Friday, October 17, 2025

All Things Fall and Halloween

The season for pumpkins and things that go bump in the night is upon us. Since fall and Halloween go together, this will serve as a smorgasbord of all things fall and Halloween.

Why Some People Celebrate Fall But Not Halloween

Lots of folks love to dress up and go trick or treating on Halloween, but some people look at Halloween’s origins as a reason to celebrate fall in other ways. Read these three articles and let me know what you think.

Halloween: Storming the Gates

Halloween is almost here and for some of us, it presents a problem with what we can do with our children on this night of celebration. Years ago, my husband and I said we were going to not celebrate and we hid behind our curtains in the dark, watching movies with our children as the spooks passed…

What’s the Spiritual Reality Behind Halloween?

~ The Spiritual Reality Behind Halloween: A Biblical Perspective ~ “Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 Stores have been pushing Halloween since early July. You only have to walk into a Michael’s, Walmart, Dollar Tree or Walgreens to see witches, skeletons, ghosts and other…

Halloween Spooks: Should We ‘Talk to the Dead’

Halloween is also called “Night of the Dead” because it is believed that on this night “the veil that separates our world from the Otherworld is at its thinnest,” and “the spirits of the dead roam freely among the living.” Tradition or not, Hollywood’s obsession with dialog with the deceased is eerily evident. Thrillers like White Noise…

Halloween & Fall Events in the Nashville Area

Here are some of the events we have heard about in Middle Tennessee:

Nashville Area Fall Events & Halloween Alternatives for 2025

October is in full foliage and Halloween can’t be far behind. So what can you do to celebrate fall if you don’t like all the spooky stuff? Given Halloween’s dark history and questionable origins, here are some other local events and fall sights worth taking in. Nashville Area Fall Events & Halloween Alternatives Here is a list of fall events…

Bellevue’s New Day Church Plans Fall Festival

~ New Day Church in West Nashville Plans Fall Festival on October 6 ~ New Day Church Plans Free Fall Festival A FREE fall festival will take place on Sunday night, October 26 at Bellevue Park/Red Caboose Park from 4-6 pm when New Day Church hosts its 7th annual Fall Festival. There will be candy, games, photo ops, and lots of pumpkins!

Halloween & Fall Poems

October and Halloween seem to bring out the creative in all of us, whether it’s creating costumes, the perfect Jack ‘o lantern face, or a delicious fall recipe. And who doesn’t love pumpkin space in everything! Some people turn to the poetic in the fall. Here are a few fall poems to enjoy.

October Musings—a Fall Poem

~ October has become the month of all things Halloween, so it’s time to take it back to the light ~ October Musings—a Poem for Fall In a dark woods on this October night An owl hoots his haunting lament. No wonder Stygian nights like this Inspire such ghoulish entertainment. A cool breeze taunts, The branches creak, The darkness hides…

~ The Leaves of October, a fall poem ~ Oh, I want to dance with the leaves of OctoberThat merrily twirl in the air,To blend with the yellow, the reds, and the golds of them.To dance in the wind without care.And I want to run in the warm Autumn sun,Skip under the azure blue sky,To drift with the breeze…

~ A Colorado Fall, an autumn poem ~ In the brilliance of the golden leavesI feel His presence there.Stirring through the quaking breezeHis Spirit fills the air.Essence sweet with hints of pine the air so fills and moves me,that I am speechless, caught in time held hostage by the beauty.I see Him there, I breathe Him there and often kneel to render, heart-felt praise…

~ Autumn’s and Renewal, a fall poem ~ When fields of green have turned to sandy browns And scattered yellows dot the hillside grounds;Autumn winds prepare both shrub and tree for winter’s quiet solace where they cleave.The months of former foliage God removes Until with autumn rains He comes and soothes.…

~ Autumnal Stir— a poem for fall ~ If I could escape at this time of year And sail like a leaf down a river clear, Happy my journey through autumn would be– No claims, no distresses. . . freedom for me!

Halloween & Fall Dolls

some people pour their energies into fall figures in October for their autumn and Halloween decor.

