Let’s face it… no man likes to see a ‘dolled-up’ woman walk into a bar/night club with a Hobo bag! Remember ladies… you’re out clubbing, NOT camping, so only take the essentials with you. And by ‘essentials’ I mean, will the things in your purse tonight keep you looking this good tomorrow? Just like in one scene from the movie “Bridesmaids” where she gets up and heads to the bathroom to touch up her make-up, only to get back to bed and have the man beside her tell her how beautiful she looks in the morning! Now that’s the kind of ‘survival kit’ we’re talking about here!

Here are (My) 10 MUST Have’s

1. Mobile Phone

When was the last time you walked out of the house without your phone? …Exactly my point! Simply put… you’re life-line! Never leave the house without it! First, for safety and second, in case there is a change in plans or you’re running late. I often think it’s rude of people to constantly be on their phones, however, if you arrive at the venue a little earlier than the others, then in that case, your phone is your best friend!

2. Money/Credit card

Unless you’re a Victoria Secret’s Model… you’ll need to carry cash! Imagine tagging along with this one guy the whole night just because he’s buying you drinks?! I personally don’t like to depend on other people to buy me drinks, thus I always have money in my purse. Also, in case I need cab fare, tip or even cash for mid night munching, then I’m set!

3. Compressed Powder

No one likes an oily face, day OR night. Be sure to pack on one that is compact and has a mirror. Bars, nightclubs and other places do tend to get pretty crowded and heated, so always remember to touch-up every now and again.

4. Eyeliner

This is one of the oldest and most popular cosmetics to date. There are many different types of eyeliner that can be used to create different effects, from the dramatic to the subtle.  An eyeliner adds glamour, makes you look awake, and above all, perks up your eyes.

5. Lip gloss/Lip stick/Lip balm

Always keep your lips looking healthy and luscious. No one wants to see chapped lips, let alone kiss them.

6. Blush

With all the beso beso (kiss kiss) that we do when we meet people, your make up is bound to rub off on them…literally! Carry a compact blush-on and try as much as possible to avoid a pale-face look. Remember not to over-do the blush, because you might just end up looking like a clown.

7. Wet wipes/Pocket Tissue

Have you ever walked into a bathroom stall really ‘pressed’ out of your mind and found that there is no tissue?! How frustrating right? Always carry a pack of wet wipes or tissue in your purse, it always comes in handy!

8. Chewing Gum

Always keep your breath fresh with some sort of mint or chewing gum. You can’t possibly depend on the last time you brushed and gargled to keep your breath fresh throughout the night! You’re drinking and possibly nibbling on some food, no one wants to converse with someone who smells like a brewery.

9. Business cards

Going out is the best way to network! Always be prepared and keep at least 5 business cards in your purse. Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are often crowded and make it difficult at times to have any sort of real conversation. If you have to take down their number on your phone, then do so. Never opt to write your details on a napkin, you can imagine how cheap that makes you look, plus the possibilities of it getting thrown away are endless.

10. House keys/car keys

Can you imagine getting home after a long night out, only to find that you left your house keys in your room?! And to top it off, everyone is asleep and you have to knock on the door for them to open it for you! …Definitely not a good way to end the night. Equally as bad as locking your car keys in the car. Be sure to double check that you have your keys with you before you leave the house.

Our ‘Survival Kits’ will always differ from everyone else’s, simply because our ‘needs’ different. Take what is essential to you, but remember, always be prepared for the worse in the classiest clutch! Have a fun night out ladies!

Here are some of my thoughts on the crazies. Do feel free to add yours too in the comments below.

Lets start with the people. As a Kenyan, I have not always understood this inbuilt nature in me to run when it starts to rain. Is this taught to us at an early age or is it more of a monkey see money do situation?

Getting On The Road…

Safety first!! This does not only apply to putting on your seatbelt but also ensuring that your car is road worthy. Poorly maintained cars can breakdown and cause accidents in the finest weather. Do we really want to take chances with the wet roads?

