Visit Space City Houston

This blog post comes out as an attempt to answer some questions about good places to visit and places to eat in my previous TOUR OF SPACECITY HOUSTON. I like to first, Thank you for all bloggers who stopped by to check out pictures and left comments.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Houston is the 4th largest city in USA. That means its big and better. The city runs about 50 miles in radius. Beyond the misconception Houston doesn't offer any excitment for visitors, it does have variety of places for every age limit to explore and have fun.

I will try to cover most of the places in such a way that you can plan your trip easily. I am going to talk about places I liked and ventured, also some places I plan to check it out.

I am going use the below convention which might be a great help.

1day - Places you can quickly visit in a short period

2days - Places you can visit in a weekend trip

3days - Places you can visit during long weekends

$$$ Pricy or $Cheap

S - Strongly Recommend

FR - Fairly Recommend

NR - Not recommended

Reach Houston

By Car - To Houston Downtown(Central Point)

Coming from AUSTIN, it takes 3 hrs

Coming from DALLAS, it takes 5 hrs

Coming from SAN ANTONIO, it takes 3 1/2 hrs

By flight

Get to International Bush Airport or Hobby Airport. Try to stay away from Downtown and away from Airport area.

Fun Places

NASA - Space Center, Houston - 30 mins from Downtown ( S, $$, 2day)

Moody Gardens, Galveston - 1 hr from Downtown (NR, $$$,2day)

Galveston Beach - 1hr from Downtown (FR, $, 1day)

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark - 1 hr from Downtown (S, $$$, 3days)

Splashtown Water Park - 1 1/2 hr from downtown (FR, $$$, 3 days)

Free Rides (I know we all love free stuffs)
Sam Houston Boat Ride - http://www.portofhouston.com/ - (FR, Free,1days)

Note: Need reservation 2-3 weeks ahead and all needs your ID to board.

Galveston Boat Ride to an Island - (FR, Free,2days)

Note: During summer, there is a long line for the boat.

Historical Places

San Jacinto Monument, La Porte -http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/ (S, $$, 2days)

BattleShip Texas, La Porte - (FR, $$, 2days)

Forbidden Gardens, Katy - http://www.forbidden-gardens.com/ (FR, $$, 3days)

Religious Places

Meenakshi Temple - Pearland (S, Free,1day)

SwamiNarayana Temple - Stafford (S, Free,1day)

ISKCON - Houston (S, Free, 1day)

TimePass Places

Downtown - Train Ride

Sam Houston Race Park - Horse Race (FR, $, 3days or more)

Gulf Greyhound Park - Dog Race - (FR, $$, 3days or more)

Downtown Aquarium - http://www.downtownaquarium.com/ (NR, $$$, 3days)

Museum District - http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/default.asp?id=1 (Price vary, 3days) - Lots of museum including children's, Natural Science, Holocaust Museum

Houston Z00 - (FR, $$, 3days)

Parks
Buffalo Bayou Park (FR, Free, 2days)

Sesquicentennial Park - Near Aquarium (S, Free, 2days)

Places to Eat

Houston offers good eats from different ethnicity. I would recommend you to try Sea food and Mexican restaurants like Las Cuocus.

Hillcroft Area - Cheap restaurants all over the street

Mayuri - Westheimer Galleria Area (S, $$)

Dakshin & IndianWok - 249/FM1960 Area (FR, $$)

Check out the site, http://www.b4-u-eat.com/ for others

Places to Shop

Hilcroft Road off Hwy 59 South - Lots of grocery stores including 110/220 shops

Galleria Mall (offers Ice Skating)

Katy Mills Outlet Mall

Conroe Outlet Mall

Deals

Visit this Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau site and go to special offer for discount coupons for lots of places.. http://www.visithoustontexas.com/

I covered most of the things which our people(desi's) like to do. There are other places which you can find out from the Houston Visitors center site.

am I Inflicted or neccessary Evil ?

I think I am inflicted very badly by a contiguous virus. A virus cruel enough to threaten losing my current job. The virus which exploded so fast all over the world. I also attacked me and my subconscious mind to demand for attention and sometimes commands to take actions. Its the blogging virus new in the block.

Its not a simple virus, its like Trojan VIRUS because it can't be stopped. Every action you take gets multiplied and its comes back at you. With a few tempting featured blogs and encouraging comments by the blogger, it got me trapped really deep. In my life ever, I never was been so inflicted like this one.

I was so close to getting trapped by the chat and webcam virus while ago but I somehow got out of it. But this blogging virus is so tempting with promises to make you feel good and lures you in so easy.

Symptoms:
1. No proper sleep
2. Loss of appetite
3. Drives crazy, to make you think about blogging all the time
4. Lose track of time

Bad side Effects
1. Lost in touch with my real friends (finding no time to even call my friends)
2. Every conversation and situation gets filtered and processed by your mind to be blogged or not.

Good Effects

1. Learn new things everyday

2. Reaching out to people
3. Freedom to express and share your own views

4. Helps to keep in focus with current happenings
5. Earn new virtual friends (who care about me now, i guess)

Temporary Cure
1. Keep writing blogs everyday
2. Leave encouraging comments in other blog post
3. Involve yourself into discussions(sometime you don't even know about it)

Permanent Solution

I know, a easy one. Just don't care and get out of it.. But I don't want to hear to lose the good effects. I like to hear anything more constructive ?!

I really don't know whether its normal to be inflicted by this blogging virus so bad to go deep or am I over reacting... I know I am asking the wrong group who does this day in and day out not worring about any side effects.

I am just hoping there are some souls out here in this group who suffered like me and found a way out or reached a point thats its all for good.

Am I inflicted by this blogging virus or is it a necessary evil?

TOUR OF SPACE CITY HOUSTON

My proud parents visited us for a month long vacation 2 months ago. I dreamt for this day since I got to America like any other desi. I wanted them to show everything possible and give them an experience of lifetime during this short period.

I took them to some good historic places in and around Houston city which I am about share with you via pics.

Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, home to 2 million people and a hub of international businesses. It is a vibrant international city that heartily enjoys its tradition of being a place of firsts. General Sam Houston, the city’s heroic namesake, was the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Houston Downtown Sky raisers - Its a nice decent view from the park.

Houston Sesquicentennial Park
Buffalo Bayou Sesquicentennial Park has become an urban oasis in the heart of Houston’s downtown Theater District. The George Bush Monument, a tribute to the 41st American president, was unveiled to the public in December of 2004, as a new addition to Sesquicentennial Park.

Pearland Meenakshi Temple

The main deities at the temple are Meenakshi, Sundareswara and Lakshmi, the companion of Vishnu. Its located apx. 50 miles from my place. It take atleast 1 hour drive in car during the off-peak hours.

Stafford Swami Narayana Temple

It was the first traditional Hindu Mandir (temple) of stone and marble to be constructed in the United States.The 25,620 sq.ft Mandir is constructed entirely of marble from Italy and limestone from Turkey. There is no iron or steel anywhere in the structure.

The stone that makes up the temple was shipped to India where it was hand-carved with traditional Vedic deities and motifs. Approximately 33,000 individually marked pieces were then shipped to Houston and assembled like a giant three dimensional jigsaw.

Houston Johnson Space Center - NASA

Houston, the city, was the first word spoken from the surface of the moon and the first to build an air-conditioned sports stadium.Houston received the official nickname of "Space City" in 1967 because it is home to NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Space vehicle used in the Moon


Shuttle Ship(model)

Kalpana Chawla's with her crew on the Wall of fame.

My dad happily riding in the future vehicle..

Inside the Rocket Cockpit

Design of the International Space Station which is rotating about the earth.

Future Unmanned Space Shuttle

Port of Houston (Boat Tour)



San Jacinto Monument

A bit history - On April 21, 1836, Mexican rule over Texas came to a dramatic close. The climax of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of San Jacinto eventually moved America’s western border to the Pacific Ocean. This world’s tallest 570 feet monument tower was built in memory of this great battle fought by the Texans.

Another interesting fact, in the 57 hours that the foundation was poured, the builders consumed 3,800 sandwiches and 5,700 cups of coffee.

Top view from the observation deck


Hope you enjoyed the short tour of the oil & gas city of USA.

THE BUS STAND - THE END

(This is Sequel of The Bus Stand - Part I)

An interesting incident introduces Aakash to her approximately 2 months ago.

March month just marched in with striking summer days sending bye bye to milder weather. It just stopped raining, ending the kiosk it created for the past 2 days. After that hard rain, it flooded the sewage, filled the Pot holes with dirt water, muddy and slipery patches all over the places, especially near the bus stand.

As unusual to most days, Aakash just happen to be standing in this Bus Stand waiting for his connecting bus. He worked little late that day and ended up missing the direct bus so he came to this connecting Bus stand. It was little bit crowded that day and its almost 7.30pm. Street light just did its duty by shining the road and the Bus Stand.

A bus came just empty enough to fit only 5 more people. There were college students already traveling in the front footboard steps(famously known as footboarding in chennai) and driver is yelling at them to get inside.. It came to a complete halt, close to the Stand. People were rushing and jumping to get inside including Aakash and another lady. Aakash is pushing himself to go inside. In parallel to him, that young lady wearing saree is also try to get inside which he barely notices in the rush.

At that instant moment, conductor who got frustrated with the heavy crowd, gave the double whistle to start the bus. Driver didn't see Aakash and the lady still trying to get inside from the back steps because college students standing in the front steps blinded his rear window. He was not able to view the back steps properly. He just starts with real push in his accelerator with the first gear and immediately changing to second one to move fast.

Lady is still not completely inside the bus, her one foot is in bus steps with her saree jamed between the people and another foot in the ground. She slowly losing her balance, slipped by the muddy patch.

"oooh, bussa nerutha sollunga... aaaaa.. naa vizhunthuduva(please ask to stop the bus, I still didn't got inside, lady shouted)", she is trying to control and get the grip inside but she couldn't because of the bus fast movement.

Aakash who is still on the footstep with one hand on the bus footstep handle. He just alarmed by the voice from the lady and immediately managed himself to hold her hip tightly in his other hand and tried pull her inside the bus. His try worked and got her inside saving her from a big fall.

It all happened in fraction of few seconds. People who are watching this, started shouting to stop the bus. Conductor whistled and bus stopped with sudden brake.. Everybody asked Aakash and the young lady to check whether they are ok and free of any injuries.

"Onnum illa..naanga ok... (nothing happened,We are OK)", Aakash replied the crowd and then the bus starts to move after conductor whistle..

Aakash and the lady slowly moved inside squeezing others and comfortably settling in the middle of bus. Both of them still yet to get out of that tensed moment.. Aakash broke the silence asking her, "Are you ok? Sorry I did not have any way to stop you falling except holding your hip."

She didn't wait for him to stop and started right back to say, "No, No.. Its alright.. If you didn't do that, I can't imagine what might have happened... Thank you so much". By the way, I am Rohini. Thanks again.. I won't forget this help". She just popped like popcorn in the microwave oven..

"You are Welcome. I am Aakash.", he replied..

They didn't talk after that and don't know what to talk until the stop came for her to get down.

May be its coincedence, next day they both met again in the same bus. She saw him standing in the back. Her eyes invited him close to her. He recognized that came close by.. She asked his bag so he can stand comfortably as she was sitting in the ladies seat. He gave his bag and relaxed a bit in the crowd. Looks like they might have see them before the incident in the bus but bother to notice close enough. They didn't talk much that day.

From that day on, Aakash plans to meet her every work day taking the connecting bus in this Bus Stand. They both say HI, HELLO and may have little conversation or two about their day.. They just felt the attraction and enjoyed the presence of each other..

Conductor's loud whistle sound just alerted him to come to real world. Its his stop actually. He got down and kept thinking about her while he was walking to his home.