Barbie “You Can Be Anything”

Minis Celebrate Fall

The little Barbie “You Can Be Anything” career minis are ready for fall and all things autumn. They are celebrating fall in their pumpkin patch with cute miniature buildings found at Michael’s. The little pumpkin house lights up! Both buildings are suitable to stand alone, but I like them as props for the minis. The Barbie “You Can Be Anything” figures are cute in their little mini world and looking forward to a cool and colorful fall. Related: Barbie ‘You Can Be Anything’ Potential Doll House Barbie ‘You Can Be Anything’ Minis Out Barbie Micro Minis Celebrate Labor Day Barbie Micro Minis an Annual Tradition Barbie Micro Minis Enjoy Summer Break Barbie Minis Celebrate Veterans

They are celebratin

at Michaels

~ It’s time for Día de Los Muertos 2025 Figures at Michaels ~ They’re back— those colorful, whimsical Día

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Gaza Peace Accord and Future of Hamas

Thursday, May 22, 2025

9. Helloween- Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I(1987)- Rock/Metal Album Ranking Series

German legends Helloween make their debut in my ranking series with an album which is hugely influential on the growth of European power metal. Out of the 8 tracks on 'Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I', there are two short instrumental tracks- the intro and the outro- which I didn't rate(though I really love the intro), so only six tracks remain to be ranked, and here is my classification:

6. Twilight of the Gods- 7.5(good)

5. A Little Time- 8(solid)

4. I'm Alive- 9(great)

3. A Tale That Wasn't Right- 9.5(fantastic)

2. Future World- 10(stellar)

1. Halloween- 10

OVERALL RATING: 9.00

There could only be one winner on this album: Halloween, a13-minute monster track of epic proportions which perfectly illustrates how fabulous European power metal can be when performed by the iconic band which basically invented the genre. Everything in this brilliant song- the versus, the chorus, Michael Kiske's unique voice, the fantastic drumming and guitarwork- is pure perfection!

The second place in my ranking, Future World, also gets the highest mark from me thanks to its musical prowess, amazing chorus and the positive effect it has upon me whenever I give it a spin, while the third place, A Tale That Wasn't Right, is also close to perfection thanks to its emotionally charged delivery and great guitar solo which help it reach the top 10 of my favourite metal ballads of all time.

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I,along with the second part, which I will analyze in a future episode, remains a hugely influential record for the style of European power metal, and an album I will always enjoy listening to along with other fabulous works from German icons Helloween!

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Don't Stop

DON'T STOP

by Sebastian Onciu

Don't stop searching for the light

Even in the darkest night

Trust yourself, follow your soul

Keep on fighting for your goal.

Don't stop moving on your path

In the times of doom and wrath

They will go away for sure

If your heart and mind are pure.

Don't stop doing all your best

When life puts you to the test

Carry on, work hard and try

Strong and brave, reach for the sky!

Thursday, October 17, 2024

driving a Bike in the Himalayas

My Enfield and the Himalayas and a Girl behind you

I love Long Drives Through Mountains on my Enfield Bike

The Royal Enfield “Bullet” is my favorite motor bike. I prefer the 500cc, 4 stroke model and I find it is the slickest bike available in India. The bike is now manufactured at Chennai as the English company has folded up and sold its logo and assets to an Indian company. The Royal Enfield is now an Indian bike and exported under the old brand name.

My bike is fairly old now, but its never given any trouble. It is part and parcel of my life and I love to go on it, riding the hill roads and lanes. The bike handles the mountain roads with aplomb and even hitting a pothole at 60 MPH has no effect on me or the bike.

The bike has been used by me in the Himalayas and I have traversed the mountain roads in the Easten Himalayas to Darjeeling and Gangtok. Many time I have driven the bike wearing my uniform and cross belt with my revolver. It gives a kick to drive so attired and people watching me on the road side are impressed.

A greater pleasure is taking my girl friend for a spin in the mountains and then steal furitive kisses in the thick jungles.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Join Our New Preferred Writers Home Site

Preferredwriters.enjin.com All current Preferred Writers as well as those seeking invite are asked to register at our newly opened home site at http://preferredwriters.enjin.com. Registration is free and more features and tweaks are provided there to help you refine, source, link, share and connect! All writers/readers are welcome and you can start writing upon registration. We still have plenty of openings for talented writers on paid writing staff! Come visit and get signed up!

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Glory of India: The Muslim pir in Mumbai

The Muslim Pir in Mumbai: a Man with Uncanny Powers.

