically complicated one.
Succinctly: Gurkhas hail from Nepal which was part of India. In its Empire building days, Britain made India one of its colonies. The Gurkhas were seen as brave and heroic fighters who were recruited into the colonial Indian army as a “Martial Race”, a term which meant that they were not classed as mercenaries.
With the independence of India in 1947 four regiments became part of the British army. Prior to this they have fought in both World Wars and latterly were part of the forces that in the 1980’s defeated the Argentine army in the Falklands and also served in the Middle East.
The Kukri shown above is the standard army issue with karda and chakmak.
Traditionally the blade is 12-15 inches (30-38cm) long. The karda is a small accessory blade used for many tasks. The chakmak is unsharpened and is used to burnish the blade. It can also be used to start a fire with flint.
Hello All,
I am going to be holding a writing contest for the online writing community. There will be three categories: Poetry, short stories, and articles. The limits will be 1 page max for poetry, 800 words or 1 page for articles (whichever is longer), and 1500 words or 2 pages for short stories (whichever is longer). Anyone can enter but please only one entry per person; you can only enter in one category and you can only enter once in it. Preferably all pieces will be in the form of an online article (Triond, Bukisa, or other).
I am fine with offensive language, just remember that this is being judged on quality and offensive language can sometimes detract from the quality of your writing though other times it may add to it and make it more realistic. Just be sure to pay attention to how it is effecting your piece.
The contest will close on July 21 so please have your submissions in by then. If you know you are going to enter and which category you will be entering in, it would make it a lot easier if you could say which category you will enter on the submission page. All entries require a link posted on the submission page along with your name and the category. If it is unpublished and a word doc, please send to t-man15@hotmail.com and leave the other info on the submission page.
For judging I will try to get the results out as soon as possible. I will judge one category at a time. Once all submissions are in I will decide in which order I will judge the categories, depending on how many entries each category has.
First place in each category will get a feature article and interview which will be posted here and on Triond. Each category will have a second place award and possibly a third place depending on number of entries and on whether I feel there is one particular entry that deserves it.
I am currently planning on judging the contest by myself but if you would be interested in helping to judge let me know.
If you have any questions or comments please be sure to tell me on the queston and comments page.
If you can keep generic questions, comments and suggestions to that page that would be very much appreciated. Anything related to any articles or blog posts about the contest can still be on that page.
Entries can be submitted here but please remember, only one entry per person.
Please let all your friends and fans know so we can have an even better contest. Happy writing,
-Resounding Glass
Abram Petrovich Gannibal
Was an African prince, before he was captured and brought to Russia. After being brought to Russia he became the son, by adoption, of the Russian czar, Peter the Great. As an adult, he held positions such as, major-general, military engineer and governor of Reval, renamed Tallinn, a city in Estonia. His education was completed in Paris. He studied, art, science, and mathematics. He was the great-grandfather of Alexander Pushkin, a great Russian poet and the author of a novel, that he never finished, titled, Peter the Great's Negro.
“’Ou know how it is, Juve.”
“I hoped this day wouldn’t have to come…” He rubbed something in his pocket.
“Yeh tried to feckin’ kill me twice Juve, yeh sold out on me, and yeh tried to cover yer own back! What worse can happen now?”
“I-I have to kill yeh Frank.”
The sadness, solidarity, anger, and frustration that had boiled in Frank was slowly releasing, but he knew he had to conserve it. “Didn’t have this much trouble last time. Look, yeh can still get out, yeh can still back away from this—yeh don’t have to stay in it!”
“Where are the police?”
Frank frowned. “I-you think they took me? I was gone before they could haul me there. Had to whack three of ‘em.”
“That won’t fly a whistle.”
“Neither will yeh life.”
Juve moved closer to Frank. “Are yeh threatin’ me?”
Frank walked towards his ex-pal. “Are you?”
“Look around, Frank. I was always smarter. The Street is here. The Whyos are comin’. What’s yer best card?”
Later that day, I helped bring down the mob families, both of them. I don’t remember how fast it happened, it being no more than a blur. After hours of pain in the razzer department, I decided to help them out. As long as I stayed cool, I could pull it off, and get on with my life, going straight again.
I have tried to adapt as I write this journal. This journal that happens to be my safe, sacred haven. Without it, I’d be knackered and away in the head. So much I owe to this simple notebook.
They would’ve confiscated this notebook had I not demanded I keep it or they would not find the families. Might I only hope that today is my last day eating straws out of the cup, and taking me life in me own hands every time I turn a corner.
I’ve prayed for survival, I’ve prayed for guidance. But most of all, for my family. There is no such thing as a thief who steals and gives to the poor, but today…and over the past few weeks…I have become one, one that works not for personal gain, or glory, but for my family. If anyone is to enter this journal after my death, might I say as a last note, and as an imparting saying: This is my story, and my life.
