Tuesday, December 19, 2006

travelling???!!

gearing up for some travel?? Searching newpapers, net, travel magazines to make a perfect vacation?? Here are some of the great travel sites offering you travel advice, maps, travel guides, hotel reviews and FAQs giving you information, culture and the history of the country or place you wish to visit.

Round the globe - Lonely Planet
Karnataka Travel - Karnataka Tourism, Dream Routes

Last but never the least… for all who are set for that perfect get-away, there are a few things that you got to know...and which have to be addressed with caution. Here are some of the “before you go” tips....(if u can call it).

· Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
· If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
· Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
· Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
· Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that you’ll take with you, as well as those you’ll leave at home.
· Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box. If you don’t have, or can’t get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.
· Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
· Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
· Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
· Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
· You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
· Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
· Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
· Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
· Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
· Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone.

And.... ensure that your driver is a Leo!!! :))) All the best, plan your trip and have a memorable time with family and frends

Bush signs the Indo-US nuclear deal

Excerpt from NDTV.

The halls of the White House, decked with boughs of holly, rang through with the sounds of celebration as President George W Bush signed the Indo-US nuke deal. The passage of the crucial deal in the US Congress comes just before the Christmas holidays. "Today, I have the honour of signing a bill that will strengthen the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. The relationship between the United States and India has never been more vital. And this bill will help us meet the energy and security challenges of the 21st century," said Bush.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

"Team Spirit did the trick."

This is what Graeme Smith, captian of South African cricket team, had to say after thrashing India 4-0 in the ODI series in South Africa.

How important is this team spirit… is team spirit the only success factor.. did the Indian team loose the series because they lacked it? Can you point the fingers at lack of motivation and self confidence in the team players? What does team sprit do to the team.. and to the individuals??? How important it is to keep self and the team motivated all the time? Well certainly, the Indian team's body language said it all. They lacked confidence, which was evident in their shot selections and the way they moved their feet when they faced the charging South African pacers Mkhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Shaun Pollock on the field. It was soo much obvious watching on tv that the India cricket team is punctured in the mind.

Thinking positive, being strong, driving out the fears, working more than their potential is not just sports player’s recipe for success, but also for individuals in every walk of life. It has to come from within and all it takes is to look inside. This enlightened mind, this self realization brings strength to a person who has the urge to taste success. Be it your project team or your football team, be it in movie making, be it in an army defending the entire nation.. or be it your own small lovely family… everywhere… being positive and motivated just helps!!! You got to keep up the spirits at any cost :)

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

India @ crossroads with the world

India shud not accept any changes in the Indo-Us Nuclear deal. Crazy or what…? Its a gimmick that the US is playing... twisting India’s arm on the nuclear deal saying get some changes in the deal and get this bill completed this year, else processing will start all over again by the newly elected Congress. Read this… US advocates want the changes in the Nuclear deal.. I say.. what was Bush & Co. doing when they had come down to India to sign the historic deal?????? India should say… “No changes" or "Hell with it!!!”

You will see this happng..... USA is bound to play with India in its bid for UNSC membership.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Little Women

Its becoming a habit now… to stay awake late night watching tv. thanks to all the Saas-Bahu soaps, I get to touch the remote only after 11pm. Anyway, over the last few days there hav been quite good movies.. (real classic ones) on Hallmark and SonyPix. Only yesterday I saw one of “7 movies i want to watch again”. “Little Women” , a classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott(November 29, 1832 – March 6, 1888), an American Novelist and Transcendentalist. This literary work has been made into a full length movie by several movie makers in 1933, 1949, 1978, and 1994, but the most impressive one has been by Gillian Amrstrong in 1994 which has been nominated for several awards including Oscars. And this particular version of the movie was aired on SonyPix yesterday night (Nov 8th, 2006) as a part of the the “Perfect 10” movie lists.



