Welcome! Talk, I'm Listening!

Indian railways...small ways to improve!

2011-12-23T11:54:00.000+05:30

Hi! Everyone would have had their share of experience travelling with the great Indian Railways! The world's largest employer has to improve a great deal when it comes to passenger comfort and hygiene. I want to share with you what I feel could be considered to make the travel a more pleasant experience.

Almost every person has a cell phone and it becomes a nightmare when one runs out of charge during the travel. There are very few working charging points on the train. These are always engaged. There are some arrangements made on the platforms in train stations of bigger cities providing charging points for mobile phones. Every seat should have sufficient charging points for mobile phones irrespective of the class.

It is an unwritten rule about the timings of the trains; either they run late, get cancelled or delayed for many reasons. It is essential that passengers get to know of these delays or changes in time. This will enable them to plan accordingly. The computerised passenger reservation system has been a wonderful plus for the railways. But the quotas for several categories eats into the normal passenger quotas of seats and berths causing huge waiting lists and lots of inconvenience to the public.

The passengers travelling in the trains could be updated about the trains travel time, the next station, time left to reach the next station, delay/ change in train timing by means of a simple LED display in every coach. This will be a big help to the passengers.

A common and regular problem with the railway coaches is the condition of the toilets, availability of water, medical aid and medicines. The toilet system in the coaches allows the wastes to fall on to the tracks which is a real environmental hazard. This could be addressed by simple modification of the outlets to sealed tanks which could be easily evacuated at stations and hygienically dispensed. A provision of medical attendant, 24x7 pharmacy on the trains would be a life saving idea. The wastage of water could be addressed by providing effective regulator mechanisms and prompt topping of the water tanks.

Railways world over have transformed the train travel making it a more pleasurable experience. It would be a welcome and long over due change if the Indian railways implement some novel and consistent ways of improving travellers experience.

What is your say on this?!!!!

Cars to buy- too many choices & difficult decisions?!

2011-05-17T16:13:00.003+05:30

Wow! the indian customers has plenty of choices now; be it consumer durables, electronic gadgets, automobiles etc.,
Year 2010 saw a new range of small/medium cars come in from Ford-FIGO, Volkswagen-POLO, Fiat-PUNTO, chevrolet-BEAT, U-VA, Spark, Maruti-New wagon-R, Tata-NANO, Vista, Honda Jazz..Year 2011 we will see; Nissan- MICRA, Toyota-ETIOS, Maruti-Cervo & ECCO, Honda-Brio, Mahindra Reva NXR, Chevy Electric Spark, Tata Indica eV2

Diesel vs Petrol debate continues; well the diesel version of any car would be about a lac rupees higher than the petrol model. If one has to realize the benefits of the diesel-petrol price difference which fluctuates between a 15 to 25 rupee band; then the car has to log at least a few thousand miles per month. If this is done, then within a year of purchase of a diesel car, payback of the extra lac rupees margin would be achieved. But the catch is the higher maintenance cost of diesel vehicles which could start from the third year ( or later depending on usage ) onwards. Besides future deregulation of oil prices could see both petrol and diesel prices for cars comes nearer. Till then enjoy!

Choice to make could be based on
Price, Performance, Mileage, Space, Reliability, Features, Brand, safety

Ford scored a lead over other car manufacturers by pricing the FIGO very competitively. The value for money cool car sweeped off the marutis, hyundais and tatas by notching up a good fraction of the new car bookings. Bookings also translated into deliveries and FIGO lived up to the reputation of a good performance budget car.

Tata Nano hogged the headlines and bookings but it ran into some technical problems which slowed down its run. The bursting into flames brought a spectre of doubt on a otherwise great desi product. It could have been better tested and quality controlled before launch.

Chevy spark presented a snug car which found a section of buyers who were impressed with its attractive low maintenance plans and decent pricing.

The spurt in oil prices always trigger a need for alternative fuel for cars. The mahindra reva electric and electric spark could see a good patronage in 2011, when they are launched. The increase in the range of vehicle per charge and quicker charging times could be the focus...Revas are already doing well in bangalore and other metros.

Already the duo versions in maruti WagonR OMNi,chevy spark are doing well; but the availability of gas filling stations is the hitch.

Many diesel versions of cars like Chevy beat, hyundai santro are on the pipeline...What do feel about this small synopsis? will write more later!

Extra Terrestrials - WOW what a show! Simply Stupendous!

2010-02-06T08:53:00.016+05:30

Extra Terrestrials - WOW what a show! A big thanks to SHOW SPACE for bringing this fantastic event to CHENNAI!

"FEARLESS ENTERTAINERS" - a well coined phrase to bring out the spirit of the show!
There are absolutely no words to explain what one feels on seeing this show! Yet I want to share what I felt on seeing this show.
The Hungarian Golden men duo - Golden Power made look so easy -Balancing strength with skill , what grace!
The Uni cycle king- ERIK IVARSSON -One wheel wonder
The remarkable Laser man -LASER MAN -Wizard with the laser
The Russian contortionist trio
The hoop-a loop expert - ANTON MONASTYRSKY -Houdini with the hoop
The Ring master WOLFGANG BIENTZLE -King of the German wheel
The spinning Tapeze - ROMA HERVIDA
An awesome display of acrobatics
The Illusion - JEROME MURAT - Bringing statues to life

- Redefines entertainment,
- Holds you on the edge of the seat spellbound!
- One event after the other leaves you breathless,dazzled and wanting for more.
- The performers are artistes who are masters in their acts and take the audience on a roller coaster ride
- The stage and the venue could have been slightly larger...
- Eagerly waiting for the next bigger spectacle
- 75 minutes just flew away and I really wanted to rewind and see it again
- Well organised, thoughtful space for parking provided at St.Ebbas School grounds nearby.
- really wish that these shows are conducted all across the country!
- The roller skate duo invited a member of the audience and spun him around a few seconds much to the joy of all. He was dazed for a few seconds and recovered much to his delight.

Mamalla Dance Festival Jan 2010

2010-01-10T20:22:00.003+05:30

Mamallapuram cries out for a concert hall...
Improper facilities at Natyanjali Dance festival Dec 2008 to Jan 2009 at Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu. Conducted in open air before the arjuna penance rock for all these years.
with No proper auditorium.
The artistes perform on open air stage exposed to the vagaries of nature.The festival is attended by many foreign tourists, dignitaries, public and yet the programme is conducted in a lacklustre manner sans a proper sound system, no comfort seating for viewers, no apt lighting, mosquito problem, minimal facilties for dancer troupe.
Only the sheer magnetic attraction of the performances provide the visitors an incentive to come to this festival inspite of these inconveniences..
Given the high revenue generation by tourists provision of such basic infrastructure is mandatory and a urgent necessity. Authorities must ensure tourists leave with a happy feeling or else it is very bad advertising and the tourist interest will dip in such festivals.
There is huge scope for improving the infrastructure and I really hope and wish that the authorities look into the ways of transforming the presentation of our cultural heritage. Sponsors and govt have a responsible role to play here..anyone listening?!

Heat Pad - A Wonderful pain reliever!

2009-12-30T18:11:00.035+05:30

The heat pad is a great find from an exhibition in Chennai. A fine health care product.
I have used it as a external heat pad on muscle pain, sprains and also for knee pains. It is very handy, reusable, retains heat longer and effective in soothing muscle pains! Very good for SCIATICA!