 Image via Wikipedia
What if the Nazis had won the war? What if the MLK had never been born? What if there were no religions? What if Lincoln wasn’t president? What if we never had rebelled against England? What if money didn’t exist?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day?
What if there were not religions? What if the crusades had not happened? What if Hitler hadn’t killed the Jews? What if the Middle East was at peace? What if the Jews and Arabs got along?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day?
What if racism was no more? What if there was no discrimination? What if we could tolerate and accept all people? What if everyone was equal? What if we didn’t have prejudices and judge people by their looks or beliefs? What if we took the time to get to know someone before assuming things about them?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day?
What if people around the world could feel safe? What if they didn’t have to fear being killed or arrested? What if women everywhere could walk the streets alone? What if the people of Africa could begin to recover and rebuild after having war ravage their land and destroy their homes? What if the Israelis didn’t have to fear being wiped out by the Arabs? What if the Tibetans weren’t oppressed? What if women around the world didn’t have to fear rape? What if people didn’t have to fear being killed by bombs going off or gunfire cutting through their flesh? What if there was nothing to be afraid of?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day?
What if gang warfare ceased? What if illegal drugs were no more? What if there were no more alcoholics? What if no one was in an abusive relationship? What if no one stole? What if the shootings stopped? What if Columbine hadn’t happened? What if child molesters went away?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day?
What if we were all honest? What if everyone was kind and truthful? What if we could all work together? When will we achieve world peace? What will that day be like? How can we all work towards it?
What would our world be like today? Would it be changed for better or worse? What if we could all stop and shake each other’s hands? What if we could set back all bad we have done? Is it too late? Can we still make happiness this day? Let’s focus on the good and look towards that day that we can all have peace and shake each other’s hands. If we work towards it, it will come.
Image via Wikipedia |
The Hide "N" Seek Game is a very thoughtful and insightful article by Amilila Snow about people and how they express themselves.
About people and the difficulties they face while trying to express themselves.
I, for one, do.
In life, we often mask ourselves with different personalities when we meet different type of people.
Before you try to retort, try thinking whether something similar like this has happened:
- - - - -
If someone bumped into you by mistake on the street causing you to drop all your things, they apologize, you politely say "It's okay."
If someone in your family for instance, your kids, parents or your siblings, steps on your foot, they apologize but you shout:"Are you blind?"
- - - - -
Yes, we all wear masks to disguise our real thoughts & emotions. However, some people tend to mask themselves because they want to keep a distance between the both of you. Why though? Is it perhaps they have the difficulty to express themselves? Or is there something else?
Since time immemorial India has fascinated people across the world. It is a land of diversity, cultural depth, myriad arts, colors and life in striking contrasts. |
As an Indian, I have witnessed many interesting facets of this wonderful country and here is a glimpse into some of them. I am currently based in Bangalore, (called the Sillicon Valley of India) which is in southern India. So, my first part of this series is a travelogue listing places in south India that one must visit! |
Have you ever wondered how a situation would have turned out if you had done something different or pushed a little harder? Have you ever regretted having not done something? Those are probably some of the the thoughts that are going on in the head of the main character in Amilia Snow's poem. What It Could Have Been is a very well written and emotional poem.
Both of them possess different statures,
Both from different worlds,
A stroke of fate brought them together in that hallway,
Something clicked that instance & her heart awoke from a deep slumber.
His presence in her life, brought light & joy,
like a bright sun shining upon her.
His smile was heart-melting,
his crooked grins sent her heart racing.
He was sweet & extremely lovable,
It seemed that his smiles were only for her.
It was so natural being with him- the flirting, the teasing, the laughter...
Like they have known each other all along.
Is it mutual, this fondness?
This innocent friendship, could it be more?
She dare not dream in fear of losing it all,
till one day he stopped coming to their special spot.
For the first time, the girl realized how important he was.
The fear of losing him was simply unbearable.
She was sick with worry.
Confused & terrified that she might have upset him.
Finally after seeking him for long, she found him.
Alas, he avoided her eyes & said:
"I'm not playing your teasing game anymore."
Stunned speechless, she watched his retreating back while her heart slowly crumbled to pieces.
The teasing game is something unique to them,
it was the foundation of their relationship, a ritual they go through every time they meet,
something the girl believed which binds them together, bringing both of them closer.
An inexplicit relationship.
It turns out he has gotten a girlfriend.
It was weeks before they talked normally again.
But it seems their spark & chemistry was lost.
Was it just her imagination or it never existed at all?
The girl wasn't good at these things,
She never had a mutual relationship before.
But one thing she knew,
She knew that she truly loved this guy.
Perhaps if she had been more aggressive,
maybe the ending would be different.
Perhaps she will know how the guy actually thinks of her,
maybe there was something special after all.
