Blog to Videologs - Changing trends...

When Internet emerged as a global platform and boon to the mankind, everybody was amazed of what it can do. But we all had our own big doubts. After a while, it became a common phenomena to browser internet anywhere you want, carry a email id or two just for the heck of it. Now everyone has atleast 3-4 email accounts between personal and work.

Then came the website buzz. Everybody went crazy on making their presence in the web creating free websites. Now even petty shops have their own website.

In the past couple of years, the trend has shifted to BLOGGING. It started out as small, now spreading its branches all over the net. At first nobody really got an hang of it. "What do you mean blogging ?!", "How can it help?!" and so forth. Now, there were tons of blog sites and every computer savy person atleast have account in 2-3 blog sites.

But recently, attention is moving towards Videologs. People really welcome to see live scenes instead of lengthy words.

"A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words" is a old saying. Now its time for the new one, "Video shows million live details than Pictures".

I am sure most of you will agree and join me in my bandwagon supporting Videos has become the new way of sharing and communicating. Videos are everywhere nowadays. Whether its a simple blog on making a mouth watering dishes or a business site promoting their product. Whether its about a professional speaker who is marketing his skill or a individual sharing his weird idea to an interested group. Its all over the net.

How can you make a video?!

Just because anyone can easily make videos, net is now overloaded with videos on various genre and one has no difficulty in getting them. You can easily make videos using simple digital video cameras or recording small video snippets by one of those digital cameras. Its has become so much easier compared to good old days. Once you recorded your videos, just download them to your computer as mpeg or wmv file type. You can use softwares that came with your cameras to stream and download them.

If you have one of the old type cameras, don't worry you can still stream them out to save in the computer using Windows movie maker.

How post the video I made?!

It has become much easier to share them over the internet. There are plenty of sites available just waiting for you to upload your videos offering free space attracting people of different kind.

Some interesting ones apart from the usual famous Youtube are,

VideoJug - Huge collection of recipe and how to do video's
apnatube - Desi type video site
photobucket.com -
ourmedia.org - Share your video to the world as a
Facebook.com - Add videos in your profile
myspace.com - has video section to add your personal videos

Videologs are changing the way the people share and communicate. Now you can attach video's in blogs, websites easily then ever before to show people some live activities.

Did you ever thought interviewing can get so much easier these days?! One can just tape or record 8-10 mins of their details resume and upload it as a profile and send it over to the companies. There are some sites which offer this service like http://www.grimmis.com/

It can't get simpler than that. Videologs got so much hype and popularity and now every blogsites offer functionality to add videos in the blogs. So you can just create your blog and add video in the blog and send the blog page to them.

Don't wait for the opportunity, if you have a camera. Just get out there, record some video snippets and upload it to any of the above video sites or even to sulekha and share it in the blog or directly to your friends. Its that easy. I don't see that many people using this new option except few.

Videolog is now big buzz around the web. What's next on stack to surprise us and take on a ride ?! We have to wait and see..

My wife hated CELL PHONES...

Thats right. My wife hated Cell phones, till yesterday...

Do you believe it ?! You better believe it.

There was actually a soul(even my son likes to play with it) who didn't want have the magic gadget in her wallet. She is one in million (I should say) who doesn't like to carry cellphones and don't like me talking too long over the cell phone(may be all wifes like that, I don't know). In this world of gadget manics who wait 2- 3 days in front of the store to just put their hands on the first iphones. Here she was, who never bothered to have this simple cell phone to communicate. I know she is little different but didn't expect to be this peculiar.

She had her own reasons and I respected it. She is my wife after all who else would do. First reason being, she never went out alone much as we had only one vehicle and I take to work everyday. Because of that, she was never pushed to a situation to communicate on any urgency. She had some silly ones. She worried about losing it like every other mom and more importantly she didn't want to be bothered when she is at friends place. I know they were silly ones but I have to respect it after all she is my wife.

It was ok with me until few months. I got a truck now and she started driving her own car. Now she goes out with our 1 year old son to libraries, friends places and grocery shopping. God only know what if something happens. How will I know about it was my big concern. So I been strongly insisting her to get a phone. She kept neglecting my offer for a new phone. Who would ever want to say NO to a free cell phone paid all but she did until 2 days ago?!

For some other purpose, we really wanted a way for her to communicate me when she was away from home. So she agreed finally to get a phone. I did my research and tried to stay away from any long term commitments because I am still not sure what will be reaction to it. I bought a cheap but a good prepaid phone and handed over to her. She was bit hesitate to store in her handbag and not a happy camper. Its her first Cell phone ever.

When she told me an interesting true story about the cell phone yesterday. I was thrilled to hear all about it. She used to take my son to library for kids play time every Wednesday and she was there yesterday. Looks like there were lot of mama's who are usuals to this kids time. Its all chat time and fun for kids. At the end, they were all leaving. One American lady accidentally put her 6months old kid in the car and everyting including key her cell phones inside locked herself out. She has no way to open it or call for help. She got panic and reaching out for help. She was asking people to give their cell phones to call her husband. My wife was happy to help and lend her new cell phone to let her call her husband. She tried to call her husband to get code to open the door(some ford cars has the door with code to open, thats good) Finally she got hold of him, got the gode and opened it. She was so relieved and thanked my wife a lot for the help.

It was as if my wife got the cellphone to just help her. Who knows Gods has this instant on store for my wife to help somebody.
I immediately responded to my wife after the story, "Do you now agree that Cell phone is a must to have now?!". She is still like, "Yeah, May be".

I replied to her "What if something similar happens to you, just imagine". Thats true, it would have been pathetic. Finally she is getting out of the Cell Phone phobia and starting to get use to her new attachment in her life.

Life without cell phone these days.. No way right ?! I tell you, in no time she will an addict.

Accidents Happen...