Little Women is a story which Louisa May Alcott wrote while living in Orchard House, located in Concord, Massachusetts, United States in 1868. It is based on Alcott's own experiences as a child and the lives and loves of the four sisters (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy) of the March family growing up during the American Civil War. As these young girls mature as women, they learn the ways of life in dealing with the hardships that come with poverty in a closely knitted circle of family and frends. Alcott, as one of the girls (Jo or Josephine March, who is the main character of the movie/novel) accounts the journey, the sisters and the March family take, making friends, loves and acquaintances. For me, after reading the novel and seeing the movie again (first time i watched this was almost an year and half back when I was in Norway, this was before i read the novel).. its like being a part of the entire story all over again. Each character has its own uniqueness and so very neatly etched by Alcott. Every delicate little thing that novel says about each of the character.. the movie has tried to capture all of it so beautifully.. in its own subtle ways. The spirit n the nature of each character is put on screen so elegantly that this tops my all time favorite movies to watch. In any novel u get a chance to get introduced to the character by a brief intro about him/her at the beginning or wherever in between.. n Gillian Amrstrong directing the movie has so beautifully got the sequences in place, so that the character exhibits his/her true nature/quality… and one learns more about that character as the movie progresses. Meg’s greed, Jo's anger, Beth's shyness, Amy's selfishness, Laurie’s love for Jo, the playful times of the family even amidst all the harsh times (due to poverty and illness),… the times during the American Civil War… the Christmas celebrations,…. all of it is so gracefully portrayed. For the person watching the movie.. reading these minute details on-screen.., n watching them in the character' s eyes n expressions is a classic experience, truly magical!! Wish I cud record the entire movie :) … mayb I wil try n get the movie on the net or something. As I said this movie was shown as a part “Perfect 10” movie list… I certainly, for surely give it a 10 out of 10. I woudnt wish to tell you the plot or the story of these lovely Little Women, you must see and experience it for yourself. Don’t miss this movie if you get a chance to watch. I wud say, watch the movie… then read the novel and then watch it again. Believe me u wil cherish it forever. You will feel n enjoy the movie a lot more than u had during the fist time. You will never miss all those tiny little things which will keep you craving for more.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Dont miss it.....

Art, crafts, music, drama, theatre.... has always made me go mmmmmmm http://livingdreamz.blogspot.com/2005/12/bangalore-habba.html. Just the thought of the cultural and artistic performances makes me feel happy about it.. for all the emotions involved, for all the effort, for all the interest that goes in and for all the message it gives to the society. I always had the interest for dance n drama... n I have this feeling that there is something more in me for all this. I enjoy every bit of it whenevr i read or see something on tv or elsewhere. But i hvnt been able to give much time to read, or witness such events. This october, The Rangashankara Theatre festival has drawn me towards it, n is already making news. Started on Oct 8th, this colourful, spirited celebration of theatre will go on for another 4 days i.e. till Oct 15th. However the magic and the sounds of the plays will resonate in the magnificent theatre at the Rangashankara all 365 days as dramas, plays (natakas) are scheduled round the year. Check out the schedule for the list of plays during this Theatre festival. Its truly a treat for all the theatre lovers, dont miss it!

Know more about Rangashankara @ http://www.rangashankara.org/

Monday, October 09, 2006

Its a Nuclear world!!

North Korea has claimed that it has successfully carried out a nuclear test. The test, which reportedly took place underground, was conducted in defiance of international agencies. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the test was a success and had not resulted in any leak of radiation.

Full text of the official announcement
The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
It has been confirmed that there was no such danger as radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test as it was carried out under a scientific consideration and careful calculation.
''The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 per cent. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it.

International Reactions
U.S. > NK test "would constitute a provocative act".
China > "North Korea has ignored the widespread opposition of the international community and conducted a nuclear test brazenly on October 9. The Chinese government is firmly opposed to this. The Chinese side strongly demands the North Korean side abide by its pledges on de-nuclearisation and to stop any action that would worsen the situation."
United Kingdom> "This nuclear test will be viewed by the UK and the rest of the international community as a highly provocative act to which we will respond robustly. It can only raise tensions in an already tense region, and have repercussions internationally."
South Korea> "Our government will sternly deal with this in accordance with the principle that it will not tolerate North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons. North Korea's behaviour is a grave threat to peace and stability, not only in the Korean peninsula but also in Northeast Asia. Our military, based on the South Korea-US alliance, is fully ready for any provocation by North Korea."
Australia> "Australia will advocate a UN Security Council regime against [North Korea] which includes targetted financial and travel sanctions, other trade restrictions and/or aviation restrictions."