The Heat Pad is made from sodium acetate (salt) and water and is therefore extremely safe. The sodium acetate is a type of salt that is excellent at cooling and exists as a liquid when combined with water at room temperature.

However, if you 'Click' the metal disc, it momentarily increases the temperature of the molecules surrounding the disc, setting off a chain reaction amongst the adjoining molecules and thus heating the pad.

The pad will stay warm for up to 2 hours and can be moulded and applied to any area. To return the pad to its original state, simply pop it into boiling water on the stove for 5 -10 minutes until the pad has totally returned to gel.

You're then ready to re-use as many times as you like!

IS IT SAFE?

Yes, the Heat Pad is made from Non Toxic materials and is totally safe. It contains Sodium Acetate (SALT) and water.

HOW HOT DOES IT GET?

The Heat Pad will increase to a safe temperature of 54 degree C / 130 Degree F once activated.

HOW LONG DOES IT STAY HOT FOR?

Although this is dependant on the environment, on average the Heat Pad will remain hot for 1 - 2 hours.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I USE IT?

This is the great part, the Heat Pad can be re-used as many times as you like!

WHAT USES DOES IT HAVE?

You can use the Heat Pads for any situation where constant durable heat is required. We find that most of our clients use them for general aches and pains such as stiff necks, back aches or menstrual pains. We also see a great deal of people using them for camping and hiking not only for comfort but also as a back up emergency heat source. In general, just about any situation where a constant durable heat source is needed, the Heat Pad is up to the task. The Heat Pad also works in reverse and can be used as a Cool Pack, simply freeze overnight and it will stay Ice Cold for hours.

I have used this and very effective and reusable...good for sciatica, muscle pains, aches!
Try at this site:
http://www.heatomatic.com/site/1399402/page/546569
6.8" X 4.5" sized Palm shaped hand warmer
5" X 4.5" sized Heart Shaped Hand Warmer
available in different colors..

This article is selected as a feature at http://thumbjointpain.net/blog_awards/index.php?id=3142
http://thumbjointpain.net/thumb_pain.php

The latest news is Chennai people can
visit the Smart Shoppers Exibition at YMCA grounds, Royapettah, Chennai opening from Jan 14th (Thursday)till Jan 18th (Monday 2010. This Expo is also coming to Kovai (Coimbatore) from Jan 23rd to Jan 26th, 2010.
There are other good health care products too, check them out...

Foot Roller, Face Mask, Hand Roller, Neck Belt, Eye mask, cool pad, etc.,

Besides the expo has so much to offer...
http://www.smartshoppers.co.in/

and get a great bargain; just Rs.350/- for one Heatpad
at the stall of Star Health Products, A Mumbai Company.
http://www.starhealth.net.in/ItemDetails.aspx?itemId=12

AVATAR! Hmmm Interesting, man itz great!!

2009-12-27T22:22:00.009+05:30

Avatar!
I got the chance to see it on big screen; wow it held me spellbound by its dreamworld!! The Computer Graphics were amazing and the creativity was excellent. The Creatures, the new aliens, the hanging mountains, the prayers and spiritual ways of the alien race were all very nicely portrayed.
The story line is nothing new but you gotta have a decent one and it has been told nicely. A huge amount of work has gone into the making of this movie and the results show off spectacularly!
I feel that an Indian impact is clear in many aspects of the movie. The spiritual prayers, telepathic connections, chanting all have a Sanskrit flavour and the aliens have tails alike the mythical monkey god Hanuman!
The human invaders are portrayed as invaders without heart nor understanding of the mind power of the alien race. The villains remind us of the war mongering, inhuman brutal streak present in many;which overrides the humanity. This shortsighted barbarism is wreaking havoc, pain, destruction and poverty across many nations on our own earth in reality.
One has got to see it on 3D IMAX theatre to experience the new technology- sound, video in a whole new splendour! Get transported...well telejetted into a new dimension in visual entertainment..Hats off to James Cameron & his fine team!!!

Harikatha by Mrs.Visaka Hariji

2009-12-25T22:35:00.008+05:30

Visaka Hariji made a fantastic presentation of the glory, simplicity and power of the name of Lord Sri RAMA through the Harikatha recital "Rama Nama Prabhavam".
Harikatha is a fine blend of carnatic music, sanskrit slokas, crisp story telling
The Rama nama transcends religious and caste barriers and is open to all those who beleive in its power and purity.
Rama Nama japam mahimai (Power of Chanting) was nicely illustrated with the story of a robber who realises his folly when no one is ready to share his sin of robbery. He seeks salvation through Rama Nama Japam initiated by Sage Narada(AKA Sage Valmiki).
The stories of Saints protected by Rama Nama Saint Sri Thyagarajar, Sri Bodendral, Sri Tulasidasar.
The Rama Sloka which formed the heart of the concert;
" Aapatha mapha harthaaram thatharam sarva sambhathaam
Lokaphiraaman Sriramam Bhooyo Bhooyo namamyaham"

Real life examples and humourous references relavant to discussion were a treat.
Visakaji's lilting and dynamic rendering took everyone present to a different realm of spirituality. The vibrant and unique style of the concert held the audience spellbound and we were transfixed in awe. But all good things come to an end and we left richer in thoughts.
Fortunately I was lucky to buy the latest DVD release of "Sri Andal Kalyanam" by Visakaji to elevate the devotional spirit of Marghazhi to new heights.

Torrents - A P2P with so much to explore!!!

2009-12-14T23:16:00.008+05:30

It is with great pain that I share the information that mininova and piratebay are down. A big blow to information sharing. The battle rages on between the so-called copyright owners and the supporters of free information exchange!

Private & public
trackers
There are plenty of P2P clients, sites and forms of free information exchange!

uknova.com
thebox.bz
themediasite.net
hd-torrents.org
hdme.eu
elbitz.net
hdvnbits.org
hdclub.com.ua
all4nothin.net
and many more which will be added...

Safety
A periodically updated antivirus security suite with a firewall protection is a must for every P2P/ browser.

good browsing habits

sharing attitude

A Treasure Trove of media information!

2009-12-14T22:13:00.005+05:30

psychology
http://www.alkistis.net/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/alkistisTV

Alkistis Keletseki-Agiorgiti PhD was born in Athens, Greece (1968) and grew up in Montreal, Canada.

In 1985 she studied International Finance at the Chartered Institute of Bankers in London’s City, and then began working in Barclay's Bank Corporate Finance.

At the age of twenty-two she had a profound inner transformation which changed the course of her life towards the direction of Psychology and Personal Development. In the years following, she went to live and work as a free-lance management trainer in Paris, Rome, and then Berlin with clients including Mercedez-Benz , America-on-Line, Bertelsmann, Ernst & Young Cap Gemini, Banque National de Paris.

What will you get through Leadership and Life Coaching? Leadership and Life Coaching will allow you to understand
and apply the personal best practices of the superstars
in business

A Carnatic Music Dance Festival - Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru 2009

2009-12-14T21:44:00.007+05:30

Come December and Chennai is the ultimate entertainment destination in Music, Dance, Drama and arts. A galaxy of fine young talents and big names come together for a week long programme from 18th, Friday till 25th, Friday, December 2009 at the Kamaraj Memorial hall, Anna saalai, Chennai. Don't miss your favourite artiste!!
Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru schedule:
http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/chennaiyil-thiruvaiyaru/2009/schedule-2009.asp

Online ticket booking facility also available:

http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/chennaiyil-thiruvaiyaru/2009/tickets.asp

A collection of nice attachments! A continuing affair...