Yesterday, it was a very nice evening out of ordinary in Houston. It felt like fall is just around the corner. I left work little late around 6pm and headed back home. I always like to enjoy nice breeze if one avails (I know its actually ethanol added) so I whisked down the driver side window and continued my drive. Usually around 6pm, traffic gets lighter in this tollway and yesterday was pretty much that way. Still every vehicle showed the hurry in racing back to their destination with an average speed of 70miles/hr on the tollway. I was at the very left lane(3-4 lanes inthe tollway on one side of traffic) trying to keep up to pace of the traffic. Suddenly I heard,

"Khewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwl, Bang, bang, bang..."

Hearing that big noice, my eyes immediately tried to find where it came from search front and back of my vehicle first. I couldn't find anything. But I saw some comotion on the other side of the traffic. I just saw in fast motion, a black car got hit by another car and driver seems to have put a break which turned the car to perpendicular direction off the traffic. So all the vehicles following that car just couldn't hit the break that fast, stars to collide eachother ending up a cascaded accident.

I just witnessed an accident,for real. I am bit happy I wasn't part of it but worried about the person inside the car and other vehicles involved in the accident. Afterall, I am human too. I can't do anything because I am not the otherside. So I just have to continue my ride. My eyes were on the road but my mind and heart were somewhere else.

I know how hard to face an accident like this one. Two years back, I was the victim of a small accident. I was waiting to turn left and a big van just rearended me without noticing my idle position. Its not a big one but still that shock took 2-3 days to vanish.

"What if this big accident happens to me?! "

"am I ready to face it ?!"

I get to answer myself, "May be, May be not". It all depends on the mental state we are at the time. Also,

"How well is your family equipped to take this?!"

"How are they going to know about it?!"

There were a whole set of questions just kept popping over my head like internet spam poppers. I tried to answer one by one to see whether I am actually ready.

Did you ever thought about it?! I guess some do and some think about but forget to find the solutions for the questions. In busy daily life, it gets forgotten after that day.

But don't you think, these are some very important questions to ask yourself whether you are in alien land or your home country. It doesn't matter where you get in accident. Accident is devastating for you and your family wherever happened. We all wish it never happen to us but it does. We should be atleast ready to face tragic moment.

On the Accident Spot,

1. If you conscious, Don't Panic. Try to Comm down.

2. Don't move if you are in severe pain and feel something is broken.

3. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

4. Call 9-1-1(if you are in USA) to get emergency help if needed and you are in a state to call.

5. Give phone to somebody and ask to call your loved ones.

Precautionary things you can do ahead,

1. Always have your Drivers license with you. Don't leave without it.
2. Have the emergency numbers stored and easily visible in your cellphone like HOME, ICE(in case of emergency), WIFE

3. Always have a bottle of water in your car. It can even save a life at times.

4. Try to have some good insurance coverage atleast to cover your medical expenses and other liabilities.

Accidents do happen, doesn't matter we are very careful or not. It has more possiblities if we aren't careful enough. Its the fate which we don't have any control at times. But we can always be ready to face the worse case situation by just being alert.

Please share your thoughts on this topic, by adding your comments. Its always good to hear some valuable thoughts for others benefit.

GOD, On the Eyes of Kids...

We had a casual Ganesha Chaturthi Party last Saturday inviting few friends and their kids. It was nice family get-together both for adults to share the holiday spirit and for kids who had good time making Ganesha and getting to know about him.

I was requested to show the kids how to make Ganesha because they thought I am an expert in Ganesha making by looking at my Clay Ganesha from last week's Vinayakar Chaturthi. I accepted the request and just took the chance to show off my artistic ability. Ladies prepared instant artificial dove and got it ready for the art lesson.

I recollected my skills of making Ganesha from last week. F irst I took a trial run to practice myself once and then showed the kids step-by-step to make him. They wanted 3D Ganesh instead of 2D which I made last week. I gave it a try. Ladies helped kids to follow my lead. Actually they did better than me.

Check out the pictures of cute Ganesha's - different shapes and sizes,

My 3D Ganesha

Kids busy taking my lead creating their own Ganesha

Parade of Ganesha from artistic hands - Isn't so cute..



Close up look at them..

After creating Ganesha, Kids were lead by my friend's wife to tell slokas and thotrams as a prayer. Also she explained reasons of Ganesha's Elephant head, big stomach and other characteristic via some old stories. Some intelligent kids heard similar stories, tried to argue with her on different versions of it.

One who was like 12 years old, tried to make fun of the stories on cutting the elephant head and so on. It was funny to hear his argument but I went on to explain him, that these are just man made stories to make people believe in some good things. "Do you think its true?", I asked him. He started talking to me like, "Why can't it be true, if its not true why do follow, endless list of questions followed". I don't know what to say.

I am going throw out a big question, "How do yo tell GOD stories are imaginary ?!", "How to answer kids on that topic of GOD & RELIGION ?" In general, how well it can be explained to make them believe in religion you believe in. I know its a difficult question with too many answers. As parents many of you already gone thru this rapid round questions from your kids, whether its when you take them to temple or celebrating festivities. They are so picky but smart to ask simple questions like, "Why do we have so many GODS? Why do we celebrate Deepavali, Navarathi" like every American ask us?! "

We all have well versed answers for these questions with stories which was transferred to us by our elders. But Kids of this age, they are really smart and they are touch different religion in their very small age. I feel its lot more thought process need to be involved in answering this question in a simple way.

I believe in GOD greatly but I also know very well that these stories aren't actually true as an adult. I am conscious enough to differentiate them and believe or not to believe it. I also believe in ONE GOD, a super power which guides us but we all happen to continue our own HINDU tradition of worshiping many GOD's. Its all easy for us to think about it but when the small minds try to digest this big thing, its not an easy fact to grasp.

I had similar arguments with my wife and she strongly believes that we should continue to instill our beliefs to our kids but in a right way telling the true facts. We should walk in a fine line to explain about GOD and also about our religion not crossing the line. I totally agree with her. If we seed wrong belief system at this smaller age, it might end reaping adverse effect in the future.