I understand how people would want to get home in a timely fashion and not be stuck on the road for numerous hours. However, is it really necessary to inconvenience other people on the road for your own benefit? Being inconsiderate only builds up traffic for others. Having said this, courtesy extends not only to those driving, but also to those walking. It is not cool to splash water on people!!

Granted the roads, or should I call them rivers are sometimes impassable. Given our drainage isn’t the best in the world, maybe our driving schools should have a course on how to get through a puddle that fully submerges your car.

Public Transportation…

Matatus. Our main form of public transportation in Kenya hikes up their prices at the first sight of rain filled clouds. No wonder people want to leave work early and are running through the streets to catch transportation home.

So let’s recap. Ensure your car is in proper working order before driving it. Be patient and considerate on the roads.Correct me if I’m wrong, but im pretty sure we won’t melt if we get rained on a bit! So let’s all just calm down. Courtesy is key to surviving on Kenyan Roads during the rain. Be Safe!!

Why Howard Carter?

Howard Carter was the famous British archaeologist and explorer. His most notable excavation was his discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Tutankhamun was one of the youngest Pharaohs to succeed the throne of Egypt at the age of 9.  The finding of his tomb created uproar in the archaeological community as it was one of the first tombs to be found with ancient artifacts and treasures. Before Howard Carter unearthed the tomb, it had been undisturbed for over 3000 years.

Over 5000 objects were found within the tomb, providing for the first time a real glimpse into the lives of Egyptians lifestyles 1000 years before Christ.

The Curse of the Mummy

It was believed that those who entered the tomb of Tutankhamun would all die early. Although no empirical evidence has ever been given to prove that any of the excavators and archeologists that entered the tomb died prematurely. Howard Carter himself lived to the age of 64.

Carter died from Lymphoma in 1939, just seven years after his excavation was completed, and before he could fully publish all his findings. A complete record of Carter’s excavation has been deposited in the Griffith Institute Archive at the University of Oxford.

Did you know?

1. Tutankhamun’s tomb are among the most traveled artifacts in the world
2. Howard Carter entered the tomb with a chisel given to him by his grandmother on his 17th birthday
3. Tutankhamun’s was thought to be murdered, but recent research shows that he probably died from an infection due to a broken leg
4. When asked while first entering the tomb if he saw anything… Howard Carter replied, “Yes, Wonderful Things”
5. During the process of mummification, the brain is removed from the nostrils and stored in a vat of Natron to preserve them for the afterlife
6. When Pharaohs died, all his worldly possession including pets, wives (not queens) and workers were all encased within his tomb
7. In Egypt, Pharaohs were called Kings. Pharaohs is actually a Greek word, used by the Greeks and Hebrews to refer to the Kings of Egypt
8. Egypt was once divided into two kingdoms. The kingdom in Lower Egypt was called the red crown and the one in Upper Egypt was known as the white crown

IMAX is the only way one should watch the Avengers…

If I had to explain The Avengers movie in one sentence it would have to be: Brilliantly written, life-like CGI and laugh-out-loud funny, this compounded with the IMAX screen, sound, and 3D made this possibly the best Marvel Super Hero movie to date.  If you don’t mind spending a couple extra shillings then head out to IMAX today.

One Word Description: EPIC!

Background is everything… 

As I mentioned earlier, The Avengers was brilliantly written; Joss Whedon who wrote and directed the film has managed to capture the varied misfit-personalities of our heroes and by doing so has brought back the true nostalgia of the original comics. Possibly an even more significant achievement is how he managed to seamlessly weave all our heroes’ back-stories so that all, non-comic book fans as well, can enjoy the movie without asking, ‘Who is that?’ ‘Why are they like this?’ ‘How did he become green?’

A class act…

Lets face it, a movie can’t be great without great actors, and this is another way The Avengers surpassed the audiences expectations. Who better to play the selfish and arrogant Tony Stark (Iron Man) than the infamous Robert Downey Jr, or the mild mannered Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) aka the Hulk  or the sexy deviant the Black Widow played by the sultry (lips to die for) Scarlett Johannson.