Updated on July 18, 2013

The Pir who is no more

The Pir with Supernatural Powers

Mohamedali Road is part of old Bombay. It has an old world charm and is a predominant Muslim populated area. There is an old mosque and around it some buildings which are old and popularly referred to as chawls. One such chawl referred to as Mauchi chawl is under the aegis of the Maharashtra Housing board who are carrying out repairs.

The Pir on Mohamedali Road

In this building on the first floor is a small two room set. As you enter the outer room the strong sense of incense will greet you and you can surmise that you are entering an abode of a holy man. You won’t be wide of the mark as this apartment is the place where a holy man called a Pir gives his darshan to believers. What will surprise you is that this Muslim Pir has equal numbers of Hindu followers as well who thong to the place. This man is Sayyed Nasiruddin Basdshaimiya Qadri Nakshbandi. He belongs to a long line of hereditary Pirs from Kutch where his ancestors originally resided. But what will strike you is the uncanny power the Pir exhibits. He has ESP and powers of divination that have to be experienced, for no amount of description can do justice to this Pir. He is now old and has to be helped to his place where he sits listening and advising thousands about their problems.

Meeting the Pir

The Pir normally sits in the evening when his meetings start and continue late into the early hours of the morning. People wait in a queue for hours to meet the Pir who listens to their problem and then will give a solution. Sometimes the Pir will himself tell you why you have come and that is a wonder by itself.

Last Word

The Pir has a small porciline plate and that has a magical power. This is the plate where you have to put your thumb and then lo and behold the Pir tells you everything, why you have come and what your problem is. He will then prescribe a remedy which consists of certain rituals and I have been told by believers that these rituals work. Rituals that involve burning Taviz( holy relic) and the like. It’s uncanny and no science can explain this phenomena. I myself have met the Pir a number of times and his uncanny power has been a source of wonder. This is the mystery of the east and in the field of spiritualism India is way ahead of the west.

Update

Last month Pir Mohammed Nasiruddin Badshamiya Nakshbandi( His full and complete Title) passed away. Everybody is mortal and so was the Pir. His passing away is a matter of great sorrow. As I have written this is a hereditary Pirship, which has been going on for many centuries. Now his position is taken by his elder son Pir Raza.

I have met Pir Raza and I am unable to explain how Pir Raza also has Extra Sensory Powers. I will however confess that his father had greater spiritual acumne. Perhaps Pir Raza will also mature with age. He must be about 40 years old.

People like the Pir are the wonder of India

Friday, January 22, 2016

The Chamar Regiment of the Indian Army

The Chamar’s are classified as a backward community. They constitute about 50 million Indians and have a history of being warlike. Basically Chamar’s are cobblers and belong to the lower castes. The Indian army, in particular the Infantry battalions are mostly caste based. Thus we have the Sikh, Jat, Gurkha, Rajput, Dogra, Maratha, Mahar and Punjab regiments. All the regiments are from the higher castes except the Sikh Light Infantry regiments which are the scheduled caste Sikhs often referred to as Mazhabi Sikhs.

Caste Based Regiments

The Caste based Armies have the stamp of the British rulers and were created during the hey day of British rule and conform to the British interpretation of the Martial races. But that is beside the point as the British who were a shrewd judge of Character also created a fighting regiment from the lower castes. This is the Chamar regiment.

During the Second World War the British were looking to expand their recruitment policy as more men were needed to fight the Japanese Imperial Army. At the same time they kept the concept of the Martial race in the backdrop.

The Chamar Regiment

The British High command opted to have a Chamar regiment and history records that the 1st Chamar regiment was created in 1943. Among the Officers who became famous from this regiment are General Joginder Singh and Field Marshal Ayub Khan. It must be understood that the officer cadre of the regiments was not exclusive to that cast and could be from any caste and religion. This is followed even now.

Chamar Regiment in World War II

The Chamar regiment was thrown into battle as a part of 15 Corps which was commanded by lieutenant General Alexander Frank Christison. The Chamar regiment fought well and was part of the Japanese defeat in the battles of Kohima and the Arakan campaign. The Chamar regiment was part of the 268 Indian brigade which was commanded by Brigadier Dyer.