What do you guys say ?! I love to hear from others on this very broad topic.

Problem is Inside, Don't look outside...

We always try to search around us whenever anything goes wrong. We tend to find excuses to point somebody or something for the failures/problem we encounter. But don't you think, its also us being the part of the equation. We should start looking inside us.

Here is something interesting from the mail which I recieved mailing list from As A Man Thinketh mailing list.

"The circumstances which a person encounters with suffering are the result of his own mental inharmony. The circumstances which a person encounters with blessedness are the result of his own mental harmony." - As A Man Thinketh

It's amazing that when we are in dire straits the first place we look is always the last place we should look. And the last place we look is always the first place we should try.

Stop and think about it. If you're like me, don't you always look for the cause and the solution outside of yourself? When you start making changes to try and cure the problem, don't you always try to change the things outside of yourself?

Go back and read the first line of James Allen's wisdom again. The problem is our "own mental inharmony." The problem is inside, not outside. And that's the first place we always need to look.

Try this exercise: Identify one type of habitual thinking that you have. For instance, do you habitually think you won't have enough money to go around...or....are you always thinking that you never have enough time to get all the things done you need to do. After you've identified the thinking pattern, take a 3x5 card and write out the OPPOSITE of your habitual thinking.

For instance, "I am surrounded by abundance. I always have enough money and enough of everything I need." Put the card in your purse or pocket. For the next week, be alert to every time you fall into the old, habitual thinking. Take out the card and read it --- and, if possible, read it aloud with MEANING. Do it for a week and I promise you'll be happy with the results.

William James, the great psychologist of the early 20th Century knew the solution is always to go inside: "There is but one cause of human failure. And that is man's lack of faith in his true self."

I am yet to try this idea but isin't it worth thinking about atleast.

Souls Missing in Action from blogSpace

As many of you know, Sulekha has undergone wide range of changes since the time it started till today as per many veteran bloggers. Actually within the past 8 months(my close presence) itself in this blogdom, I have seen a huge transformation happen on different areas starting from giving face uplift to Sulekha, recognozing bloggers by awarding points and showering them gifts, incorporating some interesting contests to encourage bloggers to come up with new articles and currently the Blogprint which is really big move taking up notch giving chance for the great bloggers to get published.

During this drastic change, Sulekha has flourished very well by opening his arms by inviting new visitors in a large way. We saw lot of faces just jumped to gain advantage of the point system just for mere prizes but they vanished in same speed like weasel. We see many more new faces every day in the blogspace trying to make their presence. But at the sametime, we have lost or didn't see many avid bloggers activity involved. They either vanished from this arena permanently or not really active these days. I am just trying to catch up on those souls who are Missing in Action.

Let me start with a blogger who I really liked and had a very close conversation about her experience in this blogdom.

*********************Allyternity

Some might very well remember her controversial featured blog " Why I rejected religion". She had an unique way of presenting her thoughts and views. In a short period, she did make a very good impact among fellow bloggers. She somehow got offended by replies from other bloggers and didn't feel comfortable about Sulekha environment and migrated to the other blogdom as per my last conversation. I do miss her writings.. Mottogucci

She has a way with her stories especially talking lot about her M-I-L. Don't ask me whats that, go and check her blogs listed below which are featured. I hope some can easily recollect it. They were so funny and good read.

THE TIMES I ALMOST STRANGLED MY MOTHER IN LAW
MY M-I-L's HOWLERS - AN EPILOGUE TO MIL WOES

She was good in deplicting her stories real deep in way anybody can relate to and understand. I don't see her really active these days. May be she is busy with her own priorities. We need to give her a walk up call.

Shashi Krishna
I have no doubt that many who tasted his writings would agree with me, We really miss his creations. I like him for his professional way of presenting his creations. Check out the featured blogs below,

Everyone has an Everest
A blogger's worst nightmare

I did see him active on and off but not really very active like the past. Don't see very many interesting stories coming out from his treasure chest. May be he needs a push to rekindle his hunting skill to entertain us.

*********************

These are the few ones which I miss in the blogspace. I know sulekha doesn't care whether they are live or not. Its normal that many times other important priorities in our life get on the way and overshadows our habits. We sometimes forget all about it until somebody remind us or they long for some open hands to welcome them back. We might miss the creations of this wonderful, talented bloggers on the otherhand we are overloaded with so many new comers who surprises us everyday with their creative writes to get visible in this forest of bloggers. Anyway, I am going to take this opportunity to invite them back to atleast stay in touch with us and enjoy our company. I am planning to send a note to these each individual requesting them come back with vigor.Share you thoughts. If you know any other soul Missing in Action, Please go ahead and add in the comments. I would be happy to post it as a part of my blog.

Visualization - See yourself ahead...

Visualization

A very important aspect of self improvement is getting lot of attention and gaining more visibility these days especially in sports arena and corporate sector, making millions .


"Visualization and belief in a pattern of reality, Activates the creative power of Realization."(A. L. Linall, Jr.) To be more abstract to make sense, "If you can see it you can achieve it!"

Visualizing helps to see clear destination which greatly improves chances of reaching the goals. I was fortuitous to attend a meeting about Self Imagery and Visualization which churned my inner sense to dwell on it more deeply by taking a deep dive.

What is Visualization by the way?

"Visualization is daydreaming with a purpose" said Bo Bennett. Its seeing yourself ahead and experiencing the future before it happens. Unknowingly we all visualize some time or rather on various aspects.

By creating a simulated experience in our mind over and over helping it to create an internal comfort zone. Being able to visualize a projected out come will allow us to execute that action with accuracy and precision. Visualization helps athletes improve performance because the body doesn't’t know the difference between a real or imagined event. This is the very reason why we see most of the basketball players closing their eyes before they shoots the free throw or the runner at the Olympics visualizing before they run the race. In fact, golf pro Jack Nicklaus attributes 50% of his success to the use of visualization.