"May be she didn't go to work today.. or May be she is not feeling well... I will see her tomorrow... Don't worry", he tries to console himself..

Days passed and time changed.. But he never saw her again.. He sometimes think about her, her sweet voice and talk to himself, "I don't what happened to her. Will I see her again? If I am lucky I might see her again. Its a small world afterall..."

THE END

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Life is like a long train journey. We all travel to reach our own destiny. Some people get on in the middle and travel with us for the entire journey and never even bother to give a smile. Some get on to stay just long enough to make a strong impression and disappears when their stop arrives..

We think about them on and off but we still have to go on with our journey to reach our destiny.. Thats life :-)

Sanjaya Survives Again - Style or Sustance..

On the yesterday American Idol show, the much awaited results for this week is revealed. Lot of people from my yesterday post comments said that Sanjaya won't stay this round. But I was amazed to find out Sanjaya stays in the contest..

Is it his Style or Substance which keeps him in this contest? (This question reminds me of the good stories from Muthu and Bigthinkbig which came out in sulekha last week.. )

That's a easy question for many of us. They would definitely say, its the Style. His different hair style stuns and gets the young ladies. He is know the heartthrob for so many young American ladies. He is cute and smart.

But is he has substance, to come this far. Some say YES but most of them nodding big NO to it. He is a good singer but there were good singers who already been thrown out of the competition.. Its ridiculous to see that some already predicts that he will the American Idol and many trying to deny it strongly..

My questions, how he was able to survive this far and keep going ?? There is something which attracts the people to vote for him.. Is the true Style or Subtance?!

In my my previous post, I talked little bit about him and his family. Check it out, http://houstonvijai.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/04/american-idol-a-nri-finds-spot-in-top-9-list.htm

THE BUS STAND - Part I

It is one of the hot summer evening in chennai. In the suburb area little outside the city, mild warm breeze from the sea shore with a bit of salty taste trying to make an impression with a mixture of fresh sand smell mooted by the summer rain drops which showed up a while ago just for 10mins. Soft Sun rays trying to vanish by slowly hiding on the back of the big building opposite to the Bus Stand creating a genial evening atmosphere.

"Ennappa innum ooru bus kuda varala. Inda timeku 2 bus varanume..(why there is no bus yet, there should be atleast 2 buses coming at this time)", voice from the locale passengers talking each other while they are waiting for the bus..

Aakash stands in the crowded Bus stand one among 50 or odd people scattered along the sides and over the platform near it. A steel structure supported by 4 poles with no roof stands in th middle for no use. Its the peak rush hour and everyday it gets crowded like this one. Its very rare to see this bus stand empty during the rush hours.

There are people in groups talking about their work day and trying to kill their time while waiting for their right bus. Smell of the fresh frying masal vada and bhonda reaching the standby's, threatening them to buy it. Some couldn't control their taste buds, getting trapped by the taste bug and ended up buying it, giving a taste to their mouth standing next to the vada shop.

"Oil rombha adigama irrukupola, irrunthalum rombha nella irrukupa"(criticising that oil is heavy but it tastes good), locale talking to his friend munching his vada.

Group of school gals murmuring about their teachers and laughing at them. Few people couldn't tolerant the heat and humidity, taking a sip of rosemilk(type of drink made with rose essence and milk) in the Cool drink shop next to the stand. Some others are trying to find a place to sit as they been standing for long time. A little girl in her teared down dress with deserted look carried a plate in her hand, asking for some change from the standing crowd.

Aakash just slowly scans around the people randomly and watching each scene rolling before him, at sametime he is looking for her. He also just want to get back home after a long day of work.. He somehow managed to get a bus from his office to this bus stand. He usually try to hit the direct bus but for the last 2 months he comes to this bus stand to catch the connecting bus to reach home..

Suddenly there is a disturbance. People saw a bus turning left on the roundana junction and coming close to the bus stand. Its already packed with more than 150 people on it. Conductor gave two, three whistle which means "Don't Stop signal for the driver".

Driver also took his command and try to accelerate the speed to not to stop but being a soft hearted person he just couldn't avoid those people standing. So ended up stopping little far from the Stop to avoid a full crowd getting in. Some people who been waiting for the bus ran to get to the Bus.

Aakash ran close to the bus but instead of getting in, he started looking out for her in the ladies side window(which is usually the left side of the bus). He went up and down, couldn't find the person he is looking, so ended up not taking the bus..

Its already quarter past seven(7:15pm) in the watch.

Another 15mins just melts down, another bus shows up little empty and everybody tries to get off jumping on each other to catch a seat for themselves.. Aakash got inside somehow and starts to look again for her and couldn't find. With a little disappointment on his face, he just got down and let this one go too..

"Why is she not at this bus either?! May be she left early or she coming late.. I don't know. Can I wait some more time", Aakash thought to himself.

Its almost 8:15pm and he already missed 4 buses. Another bus just shows up in the bus stand. He did the final search and couldn't find her in the Bus Stand. He is little worried but at same time don't know what to do..

He finally decided to get into the bus making up his mind to go home. He got inside and did look for her in this bus too but couldn't find her. He just stayed and bus started moving in its speed. While he was travelling, he just kept thinking about the way they met and how their friendship grew which refreshes his heart all time.

(To be Continued...)

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American Idol - A NRI finds spot in Top 9 list.

American Idol is another interesting show broadcasted by Fox channel. Its been duplicated to the local version all around the world now. We have Indian Idol hosted by Sony TV which actually originated from this American Idol concept. That would suffice for the intro.

It is the Sixth Season of American Idol which is aired on Tue and Wed days. In this edition, we have an NRI named Sanjaya Malakar who managed to get to Top 12 spots. He is all over the news. You can see article about him in all the newspapers. Thats a pretty amazing accomplishment is init?!

He first auditioned for American Idol on September 19, 2006 (just 9 days after Sanjaya's 17th birthday). When the Seattle American Idol Auditions aired on January 17, 2007, Sanjaya and his sister Shyamali Malakar became famous overnight as the siblings on American Idol.

