Rare & Offbeat is a term used to describe things that are unusual, unique, or unconventional. It often refers to experiences, places, activities, or items that are not commonly encountered in everyday life or mainstream culture.
Since last month, the number of visitors to my blog has increased abruptly from 200–250 to more than 2,000 per day, with 80–85% originating from China. After reviewing Google Analytics, it appears that AI crawlers, rather than hackers, are responsible for the rise. Nevertheless, I can’t help but question—are any of these visitors genuine readers?
The Bhangaram Devi temple and the Trial of Gods exemplify the Gond people's profound spiritual connection with their deities, showcasing a tradition where divine power is earned through reciprocal trust. This practice reflects the deep intertwining of faith, nature, and community, highlighting the resilience of tribal culture amid changing times and the importance of preserving traditions that emphasize the symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment.
Namibia is facing its worst drought in a century, prompting the government to plan the culling of 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to alleviate a severe hunger crisis affecting nearly half of the country's population. This decision, driven by the need to provide food and reduce dangerous human-wildlife encounters, underscores the dire impact of climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon on Southern Africa. As Namibia grapples with this environmental and humanitarian crisis, it highlights the urgent need for global action to address climate change and support vulnerable communities.
The July 2022 full Moon, known as the supermoon, was the largest and brightest of the year, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter at its perigee. This celestial event holds cultural significance for various traditions, coinciding with Guru Purnima for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Different cultures historically named the July full Moon based on seasonal activities. The supermoon serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the cosmos and its cultural and historical significance.
Dust storms are common in Iraq, but some experts believe they are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The storms are expected to become more frequent due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall. Iraq is classified as one of the world’s five countries most vulnerable to climate change and desertification.
In an era of pandemic paranoia and unusual trends, parents are immortalizing the COVID-19 crisis through their children's names. From Sanitiser to Lockdown and even Corona and COVID, these unique names are a reminder of the challenging times. This tradition of naming after historical events is not new, but it certainly makes for interesting introductions and conversations in the future.
In Baghdad, a rare snowfall captivated residents, transforming the bustling city into a serene, white landscape. This extraordinary event, not witnessed for over a decade, sparked reflections on the city's historical anomalies in climate. As the Iraqi Meteorological Organization forecasted further temperature drops, Baghdad's resilience and unpredictability in nature became evident. Amid the snow's quiet beauty, the city's storied past and uncertain future left a lingering sense of mystery.
Umm Ali is more than just a recipe; it’s a legacy. It’s a dish that tells a story—one of ambition, power, and the complex dynamics of women in leadership. From its violent origins to its place at the table today, Umm Ali is a testament to the power of food to preserve history, culture, and the human experience. And as you savor each bite, you’re not just indulging in a dessert—you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition, woven with stories of love, betrayal, and strength.
The yeti, a legendary ape-like creature, has fascinated believers in Nepal and Tibet for centuries. Amidst lack of concrete evidence, the myth persists, with recent claims by the Indian Army. Despite scientific skepticism, the allure of the yeti endures, blurring myth and reality in the mystique of the Himalayas. The mystery continues.
Chandrasekhar became famous for his discoveries about the evolution of the stars. His work was vast, and he began early, developing his theory of stars’ evolution before he had even turned 20. Google is changing its logo globally to a doodle of him and the Chandrasekhar Limit. That refers to his calculation that once a star reaches 1.44 times the size of our own sun, it doesn’t form a white dwarf as expected but collapses, eventually becoming a black hole.