The Chamar regiment along with 15 Corps helped lift the siege of Kohima and followed up with battles with the Imperial army in the 2nd and 3rd Arakan. The 3rd Arakan campaign led to the capture of Rangoon in May 1945. The roll of honor at the War Memorial in Rangoon lists the Chamar regiment. No greater honor can be more than this, as it is an acknowledgement that the Chamar regiment fought bravely and helped drive the Imperial army from Rangoon.

However after the dropping of the Atomic bombs and the surrender of Japan many troops became redundant and were demobilized. In 1946 the Chamar regiment was disbanded due to economic reasons.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Snake Charmer in India : an Old Relic

Snakes and Charmers: Indian speciality

For centuries during the days of the British Raj, India was known as the land of snake charmers and sadhus who performed the proverbial rope trick. One reason for this was the abundance of snakes especially the deadly cobra, which incidentally is revered in Hinduism and thus not to be killed. It was important to trap the cobra and not kill it, thus snake charmers came in handy. These snake charmers had special conch shells which they blew and enticed the snakes to come out of their den. The snakes were then skillfully caught by the snake charmer and put in a basket.

A snake charmer is a specialist person and his conch shell has a peculiar vibration that entices the snake to come out. He is also a sort of snake doctor. The snake charmer had the ability to draw out the poison from a human who had been bitten by a snake. Thus most villagers rushed to a snake charmer whenever any one of them was bitten by a snake. Generally the snake charmer made an incision in the body and drained out the poison. It was a painful, but effective method. India still abounds in snakes and is home to the deadliest of their variety the King Cobra. This has not changed.

Snake charmers are now a dying breed though one can see them in village fairs, but they are very few now. If one wants to see a snake charmer now in India one will have to go to the remote countryside and maybe you will be able to see one. Presently the old reference to India as a land of snake charmers and magical rope trick is no longer valid. But I will say it gives a great thrill to read about snake charmers even now, though the breed is almost extinct.

Many western scientists have tried to duplicate the conch shell of the snake charmer, but failed. This is hard to explain as the snake charmers make their conch shells at home. But they emit a particular frequency of vibration that is ‘ heard’ by the snake and so the snake comes out of its den. I saw a snake charmer once on a trip to Rajasthan. It was at a fair in Barmer and it was a great thrill to see the cobra come out from its abode towards the snake charmer who would catch it by the neck. However killing snakes or the Cobras is taboo in Hinduism and many tribal sects worship the snake as a god. The snake god Visaka is also part of Hindu mythology.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Memory of Visiting the Artillery Centre at Nashik Road

The Arty Centre

Gunners

As a bachelor I was posted to Artillery Centre at Nashik Road. I was part of the Air Force element of the helicopter units attached to the Artillery Centre. The Artillery centre in Nashik Road is over a 125 years old and was set up by the British Indian army to train gunners. Earlier it was a British cantonment and was much liked by the English soldiers. At one time it also housed the Staff College. It is in short the home of the Artillery which remains one of the most important arms of the Indian army. The Artillery centre also has its own airfield from which Air Observation Posts take off to help direct gun fire on the enemy. Presently the AOP's are equipped with the Chetak Mark II helicopters, which are a derivative of the French Allouettechoppers.

The artillery centre trains recruits to handle and fire guns. It has long ranges that are used for long range firing practice and that includes heavy guns like the 155 mm cannons. The latest radar controlled guns and rockets fired from launchersare also tested here. In fact when as part of the staff college team we came to Nashik , the commandant organized a live firing demonstration of rockets on to the distant hills, some 10 miles away.

The Mini Museum

gunners

The officers mess has a mini musem and is decorated with wall paintings that bring out the history of the Arty regiments of the Indian arrmy. Over a period of time some of the paintings need a touch up and I hope some experts can be drafted for the same. The paintings show Sikh gunners and later I learnt that during the days of the Raj, the Sikhs and Punjabi Muslims were preferred for these arty regiments.The paintings are all by British painters who were with the artillery regiments

The artillery centre is part of folklore of the Indian army and and traces a long history. It is very well kept and worth a visit. Civilian visitors can also visit after taking permission from the Commandant. .Nashik Road can be easily reached by rail from Mumbai and lies on the Mumbai- Nagpur/ Allahabad route.

Lastly, I remember dances at the Temple Hills club with a lovely Anglo Girl who was a teacher at St Barnes High School as well as long rides with her on my Enfield through the mountains of the Ghats.

Both photos of paintings in Officers Mess are uploaded by me