He was born in the Seattle, Washington area. Sanjaya spent most of his life in the Seattle area, most recently in Federal Way when auditioning for American Idol, but has lived in Hawaii and California as well. Sanjaya and Shyamali’s father was a classic Indian (East) musician(no wonder he is a good singer!) and an Italian mother. Shyamali notes the importance of their father raising them around music, while Sanjaya credits him for giving them their American Idol-worthy voices.

Sanjaya credits both his father and mother with influencing his music. His father may have given the American Idol contestant his voice, but his mother surrounded him with music his entire life. Sanjaya calls his sister Shyamali his biggest ally and biggest competition. Shyamali has always been the one person Sanjaya could rely on to be honest with her feedback on his singing, which helped him grow as a singer.

You can check out his favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/sanjaya_malakar/

I found another interesting article at http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/f825b92e19df636a/id/237511/cs/1/

Today is the crucial day for him. Whether his fate to remain in the contest or thrown out by the people as a big loser, we have to find out in tonite's show.

If you are in US and like to vote, Check out this site for info at http://www.americanidol.com/faqs/

I would love to see him go forward. But whether he goes forward or loses, he is a winner to have come this far. Lets give a big appreciate his good accomplishment by showcasing his talents. Show your appreciation adding your comments, may be I will try to send to him all via email.

Millionaire Mail - I - Need Suggestion..

For the people who are following up on this one, Today I recieved a response from this junk mail phisher or scammer whatever you want to call him..

Check out the previous emails from my old post at http://houstonvijai.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/04/millionaire-mail-i-interesting-phisher-reply.htm


Here the reply for my mail I had sent on Monday..

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Date:Wed, 4 Apr 2007 04:18:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: "humphrey lama" humphrey_lama1@yahoo.com
Subject: Re:Hello
To:helpindia2007@yahoo.com

I dont know how else you want me to explain this transaction with me.One thing that is certain is that this project is genuine and 100% risk free.You are the only person I sent this proposal to.I have my references like my Bank id card but before sending it to you I will make sure you are with me.

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I am so close to teach him a lesson but don't know what to reply to make him get it still further. You might wondering, whats the point of all this? You will find out once we get to the end of Scammer/Phisher hunting.

I need your help on this one. Please suggest me a proper reply to make him believe more and get still further with this deal.

Pizzaaa, Hot Pizza'ssss ... One Slice Rs.30

"Samosa, Samosaaaa, Hot Samosaaaa...... one for Rs.2", theatre shopwala use to yell during the intervals(not in city theatres). I remember those days when I use to go to the nearby theatre around my town and eaten hot samosa's and puffs.

I think very soon the trend will be like, "Pizza, pizza, hot cheese pizzzaaaaa... one slice for Rs.30"

What happened to our very own Hot samosa, Hot crunhy puffs, bhel Puri's and other tradition snacks? Is the Western food culture plaguing our society and trying to destroy our own food culture?

My wife who is in India right now on her vacation mentioned to me in our last phone conversations that its going really bad to worse from the last time we visited India.

She said, "I really wanted to eat puffs and Samosa's which we miss in US and they are nowhere to be found. Everywhere they are selling pizza's, burgers, french fries etc.,"

Looks like almost all the malls and big movie theatres complexes are now shifting to have the burger and pizza stands. They didn't stop there, new innovations show up everyday like COnniza's, pizza burgers and so froth. May be very soon, we won't find our streetwala's selling bonda's, samosa's and puffs.. They will all be selling hot cheese and vegi pizza changing with the wave to western food.

I know there were lots of political discussions aroused when McDonald's, Burger Kings shifted their attention towards our country and started shops all over country. But after a while, it all settled in and now nobody cares. Now there are 'n' number of other small vendors creating their own recipes to make money of this growing economy. We also try to ban Pepsi and Coke but they popped right back up with their creative ads.

I am not saying we should be venturing different food and culture but going to extreme of replacing our own food culture. * aaargh * I can't imagine it. That's not a good thing. In America too, they have other food culture including Indian making its way to every American kitchen's but not to replace their own burgers and sandwiches.. Just for a change only. We should accept other culture but not for the cost of losing our own identity.

When my boy grows up and visits India, he won't be any difference between US and India atleast in the food sense. That might be a good thing but not on a good perspective. Obviously every NRI has dreams to expose their kids to things which they enjoyed as kids(atleast for extent) but the way food culture is changing we might not have anything to show them...

Where are we going with this? Check out this article which came across, published in Dec 2006.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10416108

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Here is the small snapshot of that article,

As a result, obesity among India's 300 million-strong middle class is on the rise and dietitians warn that children in particular must change their eating habits now or risk serious health problems in the future.

"It's a very serious condition as obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease and early heart attacks," said Ashok Jhingan, chairman of the Delhi Diabetes Research Centre.

"Many teenage girls are already suffering from diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is a condition that occurs in overweight females and disrupts menstruation, and other children have hypertension."

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Our food culture and heritage which is healthy and suitable for our own country is getting washed out and our kids are getting spoiled everyday. Can we do something about it? I know lots of parents taking precautionary measure by educating their kids on the pros and cons. But they are kids after all and they expose to different atmosphere everyday and we can't control them all the time.

It really worries the hell out of me sitting far away.. I don't know what you guys feel about it from India, especially parents with kids?

Millionaire Mail-II

I know somehow of you are following up my Ist Millionaire mail version to track and find the scammer patterns and try to get them hooked onto our plot instead of us getting reeled in. I am still waiting to hear from the scammer for my recent reply..

While I am waiting on the reply, here is the another version of the Million Pound scammer email..

I never won a lottery in my life except the one I won to run my first ever Marathon.. I am was really happy and surprised to win this fake one... Something you know :-)

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From: "LOTTERY BOARD" mfisherclarke@bellsouth.net

Subject: Confirm Receipt...................................Dear Winner

To: helpindia2007@yahoo.com

THE LOTTERY DEPARTMENT UK.