Years later,
after it all blew over,
she sometimes still wonders
what it could have been
We as a nation are a variety. The People in which you speak, Harvey, come in all colors-light and dark. So watch yourself-I might talk about that on 106 and Park.
Choose Your Words Carefully, Brother, They Tend to Last is a poem by Patrick Leahy about the struggles of black people. It is a shame that Patrick does not do any writing online as he is an amazing writer. Fortunately, he has allowed Fresh Writing to publish a few of his poems which can be found here and here.
Mr. Harvey, my brotha we used to be cool
But then I heard something bad from my homies at school.
Last night on TV, infront of everybody right?
You started frontin, spitting crap about bout dark versus light
So for the first time in my life I'm usin hiphop to speak
Because there be something I gotta say, I’ve been writin all week
Mr. Harvey I don’t understand brotha, we all on the same side.
We all black, all shades, dude make up yo’ mind
And if obama aint black enough to be president
And my friend’s momma can barely get enough money for the rent
Would you tell me Mr. Harvey who’s blacker than him?
I’ll tell one thing, it ain’t Hillary Clinton.
Because she just like Bill Clinton, she as Caucasian as can be.
But don’t bring her in, this is between you and me.
The problem here brotha is we aint united as a people
Black people hating black people, Jesus up on the steeple.
When did this happen? Why did it come to this?
Sure some people are gunna hate me for askin this.
But this is buggin me man, I gotta go back.
Just exactly how could I gain the title of black.
Maybe I’d have to earn it, use the nword and such.
Well I’ll tell you one thing, the nword don’t say much.
Will Smith don’t use the nword, you think that be stopping him from
Dropping another hit, fasta and fasta the hatas do run
You gotta ask yo self man, what would Martin do?
Martin loved people of all skin colors, that means he’d hate you.
I’m black too man, that means I just like yo son.
So what I came out lighter than you, dawg would you cut and run?
Where I come from, black people love black people, that’s just how it be.
Give each otha a nod, smile, walk in the street.
I aint used to all this hate brotha, maybe I’m sensitive
I loved yo show but now I’m not sure if it’s too offensitive.
You used to be my hero, I loved you – man I still do
But now you like cussin’ Kramer, dawg, to hell with you.
Fo’ real tho, I aint neva gunna hate on another brotha again
But if I evas on 106 an park, shoutin out to mah friends.
Imma go say something Mr. Harvey, I aint gunna front
Imma tell em for real, black people can’t pull these types of stunts
Ex-KKK be listening and they’ll use it to divide us
And just like the Berlin Conference ripped apart the africus
They gunna use your words to destroy us American Africans
And uneducated people, they ignorance gunna get us off track again.
As a people we gotta look to the future and get the hell outta the past.
So choose yo words carefully – brother, they tend to last.
If you are passionate about animals you have likely heard about animal rights and animal welfare, and have probably even donated money to one cause or another. Animal Rights or Animal Welfare? is a great and very informing article by B Nelson comparing the two and showing the major differences between them.
Did you know that humans are animals? Most people do not seem to think we are. Some people do not think animals deserve to be treated with any respect at all, with any sympathies to their suffering. Others take the opposite stance and go to an extreme... They are the Animal Rights people. There was a time when I would not have to make the distinction between the terms "Animal Rights" and "Animal Welfare".
Animal Welfare people want to see animals not suffer needlessly. They want people to be able to own animals but not treat them with undue cruelty. Animal Rights people are more extreme, suggesting that animals should have the same legal as people, going so far as to want all other animals listed as "legal persons". Animal Rights activists will tell you eating meat is wrong (even though humans are omnivores) and owning pets is wrong. Even seeing eye dogs are wrong. Feeding meat to another animal is wrong.
Some Animal Rights groups suggest that domestic livestock, and many common house pets are invalid lifeforms because their evolution was impacted by Humans. In actuality, domestic livestock and house pets such as sheep and dogs evolved into what they are today because they formed a symbiotic relationship with humans long ago. That evolutionary process is just as legitimate as any other as the evolution of all species is impacted by other species it interacts with. Suggesting that sheep, cows, dogs, and cats are invalid lifeforms because of their interaction with Humans is unfair to them.
I support Animal Welfare activists 100 %. I do believe we can treat our food animals,and all animals, far better than we do. I do not support many Animal Rights activists, some have fallen into this by having soft hearts, and simply do not know where to stop.
Do you really want to live in a world where your beloved Cat has to stand trial for violating the rights of a mouse? Do you really want to live in a world where dogs and cats no longer exist because someone decided they were invalid creatures? Do you want to live in a world where you cannot drink milk, because dairy cattle were wiped out? If you answered "No" to these questions then you are on your way to understanding why "Animal Rights" extremism is so dangerous.
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