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

India Travel - India Travel Guide, India Tourism, Make my Trip

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.

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"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 :)