Even better in 3D

One would think that making a movie with a large A-list group of Hollywood superstars, the chemistry between characters would be out-shined by ego, but I am glad to say that this was not the case, the characters seamlessly worked off each others strengths and brought out this high impact, fast paced movie with style and grace.

Whoever cast this ensemble was a true genius!

Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist

Humor is everything….

Surprisingly The Avengers had their fair share of comic relief. The one-liners, and quick motion action, had the whole cinema in uproar.  Without the comedy, I doubt the movie would have been as memorable, even the CGI Hulk had a sense of humor.

He's mean, he's green… oh yeah… and he's funny!

3D… Scarlett Johannson: A truly superior posterior

I have seen 3D movies at other cinemas and even though the effects are pretty decent they can in no way compare to the IMAX 3D quality. I guess it has to do with the screen size and sound that makes the 3D experience even more memorable, I actually caught my wife trying to grab a feel of Chris Hemsworth, Thor’s massive, and yet perfectly sculpted bicep. I, on the other hand, was mesmerized by the Black Widow’s… the rest can be left to the imagination

Check out dem pipes!

The Outcome…

On the whole – I would give The Avengers a 10 out of 10, in my opinion this was the best movie for 2012 to-date (in fact it broke box-office history).

Of course, one must not forget that 2012 is a year of stiff competition especially with one condiers that Christopher Nolan’s, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises is coming out this summer (another IMAX experience I will definitely have to be part of).

So check out The Avengers at the  IMAX cinema (Facebook link) at the 20^th Century in town… its worth the experience.

Live in the movie…

“Dear IMAX

Your cinema is awesome!  Thank you for not sparing any expense on the screen and sound quality. For that you deserve a very large round of applause.

In the future – I would request that you increase the variety of snacks available at the confectionery stands, such Hot Dogs and Nachos with Cheese and Jalapeño’s please (specially for those of us who get the munchies).

Your loyal fan.

Yellow!”

Imagine trying to navigate your city block blindfolded…. no matter how many times you have played on the street or run to the local gas station to pick up smokes for your dad; being blindfolded and thrown out onto the street is a daunting and scaring thought.

Alas, this is something that the visually impaired have to do on a daily basis no more.

Researchers at Hewlett-Packard labs decided to develop a ‘throw out the cane’ system to help the blind traverse the concrete jungle without their cane, seeing-eye-dog or children.

Imagine a Kenya in which the blind at our junctions can walk freely without being helped around by the young; now that’s better quality of life.

How does it work?

Simple, The HP team designed a shoe that uses proximity sensors attached to directional vibrations that will let the wearer know of obstacles within their path. You know how some cars beep as they backup and as you get closer to the wall, the beeps sound closer together? They have implemented the same system.

Since a young Indian researcher by the name of Sharma designed the shoe, HP named the device ‘Le Chal’ which in Hindi means ‘Take me there’.

Although still in early testing stages we hope this shoe will revolutionize the quality of life for the visually impaired.

Honey, can you… Reminders in the future…

Imagine a smart pen that can write on any surface and store the information in its memory for download later or immediately onto your mobile device.  People are so used to using a pen, its less obtrusive than pulling out your laptop and less insulting than using your mobile device while in a meeting.

Simple write on any surface, and presto your information is stored. And the best part, it leaves no mark on the surface, it only portrays you information while the light on the pen is on, after which your information disappears leaving no trace.

Another innovative idea from HP… Thanks guys.

3D TV out – Sony Viewer in…

With Sony’s personal 3D viewer you can experience your 3D movie in the highest quality. Forget the movies, forget the 3D TV’s, this is the ultimate in 3D viewing (yes… we’re trying to see how many times we can write ‘3D’ in this paragraph). With two separate displays for the right and left eye, this 3D viewer will immerse you into the 3D world of Avatar or Hogwarts school (whatever your preference).

With a light-weight-frame, cushioned for comfort and adjustable straps so that your better half can enjoy them compounded with a serious headphone system to incorporate incomparable 5.1 surrounds.

0 – 160kph in 4.92 seconds… on a remote control car!