2009-12-09T01:11:00.013+05:30

I wanted to share and treasure of the nice and superb email attachments I have been receiving over many years. The credit for these rest with the original creators whoever they are...I salute and applaud their creativity and imagination!!
There are so many...let me post one by one...

A detailed insight into the wonderful methods of natural eye care by following proven methods of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.
A doc giving the details can be dowloaded from:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/nzumve2nug1/Eyesight aurobindo pondy.doc

Please go thro' these websites for more info...

http://sriaurobindoashram.info/Content.aspx?ContentURL=_StaticContent/SriAurobindoAshram/-03%20The%20Ashram/Departments/School%20For%20Perfect%20Eyesight

http://7times7.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-visit-to-pondichery.html

http://perfectsight.com/discus/messages/19/36.html?MondayAugust820050438am
The School for Perfect Eyesight: Pondicherry, South India.

This school is one of the few schools that prescribe to the Bates Method for improvement in eyesight, in India. Having just completed a two week course, In 14 hours of tuition I improved my sight from - 2.75/-3.00 to �2.25, both eyes, and was amazed at the result.

The course is completely FREE - you can make an anonymous donation if you wish.

The exercises are taking an hour, and after an initial check up you walk into the center and carry out the exercises. You are not supposed to wear glasses or watch television during the duration of the course. During the exercises there is relaxing light music playing in the background.

Contact

Prappana Swain, School of Perfect Eyesight, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry India. 605001.
Email: auroeyesight@yahoo.com
Tel: 0091 413 337156

Something about life!
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mmkwzdl1jdt/The Seed.txt

A clear vision

2009-12-06T11:51:00.011+05:30

A pleasant surprise I had when I needed to replace my spectacles...
I discovered this outlet

I found the people there very friendly and receptive. The service was good and I was lucky to get the promotional offer; -an extra pair of specs at a price of Rs.99/-. A nice offer.
The area of specs and contact lenses was lacking a good service and the Indian customer had a raw deal thus far. Now I feel it is a welcome change and hats off to this Reliance Pearle venture. I hope they do reach out to the small towns and smaller metros soon...

Vision Express is Europe's largest optical chain and offers its expertise in several countries across the world. In India, Vision Express is a joint venture of Reliance Retail and Pearle Europe, offering the benefits of trust, affordability, quality, international designs and proven optical skills.
Services offered:

Free eye test: Come experience quality eye testing. Vision Express has qualified experts certified by the L V Prasad Eye Institute, a leading eye hospital, research and training centre, which also collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO). The eye tests are conducted with the help of state-of-the-art equipment from reputed international companies.
Affordable and stylish: At Vision Express you can find a wide range of frames that offer great value for money. Being Europe’s leading optical chain, the frames offered are modern and stylish.

Express delivery: Vision Express works to deliver your spectacles at the earliest. In the showrooms with an in-house lab, Vision Express will deliver your spectacles within a few hours, in most cases.

Free services: Walk-in for cleaning of glasses and repairs, all for free. Parts replaced, may be charged for.

They have a promotional offer which you can grab...Hurry!

A wonderful shopping experience!

2009-12-06T08:58:00.008+05:30

Tata's CROMA electronics store...Truly a megastore!

Wow! I visited this store's outlet at North Usman road, T.Nagar, Chennai. They have got all the brands on any consumer electronic product. you name it and u can see it, have a demo all under one big roof. The customer attention & service is very good!
You also get to see Tata own croma brand of products. The handy vacuum cleaner is quite good! Tata offers an extended warranty on any brand you buy at a nominal extra fee. This will assure the buyer dependable service at your doorstep.
Humans' life is being dominated by machines and it is reiterated by the broad array of electronic devices on display at this convenient store! So many appliances to make our lives easier and enjoyable...provided your budget fits it!
At Croma, well-trained store advisors, who have an in-depth knowledge of the products, guide, advise and help you choose a product that's just right for you.
Their stores are large (15,000-20,000 sq ft), well-planned and designed to make shopping a pleasure. The world class in-store experience is backed by robust after-sales service.
Croma is owned and run by Infiniti Retail Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Tata Sons. Woolworths Ltd, the Australian retail giant, provides technical support and strategic sourcing facilities from its global network.
visit...http://www.cromaretail.com/ Experience it!

A real view - Life, its philosophy?!

2009-12-05T19:34:00.010+05:30

Hi! I wanted to dwell on a more serious topic this time...a look at life in a different way! I wanted to write about this seeing the happenings aroung us and the times we live in...
Human beings lead their lives in various ways, some follow the path shown by their faiths, others do what they like and many live it day by day...Every religion, faith teaches their followers to live in harmony, show understanding, have tolerance, live a life with humanity and compassion for other lives. The core philosophy of any religion is unselfish love and goodness within and radiating to all! Yet many problems we see daily have their roots in the inability to reason.
If one wants to understand the basic philosophy of a religion, they need to read its scriptures, check out its history, move with people practise that faith and then they will begin to realise that the roads lead finally to one destination -god or ultimate bliss; salvation! But the routes are myriad and many get lost in the way and face multitude of obstacles before they see the light!
If we learn to screen out the prejudices, egos and self imposed complication life would be so much easier and happier!! It is easier said than done! There is much more to be said, yet I want to hear your views!!

PublicTransport- The future

2009-10-02T23:09:00.020+05:30

Magnetic levitation? faster, safer & better way of transport...German engineering has solved the puzzle and made it a reality after years of research, trials and vigorous tests.
China has taken a big leap forward in mass rapid public transport by investing in this futuristic transit system in one of its big cities; Shanghai!

Indeed, the Maglev is faster than any speeding locomotive precisely because it's as much like a plane as any railroad we've known.
The Shanghai Maglev Train or Shanghai Transrapid "Shanghai Magnetic Levitation Demonstration Operation Line") is the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world. The system and trains were built to the Transrapid standard. Construction began in March 2001, and public service commenced on 1 January 2004.
During a test run on 12 November 2003, a maglev vehicle achieved a Chinese record speed of 501 km/h (311 mph).
The train set and tracks were manufactured using German technology.
True, the train has no wings, but no wheels or engine, either. Transrapid, the German firm that developed the system, describes the Maglev as "the first fundamental innovation in the field of railway technology since the invention of the railway."

Magnets are the attraction. First, powerful magnets lift the entire train about 10 millimeters above the special track, called a guideway, since it mainly directs the passage of the train.

Other magnets provide propulsion, and braking, and the speeds - up to 500 kph in test runs; a good 60 percent faster than the renowned Bullet Trains - are attained largely due to the reduction of friction.

The line runs from Longyang Road station in Pudong, on the Shanghai subway line 2 to Pudong International Airport. The journey takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the distance of 30 km. A train can reach 350 km/h (220 mph) in 2 minutes, with the maximum normal operation speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) reached thereafter.
The line is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd. As of May 2008, the line operates daily between 06:45–21:30, a one-way ticket cost ¥50 (US$7.27), or ¥40 ($5.81) for those passengers holding a receipt or proof of an airline ticket purchase. A round-trip return ticket cost ¥80 ($11.63) and VIP tickets cost double the standard fare.

