WHAT A GREAT NATION?!

I was standing in line to get my Pickup Truck registered in the Houston Tax Assessor office today. Don't ask me why a Truck for Software Professional?! The office opens at 7:45am and I got there at 8am. I was hoping to see a short line but inspite it was a big line with more than 20 people ahead of me. I was like, how come these many people in just 15 mins?

While was waiting in line, I started looking around especially the people in the line. I saw the TRUE AMERICA right there. There was few Mexicans standing in line to get his registration renewed, Chinese guy talking to his wife about his new vehicle, Americans who are in line for some other business, Indians like me to register they cars, African Americans, Koreans, Italians and lot more different people in that line which I can't guess.

I even saw a COP standing in line for his own vehicle. Can you imagine a police standing in line in any of our government offices in India?!

That's the TRUE COLOR of AMERICA!! That's America all about.

A multi-race(Americans, Mexicans, Spanish, French, Britain's, Indians, Chinese, Vietnamese, Pakistan's, Bangladeshi, Japanese, Korean, African Americans, Italians, Israeli's, Palestinians, Germans, Russians), multi-cultural, multi-cuisine,multi-lingual,multi-religious(Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhist) diversified in all ways, different color people living happily together in this wonderful land especially following rules and looking out for each others. You can only see this real scene in this country.

Lets take a real example from my work place. My boss is a American(Jew), coworkers are from (Christian)German, Taiwan(Buddhist), India(Hindu), (Muslim)Russia, African Americans. Where else you can see this combination of people from different countries working together, not even in many europe countries except UK?!

"WHAT A COUNTRY ?!"

Its a land of opportunities. Its the heaven for so many people. Every day, people come to this country with loads of dreams in their hearts from all over world, hoping this country has lot to offer. And it never ever failed to surprise with all it has to give to them.

Some come as refuges asking for asylum, some for their higher studies, some like me come to work and make a living, some come to endeavour various business opportunities, some come to start their life, sadly some get imported and sold for their survival and lot more come in different ways. For all of us who enters legally, this country opens its hands wide and welcome all whole heartily giving them faith, hope and courage by all means.

Do you know,

1. There is no fee or donations for schooling from kinder garden to 12th grade including bus service from home. Private school do exist but not necessary to use them.

2. Libraries has lot to offer. They have free access to any kind of books, dvd's, cd's in any language you want. Its all over America, not just in one city.

3. Atleast 2-3 Playgrounds and Parks for each county, maintained well and its all over cities all across America.

4. Roadways is one of major commuting system in America. Roads, Bridges and Highways are well built and maintained periodically.

5. High importance to Safety and Security. You can call 911 any time of the day and there will be a cop/police standing in your door step just in 2 mins.

6. Special attention to extra curricular activities and sports. Well equipped training facilities to create sport people of all time.

These are some simple things. But these are all the essential things. All coming out from the Tax dollars. The money very well spent.

In American, you can fight for your own Justice for anything whether its big or silly. System is so easy and reachable to an ordinary individual. You can fight for increase in your home property tax, you can fight for being treated rationally or you can even fight for stolen Pair of Pants.

America is not just a land of luxury as outside world know. America is all about people who find their home away from home. Its the people who look out for each other making this wonderful nation strong and thriving. That's the sole reason lot more aspire to come here. That's what I like the most about this country.

This country is all about FREEDOM. Freedom of choice. Freedom of speech. Freedom of Marriage, to marry and share your life with anybody, even same sex. Freedom of one self. Freedom to be who you are and do what you want to do. That's what I love about this country. You do whatever you like to do with your own free will and people support you whole heartily.

This country has offered me more than I ever think of. I should say "I was reborn and rediscovered" here. I am living the "All American Dream". I put my hands on whatever I can and try to make marks. I had the WILL to do things. I found my WAY's to do it here. I learned how to Swim like a boy. I enjoyed nature by taking hiking and trekking trips. I never knew that I can run 45kms and can do marathons.

I learnt to do snow skiing and Ice Skating. Dancing was never my passion until I came to America. I learned Ballroom and Western dances like Waltz, Swing, Rumbha, Mambo etc., I earned hordes of good American friends who consider me as part of their family which I never imagined in my life. Life has changed a lot for all good reasons. I can vouch that every immigrant hasa story of his own like this one. The main essence from all these, America has everything to offer and American people makes a true difference standing behind this great nation.

Fourth of July is not just another day for people of America. Its a Great American 4th of July. A day to celebrate the country and the people who makes the country. People participate in parades with great enthusiasm, have barbecue parties in their backyard with their friends, take trip to beaches, celebrate watching fireworks all across the country and enjoy with proud and pride of being an American or living in America.