The Traxxas XO-1 is an all wheel-drive electric remote-controlled car that can move faster than your Subaru Impreza.  At 70cm in length and weighing less than 5kg, the supercharged sports racer is the fastest remote control vehicle on the planet.

Obviously not for your living room or the side streets of Buruburu, this RC has been designed for the serious RC racing enthusiast and with a price to match (+110,000kshs), we highly doubt we will see these baby’s flying by Ma3’s on Waiyaki Way.

Self-driving cars… no longer just for the movies!

Toyota has rolled out their latest car concept, a self-drive, eco-friendly, smart car… yes, we said it smart car! Dubbed the Toyota Fun Vii, this car has no paintjob; the exterior and interior are like giant smartphone screens. Enabling you to project any type of rich media content, from music videos to movie trailers; pretty much anything your little heart desires.

Not only is the car instantly and completely customizable, it can also drive itself, allowing you to get to your office while drinking your coffee, stuffing your face with mandazi and checking your Facebook.

In Kenya with the amount of time spent in traffic jams these days, there is not enough hours in the day for work. With this smart car, productivity can go up tenfold; we’re not slave drivers, we smart drivers!

Go Toyota!

So there you have it peeps, a glimpse into the future of technology. Hope you enjoyed it, have a Yellow-Techy day!

Last year there were more new cars purchased from dealerships compared to this year, and the trend seems to be continuing; simply put, less new cars on the road, means more old cars on the road, which inevitably leads to the assumption that the cars on the road need to be fixed on a regular basis.

At the same time, consumers are looking to cut costs and many are beginning to tackle auto repairs on their own or moving towards a more jua-kali approach as compared to the usual garage maintenance.

However, this mentality runs the risk of actually increasing the wear and tear on your vehicle; substandard parts, water-downed oil and petrol are some of the major causes for car breakdowns.

We suggest, that for your auto repairs you look at a reputable garage or mechanic, and instead of trying your thumb at your own auto maintenance, follow a couple simple rules that will ensure that your wear and tear is minimized by the way you drive and not through cost-cutting and jua-kali repair shops.

If your body is a temple… then what is your car?
If you treat your body like a temple, then you know that feeding it substandard, fatty and generally unhealthy food will cause it become sluggish, fat and immobile, it’s the same for your car.  We recommend, especially in Kenya, that you purchase your fuel from a reputable and branded petrol retailer (petrol station).

If you drive a luxury vehicle, no matter the age, it is imperative that you fill ‘er’ up with premium petrol and if your vehicle is a high-performance machine, then high-octane fuel is the only way to go, any low-octane garbage will end up harming your baby or even knocking your engine.

Treat your car like you want to be treated!
Don’t you hate it when your walking in a line and the person in front suddenly stops, or worse if the person behind pushes you forward when you are not expecting it? Well you can imagine how your car feels when you suddenly slam on the brakes for no apparent reason or if you drive aggressively over speed bumps, potholes, or in parking lots.

Drive with an even temper and try to brake gently, of course if you have to avoid a collision this thought process should be thrown out the window. But generally, try to drive your car in a calm and composed manner. Brakes and tires are expensive to replace and their wear and tear is directly proportional to the way you drive.

Are you full of air?
Under-inflated tires are less fuel efficient, more likely to get you into an accident and a more likely to run a flat.  Purchase a tire pressure gauge, or visit a petrol station regularly, at least once a week.

Rotate to keep it fresh!
Another great way to get the most out of your tires is by rotating them (no, not while you drive), switch the position of your tires from the back to front every 5000-7500km, this is especially important for cars that are front wheel drive. The best part of rotating your tires is that you can do it yourself, grab a jack and a wheel spanner and get to work… its also a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and work up a good sweat so that you can enjoy that ‘cold one’ in the evening.

Keep it hydrated!
In our equatorial climate, checking water is a necessity. If you run out of water your body can last an average of three days, but if you car runs out of water it can’t last a minute with burning out the engine. So always check your water, we suggest daily for older cars, but if your car is new, then make sure you check it at least once a week. You can do this at your local petrol station while your checking the air in your tires and filling up with premium petrol.