Let me share my own experience as an example to explain this concept. When I started my training for the first marathon which is like 6 years back, I asked few of my friends who ran lot of races to share some valuable tips. You know I always welcome advice from experienced souls, there is nothing wrong in learning from others mistakes. They all had few things to say like, start building my own phase, maintain it full race period and most importantly try to vision your finish and keeping your mind occupied.

They told me "Vision my finish line cheered by thousands of people" which will help a lot by pushing me hard and stay on track continuing to run without giving up. Since marathon is a tough sport, one not only has to have physical stamina but also mental strength and trained to beat the beast inside you to run that far. That visioning or visualization concept did helped me in every race I ran. It kept me on focus with visions varying according to time. I was about to give up on my marathon the 18th miler but by visioning the finish line, I pushed myself to run further and stay the course to finally finish it.

"Nimble thought can jump both sea and land."- William Shakespeare Thats a wise thought. By Visualizing the success you are half way to achieve success. Lets take a practical example that you are planned to give a speech in front of a big audience. Unless your are a presentation GURU who doesn't know the meaning of FEAR, then everything will be a cake walk. But for most of the people out there, its a walking on the thin rope. To overcome the fear factor, visualization helps a great deal.
Try to visualize a successful presentation several weeks before the actual meeting. Imagine the audience in front of you, you were at the stage, go over the presentation material exactly the way you want to present. Try it over and over again few times a week. What will happen is that the image will become the reality. By imagining success, you will achieve success.

When it comes time to make the presentation, you will be confident, relaxed, and knowledgeable - because you've already done it so many times - and have a much better chance at a favorable outcome.

Be it any specific goal, just picture it, run thru your mind few times before it happens visualizing the exact scene. When you've finished running through this visualizing success exercise, you'll feel your confidence rising and feel more relaxed.

"Ordinary people believe only in the possible. Extraordinary people visualize not what is possible or probable, but rather what is impossible. And by visualizing the impossible, they begin to see it as possible."- Cherie Carter-Scott
Achieving success isn't just a matter of planning and preparing, you also need to practice yourself to act and be successful, and visualizing success will help you do that. You can do impossible things by just visualizing and envisioning them to be a possible act.

Visualization is key to open new doors to success. Just close your eyes and Visualize your act...

Time for my friend Ganesha's Birthday again!!

I hear people always say "I am God fearing..." instead I go up the level and say differently "I am God loving". Both statement might seems to give a sense of the samething at the end for many but they are not. They have big difference. When you love something you feel comfortable to share and talk anything like a friend. But if you fear, obviously you don't or won't be able to go close to loving or liking them. Thats normal human tendency.

I have many friends but two of them been sticking with me since the day I came to know of them from my childhood. They were introduced by my mom. They are Pillayar(Ganesha) & Murugan(karthikeyan). They been with me in every ups and downs so far. They gave me wisdom and encouraged me in every step of my way. They blessed me for prosperity. They travelled with me to all places and stayed with me all along. I never gone anywhere without them or without their blessings. I fought with them and played at times too.

You might wonder, am I wierd person?! I don't know but I sure do know if you can be friends with unknown virtual person in this blogdom, why can't you be friend with GOD who you we see all the time in all different ways. I bet you can and I do.

Every year, I celebrate my Friend's birthday in a grand way. Especially Pillayar birthday in a special traditional way at my home. Its the tradition which I carry over from my grandpa.

When I was a kid, the vinayaka chathurti day(Ganesha Birthday which is 4th day moons bright fortnight) is an activity packed one. It starts with by getting a new Pillayar idol freshly made in clay. We always get a different style compared to other normal idols, I guess it our traditional one for our family. Somewhat looks like the one below but in full clay about one foot with kundumani eyes which has red & black colors in them.

Once we get the idol, I place them carefuly in the pooja room for it to dry a bit. After that, I join my grandma to out and purchase small umberalla made in paper for him. Its so cute with color strips on the side. Then she buys special fruits for him like pears, barikai, berries etc., Also get some abhishakam(bathing) items for the evening special pooja. During all these time, my mom and aunts(we had combined family at that time) were busy making special sweets for like (Sorry, I know only tamil names) kozhukattai, sundal, ellurandai, vellaundai and much more.

After lunch, I set out on a hunting trip with my friends to go and gather some varied type flowers just special to him like Thumbaipoo (tiny white flower which can found in sides roadst), Arrali flowers and then finally get some Arugampul(a special type of grass). It takes the first half of the afternoon to search and find the flower since its a demand of the day.

By evening, everything is all set for the ceremony. We all gather in the pooja room around 6pm or so. My Grandpa who is the eldest of the family gets himself ready to do the pooja. Lamps(Kuthuvelaku) gets lighted up, incense sticks smell starts to freshen-up the room to create spiritual mood.

First he starts by giving him oil and sheyakai bath then continues with different types bath in items like milk, yogurt, turmeric, vuputhi

I continue the same tradition at my home wi do this pooja and celebrate my friend Ganesha Birthday. Here is the picture of the Pillayar idol which I made out of fresh clay(I am not an artist so bear with me) for last year ceremony after his bath and decorated with beautiful flowers from our garden.

Pillayar made of Fibreglass decorated by Arugampul garland

Big feast served for my Pillayar friend

I am hoping to celebrate with the same spirit this year. Wishing you all

Happy Vinayagar Chaturthi all of you!!!