Fourth of July has always been a special day for me. Not just because I am in America, its also my birthday. I always celebrated it. After getting here, I am celebrating with everybody in here. I never missed a July 4th without Fireworks. I have saved some great memories of watching fireworks all across America. I have seen Fireworks on top of Niagara falls(classy one), Big Parade and mother of all fireworks in Washington DC(USA Capital), fireworks on Charles River Boston embedded with live music, Columbus City Fireworks, Fireworks in Austin,Texas Capital. This 4th of July, I am planning be celebrate by watch Symphony in the open theatre with fireworks at the end.

I am a proud INDIAN and a passionate AMERICA resident to breath the air of this wonderful free nation, AMERICA.

Happy Birthday America !!!

Kodaikanal - Escape from scorshing heat(HELL).

During our last month visit to Chennai(from Houston), we wanted to take a break from busy schedule and get away from heat. So we planned for an escape trip to some good or fun place for relaxation. We had couple of places in our list like Ooty, Kodai or may be Singapore. After mulling over for few days, Kodai came out as a winner. We decided to take 3 days trip to Kodai. We planned ahead for a good accommodation in Hill Country Resort thru City Corporate club.

Then we talked about how we going to get their from Chennai. My wife was ok to travel by Car. But I had my own reservation traveling by car for a long distance after seeing lots of accidents in the news. So I asked my in-law to book train from Chennai to Dindugal/Kodai Road and plan to take car from there.

My in-laws also planned to join us by car which helped to reach Kodai from Dindugul. They left Tuesday early afternoon to Dindugul by car.We started off night in Pandian Express at around 9:30pm. Wow, I was amazed to see train started on time. My son Ashwin traveling first time in train.

Obviously, he is not going to experience anything different being a one year old. But my wife and me had a good chat about it. We had a good sleep and reached Dindugul early morning at 5:15am. Train was late 45 mins. My in-law was waiting for us in the platform. From there, we started to Kodaikanal by car for 60kms after finishing a simple breakfast in Balaji Bhavan Hotel near dindugul busstand. We reached the bottom of the Kodai hill in a hour from Dindugul.

Some pics taken on the way to the Kodai from the Hill viewpoint. Excellent green valley and nice scenic view from top of the observation deck.

It took us 2 hours to reach Kodai Hill because of hairpin bends and windy roads.There is falls on the way called Silver Falls which really didn't have much water. So we just skipped and drove along. As soon we reached certain height, I slowly felt the difference in temperature. When we reached Kodai, it was like the city full air conditioned. No more sweating!! It also brought me some good old memories of my college tour. We came to Kodai for our first tour during 2nd year of engineering in 1993. It was blast and especially with friends!!

As we already have booking for accommodation, we headed straight to Hill Country resort which like apx. 7kms from Kodai. We were surprised to found out that our booking was never confirmed by City Corporate club. We were stranded in street for around 2 hours without any accommodation. Its was not a good start.

We have to find some other place to stay. We were so hungry and head to a restaurant near the lake called Meenakshi Restaurant. Its is good for south Indian meal. We head off to hunt for cottage thru an agent we found near lake. Since May, Jun and July are peak season we couldn't get places for reasonable charge. We ended paying 3times actual cost and got a decent place to stay.

That evening, we went to Kurunji Andavar temple famous where Kurunji flower blossoms every 12 years. It blossomed last year. We had good dharsan and head back to room after having reasonable dinner at Kodai Annapoorna Restaurant in the market area.

Next day, we went for boating in the Kodai Lake. we ended waiting for half hour. During that time, I was interviewed by the local FM radio station and offered to hear my fav. song. That was a nice experience.

I tried to row the boat and its not that easy.

We then went to Bryant Park just opposite to the Lake and relaxed a bit under the shade. They had some good flower exhibition with variety of flowers. It was refreshing to the eyes.

It was lunch time. We gone to Hill Top Inn nearby in the Market area. Had Good North Indian and South Indian dishes for reasonable cost. We went to other good scenic spots like Pine wood forest

Guna Caves - Cave view closed to stop accidents - Suicide Point

Pillar Rock

We also went for cycling in the evening along the lake which I highly recommend. Its fun to drive, so just take a trip . We totally enjoyed the 2 days of stay at kodai except the bad start. We headed down and visited Palani Temple on the way to Dindugul and reached Dindugul on Friday evening. Took the train at 10:30pm which came 30mins late from Madurai and reached chennai safely.

Please be prepared to spend a lot of money for lodging during peak season if you didn't plan ahead.

How to get there

By Air: Go to of these Airports and travel by car from there.
Madurai - 135 kms, Coimbatore - 170Kms and Trichy - 195 Kms.