The impact on me was more when i read this line on the net - "Asia is the most weponised and violent continent in the world. " :(

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Monday, August 28, 2006

News shape minds - Minds shape nation

news
/nuz, nyuz/ Spelled Pronunciation [nooz, nyooz]
–noun (usually used with a singular verb )

1. newly received or noteworthy information about recent events. 2 (the news) a broadcast or published news report. 3. (news to) informal information not previously known to.

News.. was interesting when we were kids... to read newpapers, watch the 9’o clock news on National TV and get to know the events that shaped the world. Such wonderful times!!… Now, things have deteriorated, its nothing but reports relating to crime and misery, bomb blasts, attacks, terrorism, deaths, crisis, hatred, chaos... has the world changed or just the news that come across to us??? News today is all that hampers the growth of a peaceful and a vibrant mind. 80% of the newspaper or the pvt media channels mirror only the dark side of human kind. Times have not remained the same, yet the responsibility of the media is to build a society with a strong foundation of humanity, love, properity and growth. So much power the media has. News is supposed to inspire and drive individuals, communities, civilizations towards progress and exploration of the world within and around us. All the news channels/newpapers are a big let down today. None of them… think there are atleast 8-10 (probably more than that) pvt Indian news channels running on TV as of today… and yet every other channel just report everday incidents rather than enlighten people. A very good habit that my father taught me, to read the news paper and watch the National news for one hour daily, i can not impart the same to the children of today. All that today’s newpapers/TV channels crave is to get more and more viewers hooked to them by reporting cheap, controversial and behind the door events, than to build the young minds of a nation. It’s a rat race, an absolute mockery that the media is making of itself today and the jokers being the ones who make the headlines. arent they??????

Man in the glass...

[read this.... simply awesome]

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight shooting chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life,
And get pats on your backs as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears...
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

- Anonymous (Fwdd by a friend!)

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Speaking Tree - 5 keys to transform your destiny - Aug 08, 2006

Destiny is the predetermined, pre-ordained blue print of one's life. Is the path and destination of every individual life mapped even before the person’s birth?

The individual soul carries an invisible balance sheet of debit and credit and this serves to propel the soul to animate a particular embryo. The parents, country, marriage partner, life span, all major and probably even minor events are determined by one's karma. Every thought, word and deed registers in the consciousness and serves as the seed for a future effect.

Where does all this leave the individual? A helpless puppet at the mercy of effects of remote planets, buffeted around by the effects of assailing thoughts, words uttered and actions committed or omitted in another time and space. If everything is predetermined do I have any choice or free will?

The options are -

A. My fate is fixed by my past karmas. Might as well accept it and play along.
B. My life is pre-determined but I can try to handle it to the best of my ability.
C. Though my life is pre-determined, there is a way to transform the effects of karma and reshape my destiny.

Well, each of the above options is as true as you make it. For millions of lifetimes, a soul is swept along helplessly. However, there comes a special lifetime where the individual soul encounters a catastrophe, or a series of ordeals, or a guru. There arise some questions universal to the human heart - which act as pointers to the endless path stretched out in front of the being. Eternal questions of self-awareness begin to arise as - Do I have a choice? If so how do I exercise my choice towards a joyful future? What is the correct way to live?

This probing, searching, seeking is the beginning of the exciting process of growth, self-discovery and completion. The spiritual truth is that you definitely do have a choice in shaping your destiny, even in the face of negative past karma.

Destiny is the impetus, momentum and direction given to your life by past actions. The law of cause and effect is strict and accords with scientific reason. Every action has its consequence and manifests whenever the external conditions are conducive. So is one a helpless pawn at the mercy of the effects of what we don’t even remember? Well, not quite.

Destiny or the total collection and force of your past actions can be transformed. The alchemy of this transmutation is possible, but not easy. Swimming against a strong current never is. To be the conscious and aware script writer of your drama is an art and skill, which can diligently be cultivated and mastered. In fact this striving to move from the shadows to luminosity is probably the sole purpose of human life.

KEY 1 -Always take complete responsibility for your life

All that you face today - be it bad health, an uncaring spouse, a financial crunch, an unfair deal from parents or your child - remember nobody is to blame - not circumstances, people, planets, God or even you. You are also not to blame; because your past actions were committed from your level of awareness at that stage. However, taking complete responsibility amounts to accepting the law of cause and effect not just intellectually, but from the depths of your life; with a gut wrenching honesty you need to logically deduce and accept your past actions.