Helmet safety when you need it!!!

2009-08-20T21:39:00.004+05:30

I usually never ride without wearing helmet to my office. I want to share this real life experience which would reinforce the necessity of wearing helmets. I was going on the road at about 50kmph when a scooter zipped past at nearly 70kmph overtaking my bike. The road had no other traffic in near sight. Then it happened in a flash. just as the scooter crossed me, something hit my helmet front visor with a thump and fell off. I was not at all distracted but it took me a moment to realise that it was a piece of stone which was sent off flying like a missile from the scooter tyre catapulting it from the road. I thanked my lucky stars that I had my visor on. If not for the visor that stone would have hit me on my temple..what a close call! Well my friends do not forget both your helmet and more importantly the safety visor! Take care as so much depends on you!

Useful and Friendly software for Kids- They'll love it!

2009-08-19T12:03:00.015+05:30

I wish to share with you information on a few excellent freely available softwares on the net which are very good for kids! I will be updating this topic regularly!
TUXPAINT
http://tuxpaint.org/download/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/tuxpaint/
Tux Paint is a free, award-winning drawing program for children ages 3 to 12 (for example, preschool and K-6). It combines an easy-to-use interface, fun sound effects, and an encouraging cartoon mascot who guides children as they use the program.
Kids are presented with a blank canvas and a variety of drawing tools to help them be creative. Tux Paint is completely free software, released as “Open Source” software, under the provisions of the GNU General Public License (GPL). This means you may download it and install it on as many machines as you wish, copy it for friends and family, and give it to your local schools.You can also download the free stamps pack which will be great fun for the kids as they explore the amazing range of tools provide in this sleek program.
TUXMATH
https://alioth.debian.org/frs/download.php/2972/tuxmath-1.7.2-win32-installer.exe
TUXTYPING
Tux Typing" is an educational typing tutor for children. It features several different types of gameplay, at a variety of difficulty levels.
http://tuxtype.sourceforge.net/download/
STYKZ
Stykz is a great multi-platform stick figure animation program in the world and it is COMPLETELY FREE!
http://www.stykz.net/Home.html
LEGO DIGITAL DESIGNER
The program that lets you build with LEGO bricks on your computer.
http://ldd.lego.com/download/default.aspx
GOGGLE SKETCHUP
Google SketchUp 7 can create, modify and share 3D models for free
http://sketchup.google.com/download/
SCRATCH
Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web.
Scratch is designed to help young people (ages 8 and up) develop 21st century learning skills. As they create and share Scratch projects, young people learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaborativel. Scratch is available free of charge!
http://scratch.mit.edu/download

SETERRA

Seterra Geography Tutor - EXCELLENT and FUN way to learn World GeographyA very nice, and free, geography teaching package. Covers all parts of the world. Includes quizzes and map exercises. Runs in several different languages. Each exercise has a high score list. Examples of exercises: countries in Europe; US states; US state capitals; German cities; cities in Mexico; countries in Africa, etc, etc... Seterra is perfect for school use, for homeschooling or just for fun!
http://www.wartoft.nu/produkter/seterra/seterra.exe
ASTRONOMY SOFTWARES
STELLARIUM
Stellarium is planetarium software that shows exactly what you see when you look up at the stars. It's easy to use, and free.
http://www.stellarium.org/
CELESTIA
A free real-time space simulation that lets you experience our universe in three dimensions
http://www.shatters.net/celestia/
The resources will continue........Enjoy! Thanks to those super developers who gave it free! My congratulations for their noble thought, excellent effort and ensuring its availablity to all!

Great people who died in air crashes! I liked them for prowess in their fields...

2009-02-16T18:43:00.031+05:30

I was shocked and saddened by the information I saw about the number of famous personalities who lost their lives by tragic aircrashes at the pinnacles of their careers...

Jim Reeves

Soft-voiced country and western singer Jim Reeves6 enjoyed a string of hit singles in the early 1960s, including 'He'll Have To Go', 'I Won't Forget You' and, following his death, the biggest-selling single of 1964, 'I Love You Because'. His songs continued to record posthumous success right through to the 1970s, perhaps the most memorable being the 1966 hit 'Distant Drums'.On 31 July, 1964, Reeves was piloting a Beechcraft 35-B33 Debonair returning from Batesville, Arkansas to Nashville, Tennessee, when he ran into a thunderstorm. As was the case with the pilots in charge of the planes which killed Buddy Holly and Patsy Cline, Reeves was not qualified to fly on instruments. Two days later, the wreckage was found in dense woods ten miles south of Nashville. Reeves and his manager Dean Manuel were both killed. Coincidentally, both Reeves and Patsy Cline's pilot were trained by the same instructor.

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd were the undisputed kings of Southern Rock, producing five best-selling studio albums between 1973 and 1977, as well as the hit singles 'Free Bird' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Formed by Ronnie Van Zant in 1964 from friends and schoolmates in Jacksonville, Florida, the band was at its peak when on a tour of the southern states of the USA on 20 October, 1977.

On Thursday, October 20, 1977, just three days after the release of Street Survivors, and five shows into their most successful headlining tour to date, Lynyrd Skynyrd's chartered Convair 240 developed an engine problem, near the end of their flight En route between Greenville, South Carolina and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and started consuming excessive fuel. Eventually running low, the plane crash-landed in woodland near Gillsburg, Mississippi, killing six of the 26 aboard and seriously injuring many of the rest. Sadly, the dead included three band members: vocalist Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and Steve's sister and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines.Though the pilots attempted an emergency landing on a small airstrip, the plane crashed in a forest five miles northeast of Gillsburg, Mississippi. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray were all killed on impact

Homi Jehangir Bhabha (October 30, 1909 – January 24, 1966)

Homi Jehangir Bhabha, FRS was an Indian nuclear physicist who had a major role in the development of the Indian atomic energy program and is considered to be the father of India's nuclear program.He died in the Air India Flight 101 air disaster near Mont Blanc in 1966.

On the 24th of January 1966 at 0702 UTC, Air India Flight Number 101, a Boeing 707-437 called "Kanchenjunga" crashed on its regular route from Bombay (Mumbai) to London via Delhi, Beirut and Geneva. The plane was carrying 106 passengers and 11 crew members. It crashed into Glacier des Bossons (Bossons Glacier) on the south west face of Mont Blanc in France. At 4807 meters altitude, Mont Blanc is the highest summit in Western Europe. There were no survivors. It was quickly determined that the pilot had made a navigationalerror while descending for landing into Geneva. It was the second time such an air disaster had occurred on that part of the mountain, both crashes involving aircraft operated by Air India. Earlier on 3rd of November 1950 Air India Super Constellation called the "Malabar Princess," carrying 48 passengers and crew had crashed in almost exactly the same spot killing all on board.

After his death, the Atomic Energy Establishment was renamed as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in his honour. Bhabha also encouraged research in electronics, space science, radio astronomy and microbiology. The famed radio telescope at Ooty, India was his initiative, and it became a reality in 1970. Bhabha has since become known as the "Father of India's Atomic Energy Programme". The Homi Bhabha Fellowship Council has been giving the Homi Bhabha Fellowships since 1967. Other noted insititutions in his name are the Homi Bhabha National Institute, an Indian deemed university and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Mumbai, India.