By Train: Pandian Express from Chennai to Kodai road or Dindugal.
By Car: Take NH45 to go Dindugal or Kodairoad via Trichy
By Bus: Take direct bus from Chennai Koyembadu or Go to Trichy or Madurai and take bus to Kodai

Where to Stay

Hill Country Resort - Very nice place to stay away from city. You have to a member to stay there. Price - $$$

Sterling Resort - Another good place near Hill Country. Very scenic views from bedroom. Price - $$$

There are other reasonable hotels but need to book ahead of time during peak season.

Where to Eat

Astoria Restaurant (Market Area) - Veg Type - Highly Recommend - Both North and South Indian Dishes - Fast Service - $

Hill Top Inn - Recommend for Non- Veg type - North and South Indian - $$

Meenakshi Bhavan - Good south indian meals - $

Places to visit
Kodai Lake
Bryant Park
Coakers Walk
Kurunji Andavar Temple
Guna caves - Good view closed now..
Pine wood Forest
Pillar Rock

Activites
Boating - Waiting in season times - Rs.20-Rs.30
Cycling - Highly recommend in evening hours - Rs.10/hour
Hiking - Good tracks - Recommend, if you good group of people.
Walking - Along the lake

PEEK-A-BOO: My Son, Me and Fun Things...

My Son, my sweet little son who turned one last week brightens up my morning everyday with his cute little smile. A smile which shows all of his 4 teeth's on top and 2 teeth's on bottom like a squirrel which is so adorable. He is no more a baby, he is a growing boy. Here in US they say, he is not a infant anymore. He is a toddler now.

Toddler meaning a person who toddles, esp. a young child learning to walk. We are yet to see him walk. But he crawls so fast, we couldn't catch him at times. He didn't want to walk. We figured out from his laziness to put this steps forward when we tried to make him walk.

This is the right time to start walking doctors say but every kid is different. So we are just going to wait and watch to catch that moment. We did buy him a walker, hoping it will help him to use his legs and eventually he will try to walk. He enjoys his new ride in the walker which helps him to reach the untouchables and takes him to places.

As soon he gets up in the morning, he unleashes himself and get ready for a big search like an archaeologist. He starts wandering all around the house from hall to kitchen to bedroom, making tireless trips back and forth to find every little things he can see thru his eyes and tries to pull him out and do a research on them like a scientist.

He has hordes of toys to play with but seldom touches it anymore. His interest are now diverted to search the house like a CBI to find something new every time, to poke around and play with it. He is such a Rat!!

Especially, when my wife is working at kitchen he just want to work with her like a another chef. He wants to know what she is doing. He also opens up all the cabinets and throws out the utensils from inside and tries to make his orchestra party playing and banging the spoons on the vessels. I spent my whole weekend putting up locks for the cabinets. He can no longer open it now, but he just waits for the nick of moment to get in as soon we open it to get something. He is that fast.

If he finds us going to the bedroom, he immediately follows like a security guard, opens up the dress chests and throws all clothes out. He then opens up drawer which he can reach and take out one thing at time to discover them slowly. He will try to open bottle lid if it has a lid with his strong teeth's.

If his eye notices anything under the bed, he immediately crawls inside squatting slowly entering at one end and coming out at the other. We didn't even know that there was enough space under the bed to crawl. He does it with so much care without getting hurt on his head and gets out with the item like a soldier.

His most favorite things were electronic items especially he is crazy about my Laptop. He takes the cordless phone, TV remotes, calculator and tries to hit the buttons and also bang them real hard in the floor. They are still surviving so far including my laptop. As soon he find me opening my laptop, he just drops everything to get close to it. He slowly peeks his hand to get the feel of the keyboard and bangs on it. He tries out to see and looks at the monitor to see anything come up. I have to beg almost every time to take away the laptop from him to get some work done.

To stop all the mess, we put him on the Sofa or bed hoping he won't be able to get down yet. He cries for a bit and then we won't hear a sound. When we check him out after a few, we see him trying to get down carefully to start his act again. He knows to get down with ease from sofa and bed now.

He picks up every small thing on the floor like paper or thread and try to put them in his mouth. He does it without any sound. If we don't hear his sound, we can immediately guess he is doing some wrong.

So when my wife just calls him "ASHWIN, Where are you?!" to find where he is now.

He immediately throws everything in his hand and crawls away so fast, after hearing her voice. He somehow knows and remembers that we told him its wrong. He is so sharp.

Kids at this stage are like Parrots and my son is no different. They just try to repeat whatever we teach them. Right now he blabbers a lot and tries to call "AMMA", "MMMA", "THATA THATA", "No" "Nooooo". We are trying to teach him different words everyday so he can pick it up atleast few.