Seeds once sown will sprout some day, unless they are roasted in the fire of repentance. The catch is that, it is difficult to repent what you do not remember doing. One needs to take complete responsibility, coupled with a deep appreciation for this opportunity for growth and conscious evolution. In this painful yet heroic endeavour you always have the divine as your constant and silent comrade, witness and guide - much like Arjuna had Krishna. However , the difficult decision and the fighting of the war was Arjuna’s prerogative, as is yours.

KEY 2 - Learn the art of conscious living

The character and personality of every human being is determined by their samskars or tendencies. Every thought word and deed produces a faint crease in the fabric of the subconscious mind. We tend to repeat our patterns of mistakes and disasters, by unwittingly allowing compulsive patterns of irritation, lust, hatred, ahamkara and foolishness deepen these creases into grooves, and our reactions and responses flow like a recurring theme into these, just as, water tends to flow compulsively from a higher to a lower level. A Herculean will and a lucid constant awareness of one's actions, and more importantly the motives behind the actions, is mandatory to live consciously in every moment Intense aspiration, discipline, perseverance, meditation and prayer help you to go through the fire of periodic critical self-appraisal.

Soon candid confessions become the order of the day. One begins to catch ones thoughts like - Yes, I need to improve, What I am doing is not best way to do it or Yes, I felt a twinge of envy at my colleagues promotion or I am always trying to prove my superiority in obvious or subtle ways . This fire of honest self-analysis gradually purifies and destroys the old, not-so-positive tendencies.

KEY 3: To cultivate new, positive, life-enhancing qualities.

If key 2 is pulling unwanted weeds from your garden, key 3 is to plant new seeds of your choice. Paint the picture of your life by cherishing a vision of a peaceful, abundant and compassionate you. How would you walk, talk, dress, conduct yourself? What would be the vibrations emanating from your heart if you were a perfect human being? Have a vision, which you desire to manifest and nurture, a prayerful and humble desire to create it. Transformation does not occur by suppression, control or magic but the sweat and toil of assiduous moment-to-moment efforts. The scene changes when anger converts into patience and compassionate action, lust transforms into a hunger for beauty and peace. Seeds planted in the fertile soil of the subconscious mind invariably bear fruit. Of course, if you sow apples you cannot expect tangy oranges. Again the choice and the responsibility, both are yours.

Key one was to do with the conscious mind, Key 2 and 3 with the subconscious mind. Key 4 is to get in touch with your super consciousness.

KEY 4 -Awaken to the vast potential within

What we are aware about ourselves is miniscule compared to the unknown, boundless treasures within. Everything one has ever dreamt about or longed for - lies deep within.

The acid test as to whether you are touching and realizing your goal or not, is to honestly answer the questions - are most of my actions motivated by self interest? Am I not able to accept opposing points of view? Am I unable to love and accept others and myself? If the answer to any of these is yes, you need to pull up your socks.

Key 5: Have faith and surrender

Have faith in yourself and your connection to your source, which is experienced as a living presence in the depths of your heart. It’s your choice, whether you want to stretch out your arms to it, with a child like simplicity or turn your back to it with the disbelief of the rational mind. The most beautiful realities of life cannot be touched or explained, but can be felt with the heart.

Surrender with loving trust to the vibration in the deepest recesses of your being. Have confidence that help and protection, love and grace are within you and you can access them by simply flowing in the present moment. By making the purer, nobler choice for a larger good at every crossroad, simultaneously, renouncing the anxieties of the past and future - is the key to align yourself to a higher will.

By the application of these 5 keys you can learn to resist the gravitational pull of your negativities and soar high to a dimension where karma ceases to matter.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Evening thoughts....

Ok ok.. i accept!! i cudn find time off from work to add somethng to my blogspace. Well, better late than never. so here i am! Just to start off from where i left off... WorldCup fever is over and Italy turned out to be the champions this time, with France bowing out in a rather bizzare fashion(after the head-butt incident from Zidane) in the finals. And Klinsmann's Germany managed to beat Portugal in the third place play off... the scorelines read 3-1.. thts was an amazing game!!