Amelia Earhart (July 24, 1897 – missing July 2, 1937,

declared dead January 5, 1939)

Amelia Mary Earhart (pronounced "AIR-hart"); was a noted American aviation pioneer, and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences, and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.During an attempt to make a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Fascination with her life, career and disappearance continues to this day.

'Amelia Earhart' was the 'Action Girl' of her time. She set a world altitude record in 1931, and again on 21 May, 1932, in her Lockheed Vega, and became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, repeating Charles Lindbergh's feat of 1927. Taking off from Newfoundland, Earhart successfully overcame a series of technical crises, including a fuel leak and a broken altimeter, before landing the following day at Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Four years earlier she had become the first transatlantic female passenger in a Fokker F7, the Friendship, in 1928.

On that occasion, after negotiating an Atlantic storm, the crew successfully managed to land the Fokker at Burry Port, Wales.Earhart's end came during a round-the-world attempt in a Lockheed Electra 10E with navigator Fred Noonan in July, 1937. Having successfully travelled eastwards from Miami to Lae,New Guinea, they attempted a 2,500-mile hop to Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean. They never arrived, and a major air/sea search failed to recover anything. It is assumed that either they ran into a storm, or their navigation led them off course, and scattered clouds made it difficult to identify the tiny island before they ran out of fuel.

Ritchie Valens (17) (Richard Steven Valenzuela; May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959)

Buddy Holly (22)

Jiles "the Big Bopper" Richardson (29)

On February 3, 1959, a small-plane Beechcraft Bonanza crashed shortly after taking off in a snowstorm near Clear Lake, Iowa, United States killing three American rock and roll musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson. The day was later called 'The Day the Music Died', by Don McLean in his 1971 song "American Pie". Pilot was not IFR qualified. Valens got to go on the flip of a coin leaving Tommy Allsup behind.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. (November 25, 1960 – July 16, 1999),

often referred to as John F. Kennedy, Jr., JFK Jr., John Jr., John Kennedy or John-John, was a journalist, lawyer, pilot, and socialite. He was the first son of President John F.Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, and the younger brother of Caroline Kennedy and the older brother of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy. Known as the "American Son" Kennedy was one of the few presidential children to actually be raised in the White House. He was killed in a plane crash along with his wife and sister-in-law in mid-1999.

On July 16, 1999, Kennedy was killed along with his wife and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. He was flying a Piper Saratoga II HP from Essex County Airport in New Jersey to Martha's Vineyard. Kennedy and his wife were traveling to the wedding of his cousinRory in Hyannis, Massachusetts, which was then postponed, while Lauren was to have been dropped off at Martha's Vineyard en route.

Soundarya (July 17, 1971 - April 17, 2004)

She was a film actress in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films. She had a successful career of 12 years as heroine in films until her death in a plane crash near Bangalore. She acted in more than 100 films.Soundarya died on April 17, 2004 in an plane crash near Bangalore when the four-seater plane Cessna 180 caught fire immediately after take off . She was on her way to Andhra Pradesh to campaign for Bharatiya Janata Party for the elections. Her brother, Amarnath, a producer of Kannada films and the pilot of the plane also died in the accident. She was just three months pregnant.

Dag Hammarskjöld,

Son of a Swedish Prime Minister7, Dag Hammarskjöld8 was an economist who represented Sweden in the United Nations, and in 1953 was elected UN Secretary General. During his tenure, he led diplomatic efforts in the Korean War, the Suez Crisis and the Congolese Civil War, and he commissioned the first UN peace-keeping force.It was on 17 September, 1961 that Hammarskjöld took a flight from Léopoldville9 on a Douglas DC-6B to negotiate a ceasefire between UN and Congolese forces with the president of the Katanga Province. The plane crashed overnight into jungle on the approach to Ndola airport, Northern Rhodesia10, killing all 16 on board. The official investigation cites navigational errors causing too low an approach, but conspiracy theories also exist, including one that the plane was bombed by Western intelligence agents. Hammarskjöld was posthumously awarded the 1961 Nobel Peace Prize.

Wladyslaw Sikorski, (May 20, 1881 – July 4, 1943)

Polish national hero Wladyslaw Sikorski made his name fighting for independence against the Russian occupiers in the early part of the 20th Century. He led the Polish Army to victory in the Battle of Warsaw in 1920, and served as Prime Minister in the newly-independent republic. Losing power in a military coup in 1926, he left politics, but returned after Germanyinvaded Poland in September, 1939, forming a government-in-exile, based in the UK. Sikorski found himself at odds with Stalin, who had designs on annexing Poland, and in 1943 he accused the Russians of the murders of 4,000 Polish officers in an atrocity at Katyn. Russian sabotage is one of a number of theories surrounding Sikorski's death on 4 July, 1943.

Returning from an inspection of Polish troops in the Middle East, Sikorski was a passenger on a Consolidated B-24C Liberator which took off for London after a stopover in Gibraltar. The plane crashed into the sea, shortly after take-off, for no obvious reason, killing 12 of the 13 on board. Sikorski may well have been betrayed by Kim Philby, the double-agent who was head of British counter-intelligence in the area at that time. He was killed, together with his daughter, his Chief of Staff, Tadeusz Klimecki, and seven others, when his plane, a Liberator II, serial AL523, crashed into the sea 16 seconds after takeoff from Gibraltar at 23:07 hours. He was subsequently buried in a brick-lined grave at the Polish War Cemetery in Newark-on-Trent, England. On September 17, 1993, his remains were exhumed and transferred to the royal crypts at WawelCastle in Kraków, Poland. Other than to confirm the identity of the remains, no forensic examination was made. On July 2, 2008 archbishop Stanisław Dziwisz gave consent for the exhumation of Sikorski's remains from their grave in Krakow. An exhumation was necessary to investigate the circumstances of how Sikorski died, in spite of the account provided by the British Government. In January 2009 Polish investigators concluded that there was no evidence Sikorski was murdered.

Ramón Magsaysay, (August 31, 1907 - March 17, 1957)

The third president of the Philippines, Ramón Magsaysay4 was elected to office in 1953, and is widely regarded as a man of integrity and a champion of the people. A former guerilla leader during the Japanese occupation, he was an ally of the United States, and was one of the founders of the anti-communist SEATO alliance in 1954.It was during a re-election campaign on 17 March, 1957 that Magsaysay boarded his presidential Douglas C-47 for Manila, having given a speech in Cebu City. Later that day, the plane's wreckage was discovered on Mt Manunggal in Cebu. One survived, a journalist, but 24 lost their lives. The cause is not clear, but the crash is believed to have been accidental.

TNEB bill payment at your click!