Tamil Pillayar Song

Pillayar Pillayar
Perumai Valthe Pillayar (2times)

Atangarai Nirilay Aresamara Nilaliley
Vitirekum Pillayar Vinaigal Tirkum Pillayar

Yanai Mugam Kondever Ainthe Karangal Udayaver
Panir Vayir Padaitever Bakter Kureiyai Tirpevar

Manililay Seiyanum Manjalaley Seiyanum
Ainthelethe Manthiratai Nenjil Natrum Pilayar

Om Nama Sivaya Endre Ainthelethe Manthiratai
Nenjil Natrum Pillayar

Aremuga Velaneke Ananane Pillayar
Nerum Thunbam Yavayum Nikiveikum Pillayar

Kaliyugathin Vinthaiyei Kaneh Vendhi Anithinam
Yehliyin Mithi Yehriya Istem Pole Suthuvar

Pillayar Pillayar
Perumai Valthe Pillayar (2times)

(Source:http://www.minvarthagam.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=372&whichpage=1)

Do check the funny blog from my Kutti Pillayar friend,

URGENT MAIL FROM GANESHA!!- A cute Kutti one

WATER TUBING, A GREAT FUN ACTIVITY

I have a web tradition whenever I create a profile in any site whether it's blog or Matrimonial(before marriage), I never forget to add this single statement. It is "I am fun loving guy..." I know its a broad statement. What type of fun you might ask?! I am not the type of guy who likes to hit the bar every other nite, have a few bottle of beer, play pool, go to disco, dance with strangers. I know its nothing wrong with that but I am not that type of a guy.

According to me, having fun is all about indulging myself into more active rather adventures physical sport most likely outdoors. I love nature and like to enjoy the mother nature creations. So whether its about spring or summer activities like hiking, trekking, camping, rafting or winter sports like skiing, skating I am up for it. I hate to be a couch potato. I don't like to waste time sitting around watching the idiot box all day. My wife is starting to agree with me(she doesn't do this always) more lately and wanting to go out after babysitting our 1 year old son every day.

Simple Plan

This time I wanted to try water sport if it wasn't raining. TUBING sounds exciting. I been wanting to go TUBING on the river for long time actually since I saw the ad banner about tubing in New Braunfels near Houston. It does seem exciting isn't it but it scares a bit for a non-swimmer. I did know bit of swimming for bragging sake it doesn't mean I am an expert. But I didn't care, I like to take chances to enjoy the thrill ride.

But wife was wary of her decision. She said, she will stay out and rather not take risk which I felt wasn't good. I just decided to convince her when we get there. Trip without friends is no fun. So I started recruiting couple of my friends who like to join us with their family for this thrill ride. Ladies huddled over the phone to pack a good food for the picnic.

Ready, Set, Go

We are all set for the day trip. We met in one place near main highway, car pooled to save some gas (I can also say contributed a bit on saving nature). We headed to City of New Braunfels which is like 2 and hour drive from houston if you drive at the average speed of 70miles per hour watching over COPS muling those high speeders.

We reached the place around 11:30am or so. I saw all Americans in their very beach outfits for the water ride especially ladies in just mere clothing to cover their spots. Our ladies felt little uncomfortable and they were the only ones in the whole area to be fully covered. I did tell my wife to dress properly since its water sport but she didn't mind. I am like "When in Rome, be a Roman", always prepared(previous experiences comes in handy you know).

Everybody was hungry when we reached the place especially kids. So Ladies just opened the tiffins and started the first mission. We all slurpured some good variety food. Food is over, now the next mission for excitement starts. As usual, I initiated the task of finding a good cheap place to rent tubes. They are tubes like truck tubes like one below.

I am not sure how many know. Cars in US don't have tubes seperately like we do in India. Its all built inside the tire itself. So these tubes are brand new tubes for this sport purpose only. I found a cheap deal of $12/person per tube. Everybody is all set to jump on the Comal river with their tubes.

Fun Starts

Now comes the hard decision for me. My 1 year old can't go so whether its me or my wife staying out. She been telling all along, she will stay out and won't risk. After seeing her friends and other people having fun. She is now thinking back in different way. I read her mind so being a nice guy opted out to be with my son. I know its big blow for my excitment. Afterall, she is my wife and she wants break more than anybody. So I just let her go first. It will be just Father and Son time. My wife didn't expect that but happy to go with her friends. I was promised by friend to join me for another ride when they come back.

Unfortunately, I forgot take pics and so here some pics from web on comal river tubing.

They start tubing from one end of the river and float with the flow of the river using your hand as the paddle. The water is so green my wife thought its junk water actually a river water feed by natural spring. This Comal river is named one of the shortest river 2.5km in the world by "Ripley's believe it or not", interesting!!! (I came to know while creating this blog)

So I end up spending good time with my son, taking him on a car ride to city visitor center and then to park named "Landa Park" nearby which also as the river flowing all over it. It was really like natural river park I should say. After 2 hours of wating, they all finally came back after great fun excited ride. Looks like my wife had a blast.

I was Close to getting Drowned

Now its my turn and I can't wait to Jump in the water. One of my friends joined me for the ride. I did wore the life jacket to be safe than sorry. It was good to be on the water afterall, as promised my friend joined me. It was a slow ride for 20 mins are so and I didn't realize the fun chute is waiting for me. I was already to take the flung. Something hinted my mind, be careful. Here the start of the chute,

It curves around to add force to the water.

Water just pushing you and drops in this big outlet.

When I got out, I was flipped by the gushing water from the tube. I am down in the water waiting to be saved. That moment, I fought for my life. I went inside the water few times. I know I have lifevest and won't die but still fear stuck me. I just held on to the tube and it just took where the flow of water went. My friend called for an help. There were lot of guards and I guess they are used this kind of thing. They know I will end up safe since I had the vest. Water just pushed me to the side and I finally got hand from guard who was standing on the shore to get me the to the sides. I got out and breath hard for few secs

I just couldn't imagine what happened. Man, I tell you that was one heck of a ride and life threatening experience. I was so close to getting drowned. My friend found me and asked whether I am ok. Yeah, I replied OK. That didn't stop me take the trip again. There is short cut to go to the other side and try just the chute again. As we talked before we went and took the chute. This time I got some tips and held on to the tube firmly. It was indeed fun ride this time.

We decided to stop and go back to halt location where everybody was waiting for us. We left and reached Houston back. While we come back, everybody was talking all about the good time. All of us had a blast and plans are already on for going back again, may be next year.