22 Garden Close,PE9 2YP,

London REF N0:UKNL-L/200-26937

BATCH N0:14/0017/1PD

Dear Winner,
CONSOLATION WINNER NOTICE
We wish to congratulate and inform you on the selection of your email coupon number which was selected among the 5 lucky consolation prize winners Your email ID identified with coupon No. XXXXXXXXXX and was selected by our E-games Random Selection System (ERSS) with entries from the 250,000 different email addresses enrolled for the E-game.you have been awarded the sum of £1,000,000.00 (British Pounds) held on the 24th of March 2007 in London Uk. (WOW man, its actually 1M Pounds equal to 1.6M dollars)

You are to contact the claims agent with the following details for the release of your winnings.
Claims Requirements:
1.Name in full: 2.Home Address: 3.Age: 4.Occupation: 5.Phone Number: 6.Present Country: 7.Sex:

Overseas Claims Unit

United Kingdom Lottery Fiduciary

Contact Person: Mr. Edward Fring

Email: contact_agentedwardfring@yahoo.co.uk

Tel:+44-701-113-0167Fax: +44-707-570-0263
Regards,Mrs. Stella Ellis.(Group Coordinator)

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It seems to little bit more formal and they worked to make it more legitimate with phone numbers. So I didn't want miss this chance.. I emailed as below and waiting for the reply.

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Date:Sat, 31 Mar 2007 20:16:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: helpindia2007@yahoo.com

Subject: Re: Confirm Receipt...................................Dear Winner
To:"LOTTERY BOARD" mfisherclarke@bellsouth.net

Oh WOW! What a great surprise..?? I never won anything in my life.. Good to know..

I hesitate to send those details in email.. Is there is any other way I can get confirm and get the money ?

VIJAI

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Do anybody from UK wants to call the number and check it out for me ?

APRIL FOOL'S GAME - ANSWERS

Wow, that was difficult, wasn't it? Here is the correct version of the text below. If you've found more than 3 incorrect idioms and have corrected them, I'd say you have a pretty good grasp (understanding) of common idioms!

Mary : I'd really like to go see a film this evening. Would you like to come?
Tom: Sure, but let's not go see the Titanic. I hate blockbreakerINCORRECT blockbuster (huge hits) films.
Mary: I know what you mean. Why don't we go see Major League Blues? I've heard it will make you CORRECT bust your sides laughing. (Laugh very hard)
Tom: Sounds good to me. What's it about?
Mary: Well, it's about the a team that's hit the bottom of the garbageINCORRECT bottom of the barrel (the very worst) and has to hit the road CORRECT (travel) for all of its 175 games.
Tom: I don't get it CORRECT (understand).
Mary: Well, the team loses its playing field because of construction contracts and the owner has to throw in the bathtub INCORRECT throw in the kitchen sink (include everything when selling something) when he tries to sell it to another owner.
Tom: Seems like a strange idea for a movie to me…
Mary: The new owner decides he's going to make a killing CORRECT (make a lot of money) by turning the team into the worst baseball team in history. He's a real wolf INCORRECT fox or shark (clever person) and thinks that if the team smells INCORRECT stinks (to be very bad), the media will give it great coverage and he will be able to turn a nice profit CORRECT (make a lot of money) by paying the bad players little and making all the money on off the roof INCORRECT off the wall (crazy) advertising.
Tom: Yeah, that would make sense in this day and age CORRECT (this period of history). People really like to laugh at all "heroes". Just look at the President and all the scabs he is supposedly involved in.
Mary: By the side INCORRECT by the way (something extra), Who do you believe? The President or the special Investigator?
Tom: Oh, I don't know the dick CORRECT (investigator) seems like he's trying to pull a quick one INCORRECT pull a fast one (to fool someone) on the public.
Mary: Yeah, I know what you mean. But remember where there's smoke there's flames INCORRECT where there's smoke there's fire (when there are a lot of rumors about something, there is probably some truth to the situation)….
Tom: It's really a shame as I think the President's really hit a home run CORRECT (do extremely well) with this presidency. As far as the small INCORRECT little (insignificant) people are concerned, that is.
Mary: I think he's the best president we've had for a long time. Some people however, think that he isn't the greatest thing since sliced toast INCORRECT greatest thing since sliced bread (a wonderful invention or person).
Tom: I guess you're right. Anyway, when shall we meet tonight?
Mary: Oh, how about 7.30 before the flick CORRECT (movie, film)
Tom: Great, see you then.
Mary: Bye.

Guys, You could have atleast left a comment whether you liked or not.. I know we all are busy.. but encouraging somebody is the key for growing.

April Fools Game

Yesterday was April Fools day. I still remember those school days when I played with friends to pour ink on our opponent teams in their white school shirts and other pranks. Nowadays, we rarely get a chance to play prank on somebody. Still, we try to do our best to make fun of others .. Lets play this small game which might be bit of a fun...

This following dialogue uses many idiomatic expressions. Some of these idioms are correct, the others are false. See if you can spot the false idioms and replace them with correct idiomatic expressions. Idiomatic expressions are highlighted.

Don't try to look in the google. You won't find it. I will publish the answers by tomorrow.. Its not too hard.. Rock and Roll guys!!

Mary: I'd really like to go see a film this evening. Would you like to come?
Tom: Sure, but let's not go see the Titanic. I hate blockbreaker films.
Mary: I know what you mean. Why don't we go see Major League Blues? I've heard it will make you bust your sides laughing.
Tom: Sounds good to me. What's it about?
Mary: Well, it's about a team that's hit the bottom of the garbage and has to hit the road for all of its 175 games.
Tom: I don't get it.
Mary: Well, the team loses its playing field because of construction contracts and the owner has to throw in the bathtub when he tries to sell it to another owner.
Tom: Seems like a strange idea for a movie to me…
Mary: The new owner decides he's going to make a killing by turning the team into the worst baseball team in history. He's a real wolf and thinks that if the team smells, the media will give it great coverage and he will be able to turn a nice profit by paying the bad players little and making all the money on off the roof advertising.
Tom: Yeah, that would make sense in this day and age. People really like to laugh at all "heroes". Just look at the President and all the scabs he is supposedly involved in.
Mary: By the side, Who do you believe? The President or the special Investigator?
Tom: Oh, I don't know the dick seems like he's trying to pull a quickly one on the public.
Mary: Yeah, I know what you mean. But remember where there's smoke there's flames….
Tom: It's really a shame as I think the President's really hit a home run with this presidency. As far as the small people are concerned, that is.
Mary: I think he's the best president we've had for a long time. Some people however, think that he isn't the greatest thing since sliced toast.
Tom: I guess you're right. Anyway, when shall we meet tonight?
Mary: Oh, how about 7.30 before the flicker.
Tom: Great, see you then.
Mary: Bye.