Its been quite a pleasent evening sitting at my office and staring out of this big window i have to my side. perfect weather n time to take a walk and have a cup of
hot masala sweet corn n walk by the lake. (see pic) this is what is see when i turn right of my desk... isnt it inviting?? :) and its always a good habit to look out when things are a bit hard to handle from within.... well, this is all i can find time to blog this time .. catch u sometime soon... will be back with more on my views abt the world i see around me! C ya...

Thursday, July 06, 2006

FIFA WorldCup Germany 2006

The story so far....



Being a die hard fan of football .. i certainly am not gonna miss the last two matches of the FIFA Worldcup 2006 ... first being the fight for the third place between Germany and Portugal, two young teams fighting it out for pride... and the second... the great clash for the title between France and Italy in the finals on Sunday (July 9th). Klinsmann (the german coach) certainly wud want to make it at the third spot for his nation. I greatly admire him for giving his commitment towards the game and in grooming the young lads of the german national team to the last four in the championship this year. His energy, passion and love for the game is simply unmatched.. (guess wat.. he is a Leo!). German football hasn't always been attacking and attractive, but Jurgen Klinsmann has changed all that... he knows wat it means to hold the golden world cup in one's hands.. he has been a part of the victorious West German team in 1990 versus Argentina in Rome. Just read this interview of his to timesonline.... truly a legend. Hmmmm.. so, this time its gonna be either France or Italy to lift the world cup. And before i end this blog.. here are a couple of "did u knows" ;) ...

Friday, June 09, 2006

Promise Yourself . . .

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can
disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living person you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble . . .


[picked up from a fwd]

Friday, March 31, 2006

Get 7 X 7 about me

7 things I wish to do before I die

1. Get back home soon (im in chennai for a 2-week project assignment)
2. Do scuba diving atleast once
3. To start a 24X7 book-cum-coffee lounge for all the book lovers. no!! books wont be sold or rented out.. wil be available only for reference, for any amount of time.
4. Do something to ease the traffic chaos in "namma bengalooru" (i see upwards for ideas)
5. Bada naam (i wanna prove the first couple of lines frm the song "papa kehte hain... ")
6. See Europe, i feel the whole of europe is HOE - Heaven On Earth
7. visit Himalayas (im impressed after watching Lakshya)

7 things I do not enjoy doing:

1. wait
2. to sit at one place for long... atleast a walk every 2-3 hrs shud be fine.
3. go out in rain
4. listening to bhangra mix n rap
5. eating idlis
6. watching a game i don understand
7. doing things later

7 things that Attracted Me to Blogging:

1. blogs (some interesting ones like this, this, this and this :).. n many more, see right pane!!)
2. photoblogs, like this one by deepak
3. wonderful place to express whatever u feel, whenevr u feel, however u feel
4. gives insights to a person's thoughts
5. make frnds
6. Great time pass
7. good fun

7 things I say most often:

1. Oh shit!!
2. seriously
3. oh ok
4. yeah yeah
5. certainly
6. ultimate!!!
7. matte!!? (so wat else?!!)

7 Books I like:

1. Calvin and Hobbes - Comic series
2. Illusions
3. Conversations with God
4. Tell me your dreams - Sheldon
5. Any book on planets, stars, moon, meteors,..
6. Archies
7. autobiographies (hvnt read many but they attract a lot.. like the ones by Richard Branson and Agatha Christie)

7 Movies I want to watch again:

1. Little Women
2. Face Off
3. Hungama
4. Teesri Manzil
5. Police Story - all Series (Jackie Chan)
6. Scary Movie - all Series
7. Shrek, Antz, Ice Age ... most of the animation series
(there is one more movie which i watchd on Hallmark.. an english summer classic.. great drama.. hv forgotten the name.. certainly wud luv to watch it again)

7 pieces of Music I enjoy

1. Kannada classics (like Kavi Ratna Kalidasa, Gandhada Gudi, Benkiya Bale...)
2. "Here i am" by Bryan Adams
3. "You Sang to me" by Marc Anthony
4. "Young and Proud" by Ace of Base (album - Happy Nation)
5. "Frozen" by Madonna
6. Sonu nigam hits
7. Kishore hits

Monday, March 27, 2006

well, it doesnt come EASY!!!


Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai learned dance steps between shooting breaks and undertook a 34-hour journey to represent India at a performance with other actors at the Commonwealth Games finale in Australia. She performed at the closing ceremony in Melbourne on Sunday with other popular Bollywood actors Rani Mukherji and Saif Ali Khan.