Life is short, don't sit around and waste, have some fun...

Grab your fine moment...

Today when I was at the Gym an interesting topic struck in my mind. You might wonder why its Gym?! Lately, Gyms is been the source for inspiration like muse place for my blogs. I get all sorts of interesting pointers to blog and rant about. May be because of the valuable time spent alone to myself catching the dots to connect them making pretty lines which sometimes go unnoticed in our busy life.

My thought process was about fine moments rather occasions. Our life is filled with all sorts of fine moments with opportunities waiting for us to be grabbed.

During my workout, I happen to watch Women FIFA Cup soccer live match between Norway and Canada. Canada ladies missed out a close chance to convert a goal but they didn't give up. Within few minutes, they somehow took another attempt, came so close to the goal post and again almost got turned away by Norway defense but at that finite moment there was slight hole and one Canada player(named CHAPMAN) figured that out, took over the ball and made an attempt converted it a goal. She grabbed her finite moment by making it hers. Despite of their earlier lead, they lost to Norway by 2:1.

“He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed.” (William James)

She just did the exact thing. She embraced her fine moment/opportunity and converted it as hers. Thats the point. You might have seen similar kind of moments like this one almost all the time in sports field. But if you see it closely, I think it happens to us in our everyday life too. We either overlook at them or never notice until it's all over to regret all about it.

Going back, I had encountered few of my own fine moments. Let me share one. Two months back my company wanted to start a project for a big client of us. Big money is on the roll and my company is at stack. My Boss really wanted this project to start and complete on time to meet our client promises. To start with, he asked me to prepare a rough project plan and schedule to find how much work is involved. I made one and presented to him.

The project plan clearly shows we need extra resource to complete it. So he planned to hire few folks to run the project including a lead for this new project. He knows very well, I am busy with other things so didn't bother asking me to lead it. But I didn't want to let go of it. I showed great potential for learning new things. So I thought about and decided to grab this opportunity. I went to him and convinced him that I can lead this new project despite of my other project commitments. He hesitated first for day or two but finally decided to go in my favor commenting "A known devil is better than an Unknown one" Right now, I been successfully leading the project hiring another person to help me out. If I didn't grabbed that fine moment or opportunity to express my interest, somebody would have taken that place and gained from it. By embracing that opportunity, I converted the occasion to my favor and even saved money to the company. I feel one's life is all about grabbing the right opportunity or occasion and making it great.

"Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.” (Orison Swett Marden)

As the above quote said, Don't just wait for xtraordinary opportunities, make any fine moment/occasion as yours by embracing it.

Sept 11 - An Endless Story

Its not an usual Sep 11 Tribute blog. Its about my impression about the after effects of the tragic day that changed our lives forever.

Sep 11, 2001 - The day dawned as a usual morning and turned out as a horror hell. The very day we all want to forget and pray it never happens again. The day that reminds of us thousands innocent people who gave their life for the war never fought. The day which showed the world through bear naked eyes, a big Terror monster exists out there hiding somewhere capable of taking lives without any hesitation for no cause or reason. Its the day that symbolized the start of new Terror era.

Before go any further, I would like to first tribute the people who lives taken away from this earth all of suddenly for no reason and their dreams vanishing in the deep ocean of dust.

Don't you agree with me, its not only the lives of those families who lost their loved ones changed forever?! It's also the lives of the people like you, me and others around the globe who are indirectly struck by this terror act was changed for years to come in lot of different ways.

It had an universal impact on every nation. Security was heightened to very high levels in every nook and corner of the major cities. You don't see a casual atmosphere anymore. Special eyes always watching you all the time in public places. People themselves starts to see every other person in different perspective using laser vision.

You see big lines in the Airports, special screenings every time you jump geographical borders. Few wars already fought against the unknown beast causing to lose many more lives. Sikhs faced racial discrimination and we even lost few NRI's. There were lot of chaos surrounding the many people in the form of security concerns.

Once a low profile terrorist, reaching to different heights with its new dimension by these kinda of attacks showing their presence in every evil way possible. A new human race has dawned and gets added to the dictionary. Its no longer just man or woman. Its called Terrorists. They separate themselves to show the world they are not the same. They are destined to do inhuman acts to threaten humans. At times its horrifying to live in this state of terror that can strike us anywhere, anytime reminding us the fact that i ts after all the Terror era we live in.

On the other hand, every nation has taken all kinds of security and safety measures to protect their citizens. Can we say we are safe now? No, may be never. Like a love letter, every year a letter or tape shows up reassuring that the beast is still out there threatening our lives and the ones to come.

I don't think we have an option to move out of this earth and go live somewhere out of this planet. I don't think we have a passport of Moon yet. We can only pray and hope for the monster/beast to never return again.

Nowadays many start to realize and accept the fact, terrorism is part of life and we just have to continue with our lives until we can get a passport for any other planet in the universe which better be a euphemism to heaven.

Life goes on for now...

What is your impression about Sep 11 after 6 years?

Post Note: I wanted to post a picture I took just before Sep 11 and Ranjini reminded me of it in her comment. Here is the scanned picture(I didn't have digital camera at that time). This picture just reminds of those days when I used to visit Statue of Liberty and the view spectacular from the ferry.

Microwave Madness...

Last week my wife came home panicking after a discussion with her friends during the women's meet about usage of Microwave oven. I tried to slow her down explaining, every new invention has its own pros and cons and its up to consumers like us to be aware of it and use with our discretion properly. May be my answer put a temporary band-aid on her concern and helped to divert her from panic mode. But unknowlingly she gave me a good topic to research on and serve as an interesting one to blog.

Lately we see lot of books titled around "Make Meals in minutes using Microwave" or something like "Microwave Magic meals". Also more Indian TV channels are coming up with new food episodes concentrating specially on making meals and food items in Microwave.