You need to breathe… well guess what, so does your car!
When carrying out an oil change whether with your mechanic or by yourself, it’s a great idea to check your air filters, in Kenya and with the dusty terrain, trucks and trailers bellowing toxic exhaust fumes and of course, compounded with the heavy amount construction within the city, you can be sure that when you open your air filter it’s going to look nasty and clogged.  You car needs air to run efficiently, the less air, the less smooth your ride.

Let people see you!
How many times have you driven home at night and shouted obscene profanities at the guy that only has one light working, or even worse he flashes you because only his fulls (high beams) are working and his dims (low beems) are out.  It’s dangerous. A number of accidents in Kenya happen because either front or tail lights are out. So make sure you check your lights before you embark on your late night excursions. And please… no drinking and driving, take a taxi, but make sure his lights are working.

Oil is your cars blood… so make sure it’s clean.
Oil changes must be done every 5000km for new cars and every 3000km for older models, unless of course you are using high performance synthetic oil, which can last you up to 15,000 – 25,000km. Oil is the most important component within your car, it lubricates all your parts within your engine so that they move clean and smooth, without oil your engine will surely cease. So buy good quality Oil, and confirm that the bottle is sealed before your mechanic starts the change. Also, make sure that he fills the oil to the brim. Check your oil regularly, this will let you know if you require a top up which is sometimes necessary for older automobiles.

Insurance… is a must!
We don’t have to tell… just get insurance. It will save you, your passengers, and your car.  It’s a no brainer.

So there you have it folks, if you follow the Yellow guide for a better car life you can be sure to continue using your jalopy until the end of time… and trust us when we say the end of time… We actually have an 1974 Toyota FJ 45, which still runs like a charm.

In 1996, the Kenya Rugby Union- KRU (known as the Kenya Rugby Football Union- KRFU back then) organised the very first Rugby Sevens tournament in the country. Needless to say, Rugby was the preserve of a select few who understood the game or went to preppy schools in the country. The tourney was a small affair with a grand total of about 300 people (fans, officials, players, staff etc). Sponsors were almost unheard of and the event did not attract that much media attention.

Circa 2007 and the entire country was abuzz about Rugby. With the National Rugby 7’s team causing upsets on the international platform almost overnight there were several thousand converts to the game (though quite a number of these new faithful showed up for matches in Football Jerseys and other unrelated sporting paraphernalia) The tourney had a strong sponsor in the shape of Kenya Breweries Ltd under their Tusker brand (Hence being known as the Tusker Safari 7’s). The event was pooling international teams and KRFUEA grounds on Ngong Road were filled to capacity with all manner of fans and corporate sponsors were falling over themselves to be associated with the event.

In 2010, Safaricom, a key player in the mobile telephony industry in Kenya won the bid to be the main sponsors of the event (renaming the event to the Safaricom 7’s) and early this year they dropped the bombshell! The event would be shifted from its spiritual home at the KRFUEA grounds to Nyayo Stadium and as well the calendar for the event would be shifted from its usual June dates to November. An uproar rose from the hardcore fans that felt the event was becoming too commercialised.

Despite all the hue and baying for blood, the event started off on the 4^th of November at the stadium with an array of corporate sponsors and an even more impressive line up of teams participating in the tourney. The logistics of hosting such an event at the venue is the stuff that gives an event organiser nightmares, with over 12 international teams participating; arranging flights, hotels, coordinating each team’s training, compounded with the vast security required (especially when one considers that our Country is currently flexing its military muscles in neighbouring Somalia).

Being a staunch rugby supporter, I was among the hordes that were against the moving of the tourney’s calendar and location but it’s important to point out as I spoon mouthfuls of humble pie into my mouth that the event was the best we have had so far. The Stadium not only accommodated way more fans than the old location, the presence of flood lighting and giant TV screens to relay the replays and actions, coupled with some intense preparations by the organisers going as far as offering streaming of the live games on Mobile phone devices and computers. As well, security was beefed up with both government and private security firms ensuring that minor inconveniences such as grenade attacks did not take place. Parking services were top notch and finally there was a revision of ticketing prices downwards meaning people from all walks of life could share this great event. No wonder a grand total of 20,000 fans showed up for it.