Add your answers as comments and share your unforgettable APRIL FOOL's day prank..

Millionaire Mail I - Interesting Phisher Reply

This is the follow up or the Part 2 of the Millionaire Mail blog I post 2 days ago. Check it out if you missed it,

http://houstonvijai.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/04/millionaire-mail-i.htm

As I mentioned in my previous post, I think I got reeled in the Phishing boat now. Here is the interesting reply from the scammer.

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

From:"humphrey lama" humphrey_lama1@yahoo.com
Subject:What to do....read carefully
To:helpindia2007@yahoo.com

My Dear,


Thanks for your mail.Before we proceed l would like you to have an insight of what this transaction is all about.It all about a transfer of fund which belong to one of our foreign custormer in the Bank.The deceased customer died in a plane crash together with his family. (Sure, I can understand)

Based on my personal banking experience, it had happened in the past, when a customer died and after several years the fund automatically transferred to the bank treasury as unclaimed fund, that experience ignited my thought to this deal.

It is my pleasure to inform you that this transaction is also 100% risk free, you should not entertain any atom of fear because I’m here to feed you with the whole information that might be required during the period of this transaction, in as much as you obey my instruction, success will be ours sooner than your expected.I cannot make this claim alone except with a foreigner.

I am just an average civil servant here in the bank and wouldn't like to miss this Golden opportunity.I want you to tell me more about your status because we are now partners.I would like to know more about your self.We have to develop our friendship strongly so that our partnership will be a successful one.I promise I will not let you down.

I want you to know that this transaction is going to join our families together because I will quit my job after the money has been successfully transferred to your account and I make sure I delete all necessary information’s regarding this transaction in the banks file to avoid any trace. (Yeah, we will have barbacue party in bahamas)

I will join you once the fund is credited into your account.I don’t want you to leak this secret to outsiders so that our secret will be forever to avoid any body knowing how we made our fortune.In all your correspondences with the bank,you don't let the bank know that you have any contact with me as that may create room for suspicion.

I hope you will continue in your honesty while I promise to do my best to see that we are victorious. We don't need to delay so much because the bank has already made it clear that this fund will be transferred to the reserve bank of Burkina Faso by the end of this fiscal year auditing.

This transaction will not last more than two to three weeks once you follow my instructions.I pray we will invest wisely once this fund is remitted.

For us to proceed I need the following information:(OK, am I an idiot or stupid to send all those info)

YOUR BANK NAME:
YOUR BANK FULL ADDRESS:
THE ACCOUNT NUMBER:
ACCOUNT HOLDER NAME:
YOUR HOME OR OFFICE ADDRESS:
MARRIAGE STATUS(SINGLE OR MARRIED OR DIVORCED)
YOUR PHONE AND FAX NUMBER:
YOUR OCCUPATION:
YOUR AGE:

With this information I will prepare an Application Claim for you.You will in turn send the application claim to the bank once you get it.

Reply me as soon as possible.

Yours Truly,

Humphrey Lama

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

WOW! What a sweet little risk free email to get me fried up in the barbacue grill.. I am going to make it more fun out of this one..

Here is my reply to the phisher..

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

Hello Mr.Humphrey Lama

Thank you for your kind reply. I went thru your email and I have my own doubts. How did you consider me as the only person for this business proposal? I also like in two way communication. There should always two communication.. How can I believe you ? Is there anyway I can trust your with any of your references or such kind..

Please help me to score an honest opinion about you which will be helpful for both of us..

Thanks

VIJAI

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

I hope to receive an confidential proof email to move forward.. Will keep you guys updated...

Anna Nicole's mysterious life and death...

At one end, you have a school drop out who is a billioniare now and still leads the world's richest men list. On the other end, another school drop out became a model in Playboy magazine and queened as the Playmate of the Year 1993, ended up marrying 4 guys(specially one with 82 year old guy), burying her first son in his age of 20 and dying at the early age 39.

Two lavish lifestyles, two different path ended up in two deep extremes. It only happens in America.

I am not sure how many people were following the news about Anna Nicole's death. First of all, I didn't even know about her until my co-worker came and told me about her death. I have seen her pictures in magazines and news but I couldn't suddenly put her face together with her name.. So I am not sure how many of you can really relate her. I will try to make it interesting and worth while to read.

There is a saying in our side of the country about Elephant. "Whether it lives or dies its always worth something". Similarly, "Whether Anna lives or dies she always makes the headline news".

The weird thing of all, I still couldn't get over it is that when her dead body was in the martury her parents and her current husband is fighting for her burial rights. Her parents want to bury her in Texas whereas her husband wants to bury her in Bahamas. At the same time, her 1 year old daughter now has to know who is her true father out of the 3 men. Its a true story, believe it or not.

For Americans, its one of shocking and surprsing new of the past recent months. Anna Nicole was the past playmate model. She was a dream gal of America once upon a time.

While she was working as a waitress she married a cook at the restaurant. She was 17 and he was 16. The next year, she gave birth to their son, Daniel Wayne Smith.

She then became an exotic dancer, and in 1991, began taking modeling and voice lessons. In October of that year, she saw an ad in the newspaper to audition for Playboy magazine.