Rai emerged from a rose placed at the center of a stage in her sequence and dance, her choreographer, Shiamak Davar, was quoted as saying by the Mumbai Mirror newspaper. She traveled 34 hours from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she was shooting "Dhoom 2," a sequel of last year's hit film "Dhoom". "It was a tiring journey for her. She had to complete the shooting of `Dhoom 2' and take a flight almost immediately for Melbourne," Hari Singh, her business manager quoted. "As soon as she landed, she met choreographer Shiamak Davar n discussed her dance with him." But in the weeks before tht as well, she had been learning dance steps for the ceremony during shooting breaks. "She had asked for a DVD in which her steps were recorded, to be sent to Rio where she was shooting," Singh said. "After pack-up, she used to return to her suite and practice her steps."

Davar said that Rai _ popularly known as "Ash" _ asked for a personal trainer earlier this month to teach her the steps, as she would have no time to practice them with the choreographer. "Ash is a brilliant performer. She was really concerned about performing perfectly at the games, even though it was just a two-minute act," Davar was quoted as saying from Melbourne. India's capital, New Delhi, will host the next Commonwealth Games _ the world's second largest sporting event after the Olympics _ in 2010.

Friday, March 17, 2006

The beginning of the end...

The one n only Windsor manor, the beautiful Bangalore Golf grounds, Le Meridian, Governer's residence, Chinanswamy stadium, Mahatma Gandhi road (MG road), Trinity Church, Diamond district, The Leela... I used to ride thru the best in blore.. but not anymore. My office had been shifted and we are sitting in CV Raman nagar office (Bagman Tech Park) starting today. Well, it kinda getting back in time for me.. the thot of the legendary Sir CV Raman takes me back to my school days... the whole of Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha (my school in malleshwaram, bangalore) was grouped into 4 different houses named after the great legends from the glorious Indian History. Jawahar, Subhash, Raman and Sir MV were the four houses.

I was in the Sir CV Raman house.. the nobel laurette (his exceptional work in physics). Blue was the color of our house and it was a great bunch... every kid, every student .. right from 1st standard till 10th were grouped into one of these houses... and we used to compete against each other in all the school activites.. right from sports, cultural events... to exams n competetions. This wud bring the best out of each individual everytime. At the end of every year one of the 4 houses would be identified as the best house and best contributer for the school's progress and would be given the prestigious HJKP Shield during the school day celebrations. Being a part of Raman house my contribution was in the field of sports and science shows. Also on a few occasions for school day cultural programs.. but sports was serious business at HJKP... the Sports day was one of the days i always looked forward to.. , and now getting back to the CV Raman nagar (has his bust at the entrance of the loacality, which i make sure i watch everyday i ride into office) is like a rejuvination for me to look ahead with great pride and enthusiasm. Many such changes have rippled in my recent past... say last one month or so,.. which has kept me awesomely amazed with life's strange offerings. (somehow) I also feel that this is the beginning of the end of a few good things in life.. obvsly for many more to come :) hmmmmmmm....well, . okay!!! .. enough for the time being.. as of now need to get ready for office and get going... just to add our office is neighboured by iflex, motorola, samsung, hp and Texas instruments... (amidst some scenic lanscape.. still under construction though, shall attach a snap soon).. bye for now... btw .. the Indo-US nuclear deal has been introduced in the US Congress. The world is real curious to watch wat happns next.. will it be passed or shelved!!!!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Indo-US Historic nuclear deal signed

The ice between the oldest democracy and the largest democracy has been broken. India and the US have reached an understanding on the implementation of the civil nuclear cooperation agreed upon last year. This was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday after talks with visiting US President George W Bush. Addressing a joint press conference with the US President after their talks, Singh said the finalisation of identification of civilian facilities will begin. "Discussions will be held with the IAEA on the guidelines for bringing the civilian nuclear reactors under its safeguards," he said.

Now it's up to the United States to achieve three things:

1] Get the US congress to change laws which will permit America to extend civilian nuclear help to India,

2] Get the Nuclear Suppliers Group to accept the deal and be open to nuclear cooperation with India and

3] Have IAEA to prepare India-specific safeguards, which indicates that the nuclear rules and regulations which apply to NPT countries will not be the same for India.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

its already tomorrow....

