TriviaTales & Captures! #18
A voyage through 3 trivia’s, 2 fun facts, 1 photograph.
A newsletter recommending good examples of storytelling across:
3 Trivia
2 Fun Facts, and
1 Photograph.
Let's dive in…
Trivia’s:
1. Business:
In one of the first commercials for the brand, model Malavika Tiwari appeared cycling and doing aerobics in advertising to emphasize an elite lifestyle. The advertisement ended with the model exclaiming “_ _ _ _ _”.
However, the middle class couldn't relate to the ad and a rebrand was needed.
X was seen as having the right mix of Indianness and talent. He also had a persona apart from his talent. And so he became the choice for the new ad campaign. For this he flew from USA to the shooting location eponymous with the brand. At the end of the ad when a voiceover complimented him, he replied with "_ _ _ _ _ _", where only one extra letter is added to the previous tagline
Identify X and the new tagline.
2. Culture:
X is an annual cultural event held in St. Petersburg, Russia. It's celebrated during the summer months when the city experiences a period of almost continuous daylight due to its high latitude. X has deep historical roots, dating back to the 18th century, when it was first celebrated by the Russian aristocracy.
The festival's highlight is the Y celebration, featuring a spectacular fireworks display and a boat parade along the Neva River. The grand finale involves a ship with Y, inspired by Alexander Grin's novel, symbolizing youth, hope, and dreams.
The festival celebrates the arrival of summer and the unique natural phenomenon, which holds special significance in St. Petersburg's cultural identity.
Identify X and Y.
3. Mythology and Etymology:
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, in Puri, Odisha, India, is one of the most significant religious events in Hinduism. During this festival, massive wooden chariots carrying the idols of Lord Vishnu, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri.
The origin of the English word X (10) can indeed be traced back to observations of the Rath Yatra by European travelers and colonialists. There were instances where devotees were accidentally crushed under the wheels of the massive chariots. These tragic accidents led to the association of the Rath Yatra with overwhelming and destructive forces.
Give the term X.
Fun Facts:
Did you know that one of the most peculiar rivers in the world flows not with water, but with what appears to be blood?
"Blood Falls" in Antarctica, where iron-rich salty water gushes from the Taylor Glacier, painting the ice with a striking crimson hue. Contrary to its eerie appearance, the water isn't actually blood; it's just brimming with oxidized iron, giving it that intense red color. What's even more mind-boggling is that this peculiar water source originates from a sub-glacial lake hidden beneath the glacier, untouched by the outside world for millions of years!
Did you know that chess, the undisputed queen of all board games, traces its origins back over 1300 years to ancient India? The game, originally called chaturanga, meaning "four limbs" in Sanskrit, represented the four components of an army: elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers. From its humble beginnings, chess embarked on an epic journey across continents, morphing and adapting as it spread far and wide.
As it traveled from India to Persia and then to Europe, chess pieces and moves underwent fascinating transformations to adapt to different cultures. The Persian "shah" became the "king," and "shahmat" evolved into "checkmate." The "vizir" transformed into the powerful queen, while the horseback-riding knight and the foot soldier pawn retained their essence.
But perhaps the most intriguing evolution occurred during the Middle Ages when the once-humble queen gained newfound powers, becoming the most versatile piece on the board. Changes in rules governing the moves of the queen and bishop increased the tempo of the game and revolutionized strategy.
Today, chess remains a timeless game, captivating minds and inspiring strategic thinking across the globe. And to think, it all began over a millennium ago in ancient India, as evidenced by archaeological finds like the stone chess board and terracotta pieces discovered at Lothal, Gujarat. So, the next time you sit down for a game of chess, remember the rich history and cultural tapestry behind this beloved pastime!
Photograph of the Day:
The Joy of Gillidanda….
In the monochrome stillness of the photograph, a poignant scene unfolds—a snapshot of life in its rawest form. Against a backdrop of stark poverty, illuminated by hope, children gather in a small gully, their innocent laughter piercing through the silence of their surroundings. Kids playing—Gillidanda.
With bare feet firmly planted on the dusty ground, these resilient youngsters defy their circumstances, finding solace and joy in the simple pleasure of play. Despite the hardships that weigh heavy on their young shoulders, their faces radiate with unabashed happiness, their eyes sparkling.
As we gaze upon this powerful image, we are reminded of the resilience of the human heart, and of the profound beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places.
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Answers:
Taj Mahal and Wah Taj!
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