2009-02-13T06:56:00.016+05:30

Tamilnadu Electricity Board, [TNEB] bill payment just a mouse click away! This has been a dream for many.. the long winding queues, grime, dust, inconvenient timings to pay the electricity bills; these hassles for chennaites has gone with the online payment option. Both online banking and credit cards are accepted..hope more net banking options are added soon! The EB deserves a pat on the back for catching up with the rest of the services by offering this facility to its customers!!

http://www.tnebnet.org/awp/TNEB/

Seen your Birth certificate (BC)

2009-02-13T06:56:00.011+05:30

Did you see your Birth certificate on the web? It applies to those who were born in the city of Chennai ( earlier called Madras). It was nice to see one's own birth certificate (BC) on the net and also get a soft copy downloaded free of charge. Not many would have even a copy of their BC and this is one you can get from searching through this website:

One has to enter just two data strings out of the many criteria asked and the gender is compulsory.

http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/online-civic-services/birthCertificate.do?do=show

Even death certificates of our ancestors could be viewed and downloaded

http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/online-civic-services/deathCertificate.do?do=show

This is a welcome step by the corporation of chennai and congrats to them for bringing this data online and making it freely accessible!

Driving to where?

2009-02-13T06:29:00.014+05:30

This takes you through the daily adventures of driving through our Indian roads. This is not meant to hurt anybody's feelings but only the real events which I have witnessed and experienced! I'm sure you too would have such experiences...

The population of vehicles have exploded with so many models/varieties on sale....Yet the roads remain much the same, some widened yet encroached upon, laying of new highways have given us some hope!!!

The two-wheelers are ruling the road now...Take these high powered bikes which accelerate to 60/80 kmph speed in just a few seconds. The Bajaj model 'pulsar', which is now called 'kolsar' meaning 'death bringer' in colloquial Tamil. These bikes have snatched the lives of many youngsters who have sped to their death on the ECR (East Coast Road).

These zippers like overtaking only to stop a few hundred metres away at the roadside. After overtaking, these nitwits steer directly across the overtaken vehicles' path forcing them take evasive action and slow down. While overtaking they seldom honk their horns and zip past very close scaring the living daylights out of the other driver the shivers.

The speed breakers do not break down these dashers who make a standing stunt while just bumping across the breaker. Little do they realise that they are wearing out their neck and spine vertebra..

Potholes and pits on the roads make it seem like driving through a rally mudtrack?! A consolation plaster of bitumen coat comes off in quick time making it compulsory for the driver to make a mental map of the pits and ditch locations to ensure a safe ride.

The main road intersections are a nightmare. Big trucks and other vehicles are parked just on the adjacent sides of the intersection making it very difficult for the driver to view the approaching traffic from the other lanes. This can be a recipe for disaster as the visibility is simply made worse by haphazard parking of vehicles on the sides of the intersection.

Well! you venture into the town, city or village and the going gets tougher, everybody seems to enjoy walking on the road and you need loads of patience if you have to get through without making anybody a patient! Horns or screeching brakes produce a fiery glance and a curse from many a jaywalker!

Take the highway, the simple flick of the headlight means you'd better make way or get rammed. Accelerator is meant to be jammed down and not let go for the fast and furious who just think the road is all theirs not sparing a thought for the rules or others. They jeopardize not only theirs but everyone elses' safety...

If you think driving is a pleasure...Think again, for it is now a pressure ride with uncertainity abound and anxiety untold...everyone would have their own story to tell?!!!

TV Serials watching?! Bane or boon?!

2009-02-05T18:19:00.009+05:30

Oh well! This is about the TV serials telecast almost round the clock on various television channels in all languages. A universal issue...There are two sides to this issue...The benefits; hmmm... to the advertisers who shell money to keep you hooked to the idiot box, to the actors who get easy money starring in these never ending serials. The viewer get to see all kinds of emotions on the screen day in and day out till their eyes pop out!

There are certainly many themes- fiction, family, comedy, game show, talk show, movie reviews, film songs, interviews, personality meets, special shows, news digests, debates, etc. the list never ends. There is useful stuff nevertheless interspersed in lots of junk!

There are ratings for movies...censor classification of A, PG, etc grading into different viewership ages based on the violence, sex, gore, subject etc. But I am wondering why there is nothing for these TV serials which stream into our homes all through the day and night without any control/ censoring of any sort? beats me?! Atleast the movies are short and last only for a couple of hours but these serials go on and on. The levels of morals are absymally low in most of their content ..there are only a few exceptions. This could affect/ impact the viewer's psyche -subconsciously!

The solution is for the viewers to use discretion in their choice of programmes and skip watching TV during the time when their children study. Replace some of the TV serial viewing time with book reading, going out for walk, socialising, spending quality time with kids, family or simply enjoy music! The lesser you get addicted to TV serials the better! What do you say?

Pillars of Democracy-Driving us Crazy?!

2009-02-05T15:25:00.009+05:30

The General elections are nearing and things are hotting up already! This time it is the Election commission and its autonomy which are at stake. I think the reasons why we still remain a democracy is the non-interference of defense forces in the political system, the independence of the Election process, unity in diversity in everything?!

We still have to shake off many of the practices followed during the British raj which have lost its relevance today. The leadership vacuum is always an issue. Dynasty politics is openly followed and people do not learn quickly that independence so hardly won by the martyrs of freedom struggle is being ravaged by brainless politics.

An election commissioner must have a iota of affiliation with any political organization which would make him partial in his functioning. The office needs highly responsible, patriotic, independent and bold administrator and not a pawn of any party. The boldness of Shri.T.N.Seshan, the intelligence of Dr.Abdul Kalam and the mastery of Shri.Kamaraj are the traits needed? Anyone has any thoughts on this? The political nitwits are driving people crazy with their short sighted, hair brained approaches which could cause serious damage to our democracy. Let our country Awake!

Software jobs and their effects!

2009-02-05T10:39:00.017+05:30

I think there is a social problem due to the enormous stress the software jobs are creating on our young workforce..The BPO's, late night working hours, extended work hours, tight & unreasonable job targets are putting a big burden and drives up the stress levels to intolerable levels. The stress does exist in all kinds of jobs; but the recent increase in divorce, home violence and suicide incidents has driven me to open this topic. In the current scenario the youth are flocking in millions to the software jobs which gives them the high salaries and posh life styles. But beneath this golden fleece lies umpteen challenges for them to face.

The current economic downtrend has seen huge layoffs and salary reductions which has stranded many software professionals. They are forced to cut down their lavishes and adjust their spending. But not many find the change manageable...This is a worrying trend...The earlier Indian system of a closely knit family (Joint family) used to be such a fine medicine in dealing with stress, boredom and loneliness. Now even small families are scattered; both husband and wife go to work..leaving the child/children at crèche or home giving very less time for mutual interaction. Feeling, thoughts, problems are not heard and there is no or very few people to confide in or talk to. Suicides and divorces are unfathomable, dangerous happenings which must never occur in any society. Husband and wife live in separate places with children either living with single parent or at a boarding school. The upbringing of a growing generation of children is leaving much to be desired. Both parents role in a good child personality development is essential. I have more to say but only after you voice your opinion on these alarming changes....

Bharatanatyam! Anusham dance group

2009-02-02T00:28:00.042+05:30

I had the wonderful opportunity to witness a dance arangetram of a senior student of the Anusham dance school on 1st February, Sunday held at the Krishna Gana Sabha(an auditorium, located at T.nagar, Chennai. 'Arangetram' is the debut performance of a student of Bharatanatyam.

It was a delight to watch the graceful and vibrant exposition of the subtle art in motion. It was a treat to hear the excellent support provided by the vocal music group headed by Shri.Gireesh Menon. It was a proud moment for the people associated with the young dancer Kumari Chitra Rajaram and it was satisfying to see our younger generation keep our rich tradition and culture alive by exhibiting such a proficiency.