(was) Doin a late nite study... actually after a very long time.. infact its been years since i have kept awake reading something... back during the BE days i used to study pretty late into the nite....(only during exams though). i still rememeber the late nite teas i used to make for myself during exams. classic memories!!! Well, here im, well past midnight, reading some documents related to my project, and inbt doing some blogging as well ;)

Monday, January 30, 2006

Chinese calender prediction 2006

According to the Chinese Calendar, the first day of the coming Lunar year, which will be the Year of the Dog, will fall on January 29, 2006. While Western Astrology is based upon the months of the year, Chinese Astrology is based upon a twelve-year lunar cycle. Your sign is determined by the year in which you were born. Each sign and those born under it, are represented by one of twelve animals, and are ascribed a set of attributes the Chinese believe comprise the nature of each particular animal. Legend has it that when Buddha was dying he invited all the animals to visit him. However, only 12 animals came... they are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. So, the Buddha honoured them by making each of them to represent the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

What's in store for each of the twelve animal signs in 2006? 2006 is the Year of the Dog - bringing luck and fortune to all Dogs. However, the animal opposing that of the current year always has some troubles or issues to contend with and resolve. So the Dragon will have a tougher year, caution and not exceeding your limits is advised. The three animals that gain most from the year are the Tiger, the Horse and the Rabbit.

Every sign is different and it’s important to remember that each year the Chinese animal comes up, it can have one of five different elemental makeup— wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each of these elements mean that you react differently to the year depending on what’s in play in 2006. This year is a ‘Fire Dog’ so if your element clashes with Fire you may have a tougher, more challenging or testing year. And this does not mean you won't succeed — the challenge may be just what you need to make it.


THE RAT:
(1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

This is going to be a year when support and assistance come your way. You feel you can compete well with others and do things that you may not have attempted or launched in previous years. Communications with others are very important to make it happen. Keep your attention focused on what you want for the year. Take charge of your finances and be prudent. Otherwise you may incur a significant financial loss. 2006 is not a good year to make major financial investments.

THE OX:
(1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)

This is a year that you need to be careful about over-extending yourself. Do not spend too much money or you will find yourself outside your limits. Stay away from gambling and keep an eye on all the details in any project you are involved with this year. This is not a good year to make any major changes in your career. Try not to make a job switch or request for a transfer. Avoid any major deals with Dog or Goat people.

THE TIGER:
(1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

This is one of your better years with much support from the Dog. Be careful about accidents this year and avoid any dangerous situations. 2006 will be a fruitful year in terms of your career. Things are likely to progress smoothly and you will be presented with many opportunities. However, clarify anything to do with the law in advance of any new projects. Enjoy yourself this year. It will help you to move ahead.

THE DRAGON:
(1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 1900)

The yearly fortune for the opposite sign of the zodiac is always tricky. This year can bring clashes and disharmony and it can also bring financial problems. Persevere and you will be okay, but do it all quietly. This is a year of change for you and you may find yourself changing jobs, getting transferred or even relocating. A year when you should proceed with caution in all aspects of your life, including your career.

THE RABBIT:
(1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

Another animal that has its luck from the Dog year. Keep an eye on your health as you may suffer from gradual loss of energy. Good time to move ahead financially and to experience good luck or have money fall into your lap. Stay grounded, and this will be a fruitful year for you. If you are thinking of starting your own business, 2006 will be a good year.

THE SNAKE:
(1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 1901)

You are well-favoured by the Dog year, but maybe not in the way you expect. This is a time when you can bring projects you've been on for awhile to some fruition. Take the opportunity when it arises to make some financial investments or go into a business venture.There is also the possibility of an unexpected windfall. You may be called upon to show leadership for others and you need to also look at how far you plan your life ahead. Keep an eye on your legal affairs and watch out for a new romance!

THE HORSE:
(1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 1902)

Another sign that benefits from the Dog year. Teaming up with other Tigers and Dogs will be good for you. You are naturally popular and have a wide social circle. Enjoy yourself this year. This may be a year for romance either new or from a renewed connection with your partner. Good year for getting ahead with finances and for changing your attitudes towards a more positive approach.

THE SHEEP:
(1903, 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991)

A year when you question yourself about where you are going. There may be issues about the loss of family members or changing family circumstances. Spend some time in contemplation or meditation and you’ll deal with all situations much more clearly and easily. Be wary of every contract, every negotiation and every new person you meet. Career-wise, a very fruitful year whether you are in business or an employee.