This increasing number of Microwave craze clearly reveals the fact that kitchen revolution is happening in India transforming kitchens with new electronic gadgets like microwave ovens, coffee makers, bread toasters, sandwich makers and list goes on. Out of all, Microwave oven seems to rule many middle class kitchens more importantly helping the working parents for a great deal.

It has very well become a part of the daily lifestyle and one of the mainstays of every kitchen in the country today. No longer is the microwave just a luxury. It has become a common trend to make meals out of Microwave in minutes to feed your appetite. It's the case in US for morethan 2 decades. Its hard to see Kjtchens without Microwave in any US house holds. Without microwave, its tough to manage the day to day food preparations. From dawn to dusk, this one kitchen equipment works overtime helping to make simple fast breakfast to go, cooking vegetables for meals, heating up snacks and so much.

Little about Microwave & its workings
Microwave is one of the best invention in the 21st century. It was originally sold as "Radaranges," use technology that passes electromagnetic waves through food, exciting the molecules and causing them to move and heat up as they respond to the microwave radiation. Most people don't think twice about heating up leftovers, defrosting meat, or popping popcorn in the microwave. Many new mothers even heat up breast milk or formula in the microwave.

But are we paying for this convenience with our health? Studies on the effects of microwaves have been quite controversial as microwave technology has evolved over the years. In 1976 Russia even banned the use of microwaves!1 Here in the US, microwaves are ubiquitous, but recent research shows that microwaves significantly decrease the nutritional value of food.

Microwave Panic
Along with its gaining popularity, the microwave oven has also become a cause of concern for some people. This panic modes has not yet caught in Indian market because microwave is just starting to find its place in Indian traditional kitchens.

Microwave ovens have been known to be used primarily for reheating leftover food. With its shortened time to heat up food, some believe that not all the bacteria can be killed and thus can result in unhealthy food.

Another danger that microwave oven is known for is its ability to superheat liquids. Superheated liquids reach temperatures that are above their normal boiling points without actually boiling. This can usually happen to liquids placed in a container with a smooth surface. When a superheated liquid is disturbed, it has a tendency to explode accidentally which can immediately cause burns to the handler.

Using tin and aluminum foil as well as other metal containers can produce sparks when placed inside a working microwave oven. Many people are also concerned having their food exposed to microwave radiation. Some believe that the radiation can cause chemical reactions different from those that occur through conventional heating. This chemical reaction is said to help form carcinogens that in turn can cause cancer in humans.

Microwaving Plastics

Microwave ovens regularly provoke fears about unwanted chemicals migrating from plastic cookware or food packages. Modern plastics are under scrutiny, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and 'plasticizers' -chemicals that make plastics pliable and soft. In the microwave, some chemicals may migrate into food, especially fatty food cooked at high temperatures.

Plastic wrap should not come into direct contact with food when microwaving, because chemical components can, 'migrate' from plastics into food at microwaving temperatures. However, there is no evidence to date that such contaminants pose a serious threat to human health.

Not all plastic is alike, and not all name-brand plastic products are microwave-safe. Cook only in containers labelled for use in the microwave as "Microwave Safe". Use polyethylene plastic containers, as they do not contain plasticizers and leave a gap between food and plastic wraps. If you use paper towels, choose the plain white kind, not coloured or recycled fibres containing dyes or chemicals.

Proper Microwave usage

Microwave users should note the following precautions to avoid explosions and burns.

1. Put your teabag or instant coffee in the water before heating the water in the microwave;
2. Always stir liquids before heating;
3. Don’t cook things too long;

4. Stir food midway through cooking;

5. Allow standing time before touching container;

6. Check temperature by sampling food before giving to a child;

7. Do not let plastic wrap touch food during heating;

8. Loosen the plastic wrap on one corner;

9. Lift cover away from your face;

10. Keep children away from the microwave when removing hot lids;
11. Use a baby bottle warmer instead of heating a bottle in the microwave;
and 12. Use a turntable inside the microwave to promote even heating.

When it comes to microwave oven danger, there is still much to be studied. Advancing technology has also made newer microwave oven models that try to address such issues. Most of the said dangers still needs to be proven through more studies and may not be accurate.

All in all, microwave ovens are still safe to use. There is no need to throw out your microwave oven, at least not just yet. Atleast a favorable outcome for all the bread winners(men)

From Web Sources below:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Supposed-Dangers-of-Microwave-Ovens&id=308762
http://www.consumer.gov.tt/news/microwavedangers.htm
http://www.bodyecology.com/07/08/02/microwave_dangers.php

Will be Right back Mommy!!!

"Amma, I am leaving! I will be right back in an hour or so" - Aakila shouted standing on the door steps waiting to jump off into her mom's old car.

"Aakila, Hold on! Where are you going now? Don't you remember we have plans to go shopping today" - Vanathi trying to stop her.

"Amma, I remember! But today is Trisha's birthday and I have to go. We already planned to give her a surprise Birthday Party. We made all the arrangements and I can't miss out the fun. I will back as soon as she cuts the cake" - Aakila answered back polietly and whisked in wind giving life to the car with a cellphone on the other hand.

Its tough being a single mom. What can I say more than that?! For anybody, its hard to imagine Vanathi's position.

Vanathi girls grew up so fast, she didn't want to stop them anymore. They make their own decisions, she always hoped to be good one's. She nurture them well enough with right values to make right decisions. They been good girls, especially understanding the family situation and being really responsible. She is indeed really lucky in that way.

Aakila, her first baby. She is an intelligent one. Her dad adored and loved her so much when she was like tiny, tiny. He would be very proud of her if he is here today. She is an honors student all her classes and right now doing her 3rd year of college. She will soon be out of college and I am totally banking on her to share my load by giving an hand.

Little one, Aamala is a cutie pie and she don't remember her dad very much. She was just two when her husband left them struggling all alone in this world. It was so devastating to Vanathi when he was diagnosed with lung cancer in the last stage. They tried their best taking him to all famous doctors but GOD had his own plans. It was an hard hit on her but as she promised him she stayed stronger. She did her best for both of her girls.