The performace showed that the dancer had practised diligently and that the gurus had ensured through their careful and involved teaching the complete development of the art in all its grace and divinity. The students are fortunate to have been blessed with such teachers!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharatanatyam

http://www.tamilnation.org/culture/dance/index.htm

Anusham is the brain child of Shri.Narendra Kumar.

“Anusham Dance Group”

Narendra Kumar L, Anusha Narendra Kumar

11/1 Sivagamipuram 2nd Cross St

Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600041

Ph: +91-044-55383851

e-mail: anusham8@hotmail.com

http://www.anushamdancegroup.com/main.htm

Anusham, the seed or 'beeja' has been nurtured by the creativity and undaunted efforts of the Dancing couple Shri. Narendra Kumar, his wife Smt.Anusha and their friends, from myriad disciplines of dance, theatre, music, martial and visual arts. The Narendras are disciples of the famous Dhanajeyans

http://www.bharatakalaanjali.org/intro.html

http://www.narthaki.com/info/profiles/profil12.html

Sri V P Dhananjayan and wife Shanta Dhananjayan, popularly known as the Dhananjayans have become a legendary dancing couple of India in their own life time. Having established their own academy Bharata Kalanjali, the two disciples of the legendary Rukmini Devi of Kalakshetra, have become international celebrities

The chief guests for the Arangetram Bharatanatyam performance were

Padmabhushan Dr.Padma subramaniyam (President 'Nirthyodaya', Managing Trustee, Bharatamuni Foundation for Asian Culture)

http://www.padmadance.com/nrithyodaya/index.htmlhttp://dances.indobase.com/dancers/padma-subramanyam.html

and Kalaimamani Dr.Ambika Kameshwar (Founder/ Director, RASA)

http://www.rasaindia.org/dr_ambika/index.htm

There is another Arangetram of another student Kumari.S.Meera of Anusham on 8th February at the same venue. This function would be presided by the great dancer Padmashree Smt.Chitra Visweswaran (Managing Trustee, Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts) and Dr.Chandra Ramani (Secretary, BKSSI Trust)

http://www.webindia.com/visweschitra/chitra.htm

http://dances.indobase.com/dancers/chitra-vishweswaran.html

NAGESH! a versatille actor- passes away....

2009-02-01T09:59:00.011+05:30

Nagesh (September 27, 1933 – January 31, 2009), the veteran star has taken his place in the heavens after a distinguished career in tamil films. This ia a huge loss for the filmworld and the millions of fans all over the globe. He has donned several roles as hero, villian, comedian, father, friend.....yet he has impressed me as a character artist and comedian.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagesh_(actor)

His role as a tamil poet 'Dharmi' in the famous tamil literary-mythical movie 'Thiruvilaiyaadal'

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246986/

- is a memorable and enjoyable comedy performance. He has acted with all famous stars of the yester years, M.G.R and Sivaji ganesan and with many contemporary actors like Rajinikanth, Kamalhassan and many others. A movie of Kamal sans Nagesh was unimaginable. May god give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace...

A Great Science Magazine for children!

2009-01-30T18:50:00.024+05:30

I want to tell you about "The Young Scientists" excellent science magazine

http://www.theyoungscientists.in/

I firmly believe that the interest for book reading interest should be kindled at an early age. Books must get their attention and keep them focused. These books do just that and my children are big fans and they love reading these colorful and informative mags. This opens up new frontiers to their minds and unlocks their imagination......

This children's magazine science comic series has these features:

60 Pages Of Colourful, Conversational And Comic Style Content Plus Free 15 Page Collectible Booklet With Every Issue
Promotes Reading And Learning through Fun
Content Customised to Different Age Groups; Levels 1,2 and 3
Delivered In Small Digestable Installments
Contextual Help On English Vocabulary ,Brain Teasers, Mathematics And Reasoning
Interesting Science Experiments And Activities
Published From Singapore With Excellent Print Quality
Programme Enjoyed By Over 100,000 children in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Qatar, Dubai, Oman, USA, UK, UAE And Indonesia..now also in INDIA!!!

FULL COLORED illustrations, comic -cum-story telling approach to explain science.

Young Scientists Level 1 ( ages 6 to 8 ) primary 1 & 2 Introduction series developing scientific curiosity

Young Scientists Level 2 ( ages 8 to 10 ) The contents are of primary 3 & 4 science syllabus.

Young Scientists Level 3 ( ages 9 to 12 ) The contents are of primary 5 & 6 science syllabus
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Children really adore these books!! They are good value for money!

Fuel prices!! Rise and Fall! Myth?

2009-01-30T18:19:00.005+05:30

We are facing another fuel price reduction ( which is a rarity)...but the customer does not get the immediate benefit as the fuel is being sold only at the earlier prices till the so-called stock gets finished. But the irony as you all know is the harsh fact that you see an immediate correction in the price if it is hiked or the fuel bunks run dry suddenly. You find it impossible to bring these culprits to the book. There is absolutely no relation between the global fuel price and the domestic price. The price fixation is to the whims and fancies of the oil companies which need to rake in profits at the cost of the public who pay through their nose - the unreasonable fuel price. That the diesel price rise has a snow balling effect on the entire commodity prices is a well known fact; yet this is overlooked just to give the oil companies the profits. What an economic shortsight! Now having an eye on the elections the much delayed price correction is made not for the suffering public but for the votes...What are we going to? God help our nation and our resilient??!! economy??!!

Cirque de Soleil - rewriting Circus Entertainment!

2009-01-29T19:59:00.016+05:30

Hi! I want to share with you about one of the recent shows I had downloaded from the net. It is about Cirque de Soleil [French for "Circus of the Sun," in English pronounced /sɜrk duː soʊˈleɪ/] is an entertainment company http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/. Based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier who decided to create a new venue for their passion.Under the guidance of Guy Laliberté, Cirque du Soleil has used its passion for creativity and innovation to redefine the entertainment landscape, and thrill audiences all around the world.

Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. They draw the audience into the performance through continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props, and by having no curtains.No ring and no animals helped make Cirque du Soleil the modern circus ("Cirque Nouveau"/New Circus) that it is today Cirque du Soleil began when a group of street performers in Quebec (Canada).

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque_du_Soleil

There are so many shows on different themes and each one is a treat to watch..I enjoyed the few I saw and looking forward to seeing more. This spectacular entertainment of music, dance, acrobatics, colors, antics, jugglery and more neatly packed into a spectacle of fun and enjoyment to the audience. Hope you too try to see and enjoy!

I will be posting some different topics which I had experienced and want to share with you...

Mundane Experiences!

2009-01-27T08:45:00.009+05:30

Hi! I wish to share a little tidbit which brings to the fore the small things we do in life inadvertently, yet it has a big effect on the others...I was going to my office which is Strategic restricted access R&D facility and it has security personnel manning the main gates. All personnel going on their own vehicles are expected to display their vehicle permits and also their identity cards for scrutiny before entry is allowed.

I usually have the habit of clearly displaying (as soon I start from home) the entry permit kept on a separate flap over my shirt pocket and the ID card prominently clipped beside it offering a clear view of both on the front side. The security personnels' job is made so easier to view both side by side and he happily clears me to in without wasting much time! I've seen others fiddling inside their pockets/ bags for the permit after coming to the gate only. This delays others waiting on their vehicle behind them besides frustrating the security.