Day 1 of the tournament saw the schools and women teams take centre stage, while the 2^nd and final day saw the qualifiers and final matches played. With what can only be described as a crowd seldom witnessed outside the International Rugby Board’s 7’s Circuit in Hong Kong and Adelaide the crowds came in all shapes and sizes with body ‘war’ paints, classy dresses (totally inappropriate for screaming and hauling not so flattering epithets at the match officials when decisions don’t favour your chosen team) Branding and promotion of different teams was only out done with the calibre of action on the pitch.

Supersport airing all matches live carried out Media coverage for the event and with a major beverage company sponsoring the event the only thirst was for more tries on the pitch as well a local fast food franchise helped keep hunger at bay.  And finally no Rugby match is complete without a proper pint of the good stuff and Tusker had that well covered. Public transport to and from the venue was in abundance as different bus companies provided transport to the venue from the City Centre.

The Tournament winners were the fearsome Manu Samoa with Kenya having been bungled out by the more experienced and merciless Fiji. A huge triumph however was witnessed with the smooth transition of the venue (try explaining that to the thousands who suffered something akin to War of the Worlds traffic jams) and the change in calendar that ensured the event didn’t clash with any Major international tournaments and acted as a dress rehearsal for the national team to prepare for the start of the season.

The biggest winners in my eyes… THE FANS. World class matches; amazing organisation and eye candy (muscular guys for the girls and hot girls for the guys) no wonder most called it a 2 in 1 event- Rugby and ‘bird watching’

Rugby 101- What YOU need to know:

1. There are 2 major Kinds of matches- 7 aside (7 players a team) 15 aside (15 players a team)
2. The Sevens match lasts for a total of 14 minutes (7 minutes per half, 1 minute halftime)
3. There are 2 ways to score in Rugby-  scoring a Try and Scoring a Conversion
4. A try is planting the ball past the opponents goal line its worth 5 points
5. A conversion is kicking the ball between the opponents goal posts its worth 2 points

Buying furniture can usually be a tricky and difficult decision, and it is a decision that should not be taken lightly or made on impulse. Most people understand that you can tell a lot about a person by how they furnish their home or office, from their taste, to the personality type and ultimately the size of the wallet.

For most people, furniture purchase decisions are decided on price, or for the “love” of a particular piece.  However, what we have found from our research is that neither of these two decisions are wise choices when deciding to buy a piece of furniture, we’re not saying you should pick the most expensive piece, nor are we stating that furniture should only be a practical decision, but a little due-diligence hurt no one, right?

Impulse shopping – A disaster waiting to happen!

A smart shopper knows exactly what is needed before they leave the house. So before heading out of the house make a list of the essentials you require. If it’s one of the larger pieces, like a bed or a sofa set, then we suggest that you go out with a mind set of only picking up that one particular item; as the saying goes, too many cooks spoil the broth, trying to pack in too many purchase will eventually lead to bad choices.

Also, before heading out of the house and hitting the first furniture shop you see, we always suggest that you do some research. Check out Google or better yet, use a Yellow Pages (online, mobile or print), find out who is the highest rated furniture dealer, find out if they offer delivery, and above all read peer reviews; these will help confirm if your vendor is reputable, honest and above all, provides great after sales service.

Once you’re at the shop…

It is very important to keep a good balance between intelligence and emotion. The three things you must remember is, what type of furniture are you looking for, your approximate budget and above all, you want a piece that is made from quality material and workmanship; let these three things be your mantra and guide you through the store to find your perfect piece.

Furniture standards 101

Quality is the most important feature when considering your particular purchase. Lets face it, a product can look great but if it’s made out of rice paper, chances are its probably not going to last the year, unless it’s a show piece.