*************************

"Aamala, its almost 7pm and there is no sign of Aakila. Can you call your sister and find out ?!" - Vanathi shouted.

"Maa,I already called her few times and no answer. Lets go maa. I have lot of things buy." - Aamala begged her mom.

Vanathi is getting bit worried now. Its been 2 hours since Aakila left and she usually calls back if she is getting late or not able to come.

At that moment, Phone rang begging for somebody to pick it up quickly.

"Hello" - vanathi answered.

"Hello, Is it Aakila's house?"

"Yes. May I know who is this ?!"

"I am the officer calling from Spring Hospital, May I know who is on the line?"

"I am Vanathi, Aakila's Mom" - Vanathi replied in a hurry wondering why there is a call from an hospital.

"Maam, Can you come down the Spring General Hospital quickly?!"- Ofificer replied back.

"What happened officer?" - Vanathi couldn't hold her thought and starts shack a bit.

"Maam, your daughter met with a major accident and right now she getting treatment in the Emergency care"

"Oh my God!!" - Vanathi is shocked hearing the news.

"Maam, Are you alright?" - Officer asked with concerning voice.

"I am oook officer, I will be there soon" - Vanathi trying to control herself and her outburst. She just hang up the phone.

"Maaa, what happened ? Who is on the phone? Is it Aakila?! " - Aamala asked from distance.

Aamala, oh Aamala! your sister is in hospital and officer just called to inform us.

Vanathi don't know what to do at that instant moment. Her mind is not working and just paused with this shocking news. OK! Lets go to the Hospital and find out. She hope its not her daughter and prayed GOD.

********************

After finding the right building, Vanathi and Aamala got to Hospital after 15 mins.

"Officer, I am Aakila's Mom. I gotta call saying my my girl is here. Where is she?"

"I am so Sorry Madam" - officer replied.

"What do you mean you are sorry?!" - Vanathi asked wondering..

"I am sorry, we couldn't save her. We lost your daughter" Vanathi is speechless after hearing the officer.

"Your daughter died in few minutes after getting here and we couldn't able to revive her back. Luckily her friend escaped with minor accidents. She is on the other room" - officer added.

"No, it won't be my daughter" - Vanathi shouted back with uncontrolled feeling.

"I don't think its my child. You may be wrong. Can you show her identity?"- Vanathi is hoping to be true.

"Is this your daughter? - showing Aakila's Driver's license" officer asked Vanathi.

After seeing the picture, she was hell struck and starts to cry out saying "Yes officer, Its my daughter" - Vanathi replied crying badly.

"I am so sorry Madam", officer left the scene with sad face.

"God!! I couldn't believe my girl is gone. Is it happening to me again?! Why?" -Vanathi is totally blown away like a stone hit on the wall. Its so much pain.

Aamala also started to shed tears but trying control herself so she can manage her mother. "Mom, lets go and ask her friend" - Aamala insisted.

They went to the other room and Sara was sitting resting in the bed. She is still in the panic mode after witnessing the accident right on her eyes. She is yet to get back to normal.

"Are you Aakila's friend" - Aamala asked.

"Yes, I am Sara. You are ?! " - Sara checked.

"I am Aamala, Aakila's sister and this is my Mom" - Aamla replied.

"Sorry about Aakila" - Sara shared the sorrow.

"What really happened ?!" - Aamala inquired.

"Aakila came and picked me up at around 5:20pm and we then went to pickup the cake from the grocery store. We headed to Trisha's house to get ready for the party. I stayed in the back seat to hold the cake. Aakila was driving in one hand and holding cellphone on the other talking to our other friend.

In a fraction of a second, it all happened. She somehow dropped the cellphone and trying to search keeping an eye on the road. Without noticing, she gone to the opposite lane. After seeing, I immediately yelled at there. But its too late. There was that big truck just came right in front of us and we are crashed head on. BANG!!!

Next thing, I know was people trying to wake me up and pulling out of the car. I am so sorry." - Sara stopped her long speech.

Aamala just conveyed her to get well and came out.

It all happened in just few seconds just because of that tiny bitty gadget. "I told her number of times not to use cellphone while driving and she didn't listen. This is a big punishment for a small mistake for my girl."

"She said She will be right back but never came back home after that day" - Vanathi thought to herself getting totally immersed in her another great loss and it will take her forever to get back. This loss is big one.

*********************************************************
Actors
Vanathi - Amma - Mother
Aakila - Eldest Daughter
Aamala - Youngest one

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This story is based on another true incident adding my own imagination. A NRI family lost their 20 year old daughter in a car accident a month ago. A finite moment can cost a precious life. We tend to take that fraction of a second for granted but it make a hell lot of difference in our life. May the family find courage and peace in this great loss.

Please try to avoid usage of cell phones while driving and be a safe driver for others too.

India News in HOUSTON Chronicle Newspaper

People say, "World is shrinking or getting smaller" in this Internet age. I agree with them.

Last weekend, I just happen to get a free Houston Chronicle newspaper and was brushing through the pages. I happen to see more news about India in different sections. Its definitely a good change that India is getting more visibility in a land few decades ago doesn't even know where is India in the World map including the current President.

Here are the few snippet of the news which interested me.

1. Story about poor villagers at Malinagar, Bihar suffering homeless after heavy down pour.

Click here to enlarge

2. An article about young graduates in US picking Volunteering over career as their future.

One special example, Elizabeth from Emory university. After graduating, she chose to start an Orphanage near Pune to give shelter to 15 kids in a 2 story apartment complex. Its been 3 years since she started the orphanage housing 10 kids now. What a brave move?!

See the smiley faces below making difference in their life...

Click here to enlarge

These stories definitely tell us one thing for sure. World's(Americans) attention is slowly moving towards countries like India and others looking for more interesting stories importantly reporters are venturing out.