THE MONKEY:
(1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 1904)

Opportunities, for you to make something out of this year, are here for you. If you are practical in your approach, things ought to go well for you. Possible ups and downs with losses and gains. Be aware of relationship issues and take time to reassess your priorities. This may be a frustrating year for you in terms of your career. Do not be impatient with your progress or be discontented with your achievements.

THE ROOSTER:
(1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 1905)

Not the best year for Roosters, but you had a swinging time in 2005, which was the year of the Rooster. Be careful of your health and pay attention to any telltale signs of illness. Take it easy if you have problems and make plans for further down the track. Later, you will be able to have a better year. Avoid the need to speak out as strongly as Roosters usually do and you'll fare much better.

THE DOG:
(1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994)

Your year, but it doesn't always go well every moment. You have some great support this year from the cosmos. You may be able to move ahead in your chosen professional field and make it very successful by the end of the year. Be careful with others and deal with them honestly and justly. Stay away from Sheep and Ox people this year in business dealings.

THE PIG:
(1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1983, 1995)

The Dog year is not your best and you may have financial or health problems. Look at how you can set up a discipline this year for yourself. You may feel the need to get away at times, so if you need to, take a good vacation and relax and enjoy yourself with plenty of time out. Make good plans for next year, as it Is going to be “your” year. Keep your directions clear and keep your focus.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

The Man who walked like an Incarnation of God


I happened to read an article about Swami Vivekananda in 'Wisdom'. The article was about the first couple of meetings betw Naren and Sri Ramakrishna. A classic of an article. I had thought that the first time they met was in Dakshineswar. But its not so, it was actually in Calcutta. A relation of Narendra used to advise him to visit Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar, who, he said, would be able to remove all his doubts about religion. In the year 1881 at the age of eighteen for the first time Narendra happened to meet Ramakrishna at the house of a neighbour. Sri Ramakrishna had gone to Calcutta to the house of a devotee which was near Narendra's. Devotional songs were to be sung during Sri Ramakrishna's visit, but the singer failed to show up. The devotees invited Narendra, their neighbor, to fill the gap, knowing he excelled in both singing and playing musical instruments.

Thus came Narendra to the house of the devotee and sang one of the most touching songs in Bengali. This was their first meeting and Sri Ramakrishna was visibly moved by the sincerity and quality of Narendra's voice. He invited Naren to visit Dakshineswar at his earliest convenience.

As the days passed, Naren began to grow restless about the various riddles that religion presented to him. He particularly wanted to meet a person who could talk about God with the authority of personal experience. In November of 1881 Narendra went to Dakshineswar with some classmates. The second meeting betw the Guru and the disciple was even more eventful. Sri Ramakrishna treated Narendra not as a stranger but as as old friend. Commenting on this first visit Narendra said, "It was most unusual kind of meeting. I could not understand the peculiar behaviour of that 'mad, monomaniac Brahmin'. I was reluctant to visit him again, but his simplicity, genuine renunciation, and love for God pulled me again and again, despite protests of logic and reason." His skepticism and logical mind was not ready to accept the 'powers' manifested in Sri Ramakrishna. He thought that this 'simple insane' Brahmin might be playing tricks with others in the form of hypnotism or mesmerism. In fact Swami Vivekananda postponed his next visit to Dakshineswar for about six months, although he had promised Sri Ramakrishna to visit him soon.

Swami Vivekananda's inspiring personality was well known both in India and in America during the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth. The unknown monk of India suddenly leapt into fame at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, colourful personality, and handsome figure made an irresistible appeal to the many types of Americans who came in contact with him. People who saw or heard Vivekananda even once cherished his memory even after a lapse of more than half a century.

Lets salute the giant today, on his birthday, who is regarded as the "Man who walked like an Incarnation of God".

One of his preachings....

"Wherever there are many, there is fear, there is danger, there is conflict, there is strife. When it is all One, who is there to hate, who is there to struggle with? When it is all He, with whom can you fight? This explains the true nature of life; this explains the true nature of being. This is perfection, and this is God. As long as you see the many, you are under delusion."

Swami Vivekananda
(January 12, 1863 - July 4, 1902)