So when looking at quality, you need to think about two main components; frame construction and fabric (of course, this will only need to be considered for products that are covered by fabric).

Frame Construction – ask and you shall be answered

Always ask the sales person about the frame, what type of material it is made out from, is the structure fortified and if so how? Whether metal, stone or wood, all materials have there quality factors, plywood is always going to be less durable than oak.

If you’re going for wood, then make sure it’s from the hardwood family such as mahogany, ebony, etc… <

Another important factor to mention is the woodcut. Wood cut too thinly is obviously going to be less durable than thicker wood. So make sure you find out the cut width in inches, you should be looking at 8/4-inch plus.

Fabric – To fabric or not to fabric… tis the question

A well-designed fabric can make a room brighter, cozier and more appealing, so when choosing your fabric, try to bear in mind the overall theme of the room.

If you are having the furniture designed, make sure you get the manufacturer to send you sample swatches, so that you get a range of choices.

And always remember, check your furniture, especially the upholstery before you buy and when it is delivered at home, ensure that the fabric and the frame is not scratched, ripped or stained.

For designed fabric, ensure that the design lines up with the fabric seems.

So there you have it… you may fall in a love with a piece of furniture, but love will not keep it from aging with time, quality will. So stay the emotions and make the intelligent choice when choosing that specific item for you home and above all, pick a credible and reliable furniture dealer because service is everything!

So last night, I set out to educate myself on understanding the true meaning and essence of Diwali.

Diwali popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’ is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions.

Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Dipavali meaning “row of lamps”. It marks certain historical and religious moments where good triumphs over evil.

I also learnt that Diwali is not a one night celebration but in fact a full five days of events with specific meanings, stories and traditions.

Below I have tried my best to explain the meanings of these days and their significance to the festivities that many of us Kenyans will share with our friends and their families (not all of us are Hindus, Sikhs or Jains).  In all honestly, I do not believe all my content will be one hundred percent accurate (and may be mixed and intertwined with differing stories from separate belief systems); but in essence they carry the message that each day of Diwali is supposed to bring… so please forgive me if I have made an error or an omission in the below message.

“The err is human, to forgive is divine…”

The Five days of Diwali…

Day 1
The first day of Diwali is known as Dhan Theras and is the day of light, health (warding of death) and fasting.  Dhan Theras is also said to be the day of wealth and prosperity, although the business community mainly holds this interpretation. Dhan Theras also marks the last two days before the end of the fiscal year.

Dhan Theras: The Legend
This story starts with one of the sons of King Hima, who was prophesied to die on the fourth day of his marriage from a serpents bite.  In order to save her husband, his wife would not allow him to sleep. She laid a heap of gold coins at the entrance of the bedroom chamber and illuminated them with oil lamps. She then sat down and began to sing all night.

When the God of Death, Yama arrived disguised as a serpent, he was blinded by the sparkling gold, and instead of entering the Prince’s room he climbed to the top of the mound of coins mesmerized as he listened to the beautiful singing of the princes wife.  In the morning he quietly slithered away and the young prince was saved.

Till today, lamps are kept burning throughout the night to ward of the God of Death.

Day 2
The second day marks the 14^th day of the lunar calendar and is the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear, hence the second day is called Narak Chaturdasi.

Narak Chaturdasi: The Legend of the Demon King.
Narakasur was a demon King who had imprisoned all sixteen thousand daughters of the Gods for his harem. Lord Krishna hearing the plight, went to rescue the kidnapped girls and slay the demon King.

Narak Chaturdasi: The Legend of King Bali
King Bali was a greedy King who had conquered every part of his domain; he was arrogant and did not believe in charity.  In fact a favorite pastime of the King was to invite people into his kingdom, so that they could ask for charity only for him to be humiliate, taunt and eventually deny their request.

One day, Lord Vishnu, disguised as a beggar approached the King for help, the King told the beggar to ask for anything within the Kingdom. Lord Vishnu asked for his crown, the King laughed and asked Lord Vishnu to step closer, with Vishnu’s first step, he covered the entire heaven, with his second the entire earth, the shocked King trembled under the power of Lord Vishnu. With his third step, the lord asked the King, where he should place his foot, and the king immediately sank to the floor and offered his head. With the final step, Bali became spiritually enlightened and gave up his worldly possessions.