I've been commended by the security men many times about the clear and ready manner of displaying my entry permit & the ID card! It felt good that I had made their life easier and also in turn had the privilege of a quick yet secure entry! Such win-win situations lifts one's spirits however small they are! Thought I'd share this with you; hope you too have something like this to share! I'm waiting to hear!!!

Welcome OBAMA!!!

2009-01-25T01:16:00.010+05:30

History has been made! Martin Luther King's dream has been realised. Barack Hussein Obama II, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama, an Afro (Kenyan) American is the 44th president of USA. Humble beginnings, a student at Harvard and later as a law professor at the University of Chicago and with a passion for his blackberry mobile makes him a very well equipped person to face the challenge!

But he inherits a weak US economy, a country caught up in costly wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, recession, huge unemployment and many hostilities due to bush's horrible policies. World is watching how he steers his nation? what stand he will take on various issues? His inaugural speech was different from the usual style adopted by earlier presidents.

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Barack_Obama%27s_Inaugural_Address

What have we here? Watching the teeming millions who came infrom all over the US for the inauguration brings up great expectations!

Obamas fascination with how Abe Lincoln faced War, division and Economic Catastrophe is something to watch out for!

The coming months would unravel his approach and clear up the air on many fronts! Till then We have to wait, observe and hope!!! All the best O"BAMA"!!! You have a uphill task! May god be with you and guide you on the right path!

Wow to the Oscars!

2009-01-23T19:56:00.009+05:30

Way to go ARR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.R._Rahman!

At last an Indian gate crashing into the Oscar nights.....

First kudos to ARR

for winning the Golden Globe award for the Best original music score!

Three nominations beyond anyones wildest dreams! My heart goes out to congratulate the entire team of the Slumdog Millionaire! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/

Every true music lover would love to see Rahman the "Mozart of Chennai" hold up the Oscar along with many other artistes from this movie! I wish the SDM sweeps the oscars! Hip hip hooray!!! A good inter ethnic collaboration can take many more Indians to greater heights in various fields!!! ARR too voiced this opinion! With recognition comes more fame and her is wishing ARR http://www.arrahman.com/more success in his tryst with Hollywood! Greater glory awaits him and we can enjoy many more albums/ creations from his musical genius!!! This event has triggerred me to my first post of 2009 hope more will follow!!!

Positive thoughts

2008-12-28T16:26:00.000+05:30

Well that's it! I feel I should start writing about some of the positives we have around us rather than focus on the negative, deteriorating standards of human life. I definitely feel that each one of us has something good or positive happening in our lives and it unfortunately gets buried among the other mundane matters. Positive thoughts ought to emanate from our midst. Like the seed reaching out for the sun, sky and space for its whiff of life; our lives should move on. The spark of life must endure the storm to break out into the oasis. As Shri.Tagore put it so nicely..."as tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection...where the head is held high...where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the deary desert sand of dead habits...I hope I'm right with the quote; each word rings in my mind for its positive impact.

Web Links to explore

2007-03-20T07:09:00.000+05:30

Hi dear friends,
The Internet is an ocean of info, but searching sometimes proves to be like finding a needle in a haystack. The aim is for us to mutually share web links with a short summary of what one can find in each link....Lets share and benefit!!!
http://gigapedia.org free registration, many subjects, books for download, great site!

Ask me and you could get it!

2007-03-19T00:01:00.000+05:30

Hi dear people,
Greetings! I take immense pleasure in searching for info on the net and finding it. I have a decent collection of literature on a wide range of topics which I am willing to share. You just let me know your wants. Post a Request and I shall get back to you! Just wait for my reply....Sharing knowledge multiplies it and gives a sense of satisfaction!!!

Taxation

2007-03-18T23:48:00.000+05:30

Well taxation in our country..Is it uniformly loaded vis-a-vis the earning/financial condition of the individual? Why should services be so heavily taxed when the govt is doing little to promote infrastructure development. Toll fees on roads is a comedy of errors. By the time you reach your destination, you find a big hole in your pocket. More classes of citizens need to brought into the taxnet instead of fleecing the salaried class. Hmmm. PC are your listening?! well PC always has an answer to refute an argument...Have your say...

Blogs I visit!

2007-03-18T07:31:00.000+05:30

Here are the blogs I see often...

http://yaatirai.blogspot.com/
http://kahin-duur.blogspot.com/
http://rmadhu.blogspot.com/

Cricket?!

2007-03-18T07:10:00.000+05:30

Do we need to give so much importance to this game? There are other exciting and less time consuming games that cricket. These cricketers are cult figures; revered as idols and hogging the limelight for these seemingly superhuman performances which bring nothing good to the nation. Feel good factor is not the only return you get from watching these guys play. You lose your precious time, peace of mind and rob other games their right due. Media, ads, sponsors have hyped up this game by their coverage of cricket and neglect of other sports. People must wake up or else we would be nowhere in Olympics, Hockey, Tennis, Chess...There are talents which have to be identified, nurtured and improved. So much needs to be done. When will we wake up?!

Favourite movies list

2007-03-17T17:15:00.001+05:30

The list is big and I will keep adding as I recall...

Indiana Jones series, Fugitive, Thiruvilayaadal, Maayaa Bazaar, Flight of the navigator, Short-circuit, Independence day, Airforce one, Hum hai rahe pyar ke, Feels like heaven, Viceversa, Back to the future series, Pelican brief, The Firm, The Net, Titanic, Trinity series (Old west), Magnificent seven, 36th Chamber of Shaolin,

Favourite musicians list

2007-03-17T17:15:00.000+05:30

The list is big and I will keep adding as I recall...

The Corrs, Paul Mauriat, David lanz, Bombay Jayashri, Aruna sayeeram, Ravi kiran,
Kunnakkudi Violin, Kenny G, Old hits of Ilayaraja, Bhanumati,

Credit and money..

2007-03-17T16:58:00.000+05:30

Yes! Money has become the lifeline for many. It supercedes all other wants. But there is a shadowy monster looming over and swallowing the peace of many a mind -CREDIT. People are switching over fast to the system of credit cards, loans and more loans. Is it the way to go? Wants, desires and wishes need to be pegged back to suit ones own means and must never lead to the snowballing effect of taking indiscriminate credit. People beware you are being systematically drawn into a vicious cycle of credit from which escape is dificult. It must be realised that there is nothing more satisfying than being independent and credit free..Think and decide wisely!!! What is your say?!!! Money is not everything! Money can't buy everything! Taking too much into it am I???

Orkut concerns

2007-03-17T16:51:00.000+05:30

Well Greetings dear friends! Many of us have taken a liking to the Orkut community. But is the data uploaded there gonna be misused? There is a pretty relevant profile of each user which is there and could be tampered with. What is the protection for the data? Anyway bloggers and orkut users are patronising it well, yet there lingers an air for concern.what do you have to say?

VIJI Here!

2007-03-16T09:06:00.000+05:30

Hi! Great to start a blog of my own...Thought of it for a while and now here I am..I'd love to hear you people talk and I have got lots of plans with this blog. I am thinking of all the nice useful stuff and links I can put up here for your benefit. Keep coming here regularly and check it out. Do not forget to say your comments! I seek your lively participation!