She then married a 82 old tycoon, lived with him for a year and half until he dies.. She fought with his son for the big chunk of money and settled down with another guy. She tried to make an impression in the Hollywood but with not much of luck she was out as fast she came in. After that, she ended up hosting Anna Nicole show which went on to creating a big buzz in the media.

She gave birth to her daughter 1 year ago and immediately after 3 days she buried her 20 year old son in the casket. He died in the same hospital when he visited to see his mom with a little sister. I guess he couldn't able to take it.

She found death unconsious in her hotel room one day. There were reports that she had overdosed herself. Her life had tons of mystery's and continues after her death too. Now, there is suit on the court to find out who is the father for her daughter. They took the DNA's of the possible guys and they yet to reveal the true father of her daughter.

What a mess in the life?! What a disastrous end? I was tempted to write this post with the great anguish that "Why can't people ever think straight? Can people also be like this?:" I think, "Only in America people take different lifes just for the sake of luxuries life and end up living a crappy life"

As I always say, every life of mother nature has something to teach us. From Anna Nicole's short mysterious life span, we can still get out with some simple lessons..

You can have ton's of money, still you can't buy a peaceful life. You should be content with you life and be satisfied with what you get and try to live a happy life..

Thats my take on it.. What is yours?

Millionaire Mail - I

Thieves come in all shapes and all types. We have seen simple pickpocket thief in the bus to the next big planned thief scoot away the whole house in the night and then day light thief who try out his mischievous act to pull something from you.. The list goes endless..

In this current email era, there comes the high tech thieves who work diligently to rip us off with their innovative ideas. I like to call them Millionaire Thieves or Junk mail thieves. Nowadays Junk mails has became a part and parcel of this Internet days. Some of us became very cautious and avoid them by easily filtering them via spam blockers and direct them to go directly to trashbox.

I had just happen to read some of them which ended in my inbox recently and really amazed of the innovative ideas these junk mailers use to get you for the long haul. What a cool move to reel in with a small bait to catch a big fish?

I thought lets take roll. Here is the first one. How the heck the Banker in OUAGADOU(don't even know where it exists in the map) know just me to offer a business proposal. I guess I am famous all over the world huh..

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

FROM THE DESK OF MR.HUMPHREY LAMA

AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING UNIT.

FINANCIAL TRUST BANK LTD (FTB)

OUAGADOUGOU BURKINA FASO

(CONFIDENTIAL)

I AM.MR.HUMPHREY LAMA THE DIRECTOR IN CHARGE OF AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING SECTION OF FINANCIAL TRUST BANK LTD (FTB) OUAGADOUGOU BURKINA-FASO WEST AFRICA.

THE PROPOSAL:DURING OUR INVESTIGATION AND AUDITING IN THIS BANK, MY DEPARTMENT CAME ACROSS A VERY HUGE SUM OF MONEY BELONGING TO A DECEASED PERSON WHO DIED ON31ST OCTOBER 1999,IN A PLANE CRASH AND THE FUND HAS BEEN DORMANT IN HIS ACCOUNT WITH THIS BANK WITHOUT ANY CLAIM OF THE FUND IN OUR CUSTODY EITHER FROM HIS FAMILY OR RELATION BEFORE OUR DISCOVERY TO THIS DEVELOPMENT.THE SAID AMOUNT WAS U.S $3.5M ( THREE MILLION FIVEHUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS) AS IT MAY INTEREST YOU TO KNOW. (Yeah thats right, 3.5 million just laying there for us to take it.. WOW!)

I WILL NOT FAIL TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS TRANSACTION IS 100% RISK FREE. ON SMOOTH CONCLUSION OF THIS TRANSACTION, YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO 40% OF THE TOTAL SUM AS GRATIFICATION, WHILE 5% WILL BE SET ASIDE TO TAKE CARE OF EXPENSES THAT MAY ARISE DURING THE TIME OF TRANSFER AND ALSO TELEPHONE BILLS, WHILE 55% WILL BE FOR ME AND MY PARTNER. (40% for 3.5M - 1.5M - Not a bad deal huh!)

PLEASE, YOU HAVE BEEN ADVICED TO KEEP "TOP SECRET" AS I AM STILL IN SERVICE AND INTEND TO RETIRE FROM SERVICE AFTER WE CONCLUDE THIS DEAL WITH YOU. I WILL BE MONITORING THE WHOLE SITUATION HERE IN THIS BANK UNTIL YOU CONFIRM THE MONEY IN YOUR ACCOUNT AND ASK ME TO COME DOWN TO YOUR COUNTRY FOR SUBSEQUENT SHARING OF THE FUND ACCORDING TO PERCENTAGES PREVIOUSLY INDICATED AND FURTHER INVESTMENT, EITHER IN YOUR COUNTRY OR ANY COUNTRY YOU ADVICE US TO INVEST IN. ALL OTHER NECESSARY VITAL INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU WHEN I HEAR FROM YOU.

I LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVE YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE.

YOURS FAITHFULLY,

MR.HUMPHREY LAMA.

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

Here is my kind response to get the ball rolling,

Subject:Re: Treat As Urgent
To:"humphrey lama" humphrey_lama1970@latinmail.com

OK Sir. Thanks for the offer..
What will be my next step in the business proposal ?
VIJAI

I am waiting to get reeled in acting to have taken the bait. Will wait and watch...

Non-violence Rocks - An Interesting True Story !!

Dr Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, in his June 9 lecture at the University of Puerto Rico,shared the following story:

I was 16 years old and living with my parents at the institute my grandfather had founded 18 miles outside of Durban, South Africa, in the middle of the sugar plantations. We were deep in the country and had no neighbors, so my two sisters and I would always look forward to going to town to visit friends or go to the movies.

One day, my father asked me to drive him to town for an all-day conference, and I jumped at the chance. Since I was going to town, my mother gave me a list of groceries she needed and, since I had all day in town, my father asked me to take care of several pending chores, such as getting the car serviced.