Narak Chaturdasi is a festival of deep significance; it is a day to be joyful of what one has, a day of prayer and a day of charity.

Day 3
This is the actual day of the celebration of Diwali and is the day dedicated to Mother Lakshmi.  This is the most important day of the festival and on this night all houses should be lit up with lights and rangoli.

For businesses, this is the final day for the financial year; most business owners perform the Chopda Pujan and open new books for accounts. Diwali is a time to stop or start new ventures.

Day 4
Known as Govardhan Pooja (Annakut) meaning a heap of grain, on this day people are supposed to understand the importance of the nature that surrounds and supports their daily needs.

Govardhan Pooja: The Legend of Mount Govardhan
When Lord Krishna was a mere eleven years old, he noticed that all the people of his village would perform ceremonies and pray to the god of Rain, Lord Indra. Lord Krishna understood the delicate balance of nature, and he wanted the people to understand that praying to the rain god was not the reason they had good crops, it was because of nature and the natural environment surrounding the village that provided the sustenance they required.

He explained that the mountain of village, Mount Govardhan was better to worship than the god of rain.  The people listened to the young lord, and began to worship the natural formation. This made Lord Indra furious, and he punished the people with seven days of constant rain, lighting and floods.

But Lord Krishna was not to be taken so easily, to ease the peoples suffering, the young Lord lifted Mount Govardhan with one finger and used it to act as an umbrella. After seven days, Lord Indra realized that his fury would not outlast the young Lord tenacity and he accepted his defeat.

Govardhan Pooja is a day to remember that it is wise to respect our natural surroundings and look after them with humility and understanding, after all, without them where would we live?

Day 5
The fifth and last day of Diwali is known and Bhai Dooj, and is the day for sisters to pray for the long life of their brother(s).

Bhai Dooj: The Legend of Yamaraj and Yami
On this day, the God of Death, Yamaraj went to visit his sister Yami, after a long time of separation. She welcomed him by placing the mark (tilak) on his forehead for his protection and welfare. After which, she prepared a great meal which they shared. Yamaraj was so charmed by his sister’s respect for him, that he declared that on dooj day if any sister places a tilak on the forehead of her brother, no harm would come to him.

Bhai Dooj: The Legend of Lord Krishna and Subdhara
Another story of the tradition is about the great Lord Krishna, who after killing the Demon King, Narakasur, he went to meet his sister Subhadra on the day of dooj. As he entered her house she greeted him with a light and a tilak on his forehead.

So remember that although Diwali should be a fun time for family to get together, blow of some steam and some fireworks, there is a lot of meaning to each of the days of celebration. From health to nature, from death to life, from family to friends, and from charity to appreciation… If Diwali has taught me one main thing, it is that everything we celebrate, we celebrate for life.

Give a little, share a little and smile a little.

Happy Diwali… from the Yellow Team.

www.yellow.co.ke

Don’t believe me? Go ahead and try it!

Borrow a friend’s locked iPhone 4s, press the button and ask Siri to do something.

Chances are you being able to send a text message, make a phonecall and also send an email without knowing your friends unlock code.

Another friend of mine confirmed that he got an address and a phone number out of the phone and also see the calendar.

There is an easy fix for this. In the Passcode Lock Settings, switch Siri to”Off (See image below). this lets you allows you to continue using the feature once the phone has successfully been unlocked.

Just so that we are clear, the iPhone is still locked in the sense that someone cannot just grab it and make calls to any phone number by dialing. Siri does not let the users launch app either. Emails cannot be sent to addresses that are not already in the contact list.

iPhone 4s owners are shocked to learn that the settings for Siri are left “On” as default. its surprising that Apple has the default set to be able to use Siri without unlocking the device.

Apple could have chosen to implement Siri on a secure level but decided to default to a mode which is more about impressing your buddies than securing your calendar & email system.