When I dropped my father off that morning, he said, "I will meet you here at 5 pm, and we will go home together." After hurriedly completing my chores, Iwent straight to the nearest movie theatre. I got so engrossed in a John Wayne double-feature that I forgot the time. It was 5:30 before I remembered. By the time I ran to the garage and got the car and hurried to where my father was waiting for me, it was almost 6:00.

He anxiously asked me, "Why were you late?"

I was so ashamed of telling him I was watching a John Wayne western movie that I said, "The car wasn't ready, so I had to wait," not realizing that he hadalready called the garage.

When he caught me in the lie, he said: "There's something wrong in the way I brought you up that didn't give you the confidence to tell me the truth.In order to figure out where I went wrong with you, I'm going to walk home 18 miles and think about it."

So, dressed in his suit and dress shoes, he began to walk home in the dark on mostly unpaved, unlit roads. I couldn't leave him, so for five-and-a-half hours Idrove behind him, watching my father go through this agony for a stupid lie that I uttered. I decided then and there that I was never going to lie again.

I often think about that episode and wonder, if he had punished me the way we punish our children, whether I would have learned a lesson at all. I don't think so. I would have suffered the punishment and gone on doing the same thing. But this single non-violent action was so powerful that it is still asif it happened yesterday.

Samiya Upma & Forced Bachelors

It is a long tiring day. I got home around 7pm.

Nobody home, as my wife and son gone for vacation to India. Its just me, home alone. I just want to lay flat and would love somebody serve a hot fresh food. I know its not going to happen. So I rested a bit and think about the next thing.

I refreshed myself to get out of the Zombie zone and did my evening prayers. Its now time to worry about something to satisfy my starving stomach. I opened the fridge and its mostly empty. I don't see anything except the dosa dove and frozen stuffs. I was really bored eating the same old Frozen Parata's and dosa with sambar.

My mouth really begs for something better and fresh. It is used to some good varieties, as my wife was reasonably a nice cook especially specialist in north india type. I love her veg. noodles, mutter paneer and Biriyani's. Alright,OK! Stop thinking about that now.. I can't bring anything of that now..

Then I start to think about, "what can I prepare fast enough to get it done in 15mins to feed my starving belly and at same time not to miss the "Kolangal" Soap opera in SUNTV". There are only 2 dish options, its either going to Maggi Noodles and Upma. I decided to go for Upma as its healthier than maggi.

I was like, "Who invented this Upma dish?" Its the life saver for any bachelor who knows to cook. Upma is one of the easy to make dish famous and very well know in Tamilnadu and sourthern side. Incidently Upma and Forced Bachelorship(FB) goes very well together. Its is easy to make when its tough time surviving as the Forced Bachelor.

Its is not an easy and fun life. Its tough because heart and soul wonders about your family all the time when you are far away from them. There are lots of people worse than me lead a lonely life home away from home. People who work the blue and Kaaki collar jobs in middle east, Singapore, Malaysia only get to go their home every 2 or 3 years. They can't take their family with them because of their limited salary. Its not that bad for me. It just 2 months for me and my wife will back from India.

TV advertisement brought me back to real. OK! I need to make the Upma now. It can be made in Rawa or Samiya. I have the Bambino Vermicilli which is also called as Samiya(rice noodles), so lets make Samiya Upma. I still remember the recipe my mom sent me in her letter when I was a Bachelor.

Here you go, I gathered INGREDIENTS:

2 Cups Samiya, 3 cups Water, 1/2 - 3tsp oil, 2 small chilli, 1 Onion, mustard and jeera seeds, curry leaves

Preparation:

1.Cut onion and green chillies into small pieces.

2. Put kadai ( pan ) on flame.

3. Add oil.

4. After oil boils add all the seeds ( mustard, jeera..)

5. Once mustered seeds starts sound add onion and green chilly pieces and curry leaves.

6. After onion fries ( onion changes into golden brown color) add water and salt.

7. Wait till water boiles heavily ( for about 10- 12 min)

8. Now pour Samiya gently ( without forming clots) by stirring with big spoon.

9. Stirr gently on low flame till all water evaporates

Samiya Upma is ready in just 15mins...min. Its right on time for the serial to start. I just took some in the plate and start to eat up with sugar on side watching it...

I love it man. It bought old memories of my teen age, when I use hate Upma for real. Now, its the food from heaven...WOW!!

Interview with Top Bloggers(Supriya) - Open for questions

Hi Happy bloggers,

Sulekha had provided us this award winning blogging community with totally user friendly environment for us to share our thoughts, views to grow and also at same time learn from others. We all been enjoying this luxury of thought provoking, interesting blogs from very good bloggers in different corners of the world who continue to surprise us by delivering topics in different spectrum of life drafted in their own way.

Its been more 3 months since sulekha had introduced ranking system to provoke interest among people to start blogging and also to give credits to some excellent ones. There are bloggers who been writing blogs since sulekha introduced it and continue to thrive and enrich this blogging community. At same time, we see new faces every day joining this community add new blood to it.

You will all agree to me that its not only takes courage and experience to share your thoughts in this open world, it obviously takes lot of time and effort to dedicate yourself to continuously contribute with creative topics. By reading those blogs, we have become favorites for their writings. We all have our own favorite bloggers from whom we always look out for good eats to our mind and soul. We also ponder on how they get to write like this, where they get this idea, I like to know other things and so forth..

I had my own questions like that and so I came up with an idea to have a straight talk with them. I am planning to host an interview with good bloggers who been lavishly enjoying tones of comments and kudos from all of us.. We have a lot to learn from and also know about them..

First one who opened up and accepted my invitation is our very own Blog hebrew princess "SUPRIYA". She is been going crazy lately with her creative and fun writings. She recently jumped from Rank #7 to #6. Congrats Supriya !!

I happen to read some of her blogs, here is few of my favorites from her achieve.

Who doesn't want to be god
When I was a child
Love in an Elevator
WOW

I am opening this blog to post any of your questions which you wanted and liked to answered by Supriya.. I am planning to do the Interview in couple of days..

Please don't hesitate to add type of questions which you always wanted to this little princesses.