He is so crazy about watching the ad's in the TV especially kids type ads because of their rhymes songs and colorful scenes. We have SUNTV and he is also an addict to some of the serial theme songs. He is so finicky and has his own favorite ones. He immediately gets infront of the TV as soon he hears them. He won't even blink an eye while he watches them.

We found out that he likes to listen to music from his 2nd month. May be it the gene thing, since we both love music a lot. We use to put some good tamil songs and he sleeps without an hunch. His favorite was lastyear hit song from the Kamal movie " Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu ", "Paartha muthal naale". Its like a magic song for us to put him to sleep.

It still continues today with the recent new songs including new release "Shivaji". I also try to put him to sleep with a bed time song which my mom always sang to us. My fav. being "Kannan varuvan kadai solluvaan, vannamara thotil kati thalathuvan..."

I try to play with him whenever I get a chance, almost all the time. As soon I get home from work and he hears my voice, he just wants me to pick him up and hold. It makes me feel that he is been waiting for me but not yet exactly at this stage. I know they just long for attention thats all.

I play Peek-A-Boo, Hide and Seek, Catch me if you can, Swing, Horse ride and more. His favorite being the Catch me if you can. He will be sitting on the floor on one end of the Kitchen and I just go close to him to catch him, he crawls fast smiling and laughing and goes to other end of it. I then try to go to the other end of the Kitchen to catch him, he immediately turns around goes the other end of the Kitchen and game continues.

We play a smaller version of Peek-A-Boo in our bed. I try to hide myself inside the bedsheet and keep shouting at him "Ashwin, where his Appa(dad)?" and he keep searching for the voice and before he finds I just surprise him saying "Peek-A-Boo". He smiles and . It is so much fun to play all these games with him.

Kids are God's precious gift. Its tough to imagine a life without them. They are so innocent at this stage, same time sharp enough to grasp things faster. They make your worries fly away far enough with their cute smile and make your heart feel lighter.

I already hear somebody murmuring, "Wait till they grow older". Whatever it may be, they are wonderful.

These things are just a few sample of all he got going these days. My wife couldn't able to handle during the day. So except many more to come...

STATE OF ART - NEW PROPOSED CHENNAI AIRPORT DESIGN

There has been lot of construction going in and around Chennai to tackle heavy traffic which is well know to all. Also there were lots of discussion and controversies floated around the politic scene to decide on expansion of the Chennai International Airport.

Finally, they decided on moving to Sriperumbudur, suburb town near Chennai. Its currently the hub of car industry in South, can also be called as South India's Detriot where Hyundai and Ford company has headquartered.

These are the proposed pictures of Sriperumbudur-Chennai international
Airport. If it is completed it will be the No.1 in South Asia and the proposed Express Highways in Chennai. Whether this plan is approved and put for execution or not. One thing for sure, its going to be money cow for politicians for another 10-15 years to come. I know it is always the case in many things in our country.

If this new international airport plan falls thru, it will surely change the Future of Air travel in South for the years to come. Do you think ?!

Check out the pics..

Higher Level Design

Chennai Super Highway

Courtesy: Ravichandran, friend who is excited and shared this design.

JUDGE RULED AGAINST $54 MILLION

I had posted a blog last week about the costliest lawsuit I ever heard. A $54 Million dollar lawsuit against a dry cleaner for losing the pair of pants. If you haven't had a chance to catch the full story. Check it out at http://houstonvijai.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/06/only-in-america-54million-for-pair-of-pants.htm

Today was the date set for the final judgment after 2 days trial. I just happen to see the update and thought of sharing it. Judge ruled in favor of the Dry cleaner owner and dropped the lawsuit for $54 Million. Obviously the Dry cleaner must have so much relieved. It just ended up against Pearson, an administrative judge. The Judge also asked Pearson to pay the court expenses to the Dry cleaner owners.

Chris Manning, the Chungs' attorney, argued that no reasonable person would interpret the signs to mean an unconditional promise of satisfaction.

I guess the ruling in favor of Dry Cleaner is correct one and it sure reiterates the fact that the Pair of Pants obviously not worth for $54 millions

It also shows that nothing can be taken for granted. It sure did taught a good lesson to that Admin Judge Pearson to better be considerate and think realistic.

What do you all say?!

SULEKHA POINTS: SECRETS REVEALED!!!

Its the reward reaping time for many Sulekha bloggers. As soon as Sulekha announced their plan to shower bloggers with Gift Rewards, most of us were pretty excited and eagerly waited to know more about it. Once they opened up the window to set us free to redeem our points with some nitty gritty's and how it works type thing, everybody started going wild in converting their points to equivalent Rupee value and hit the shopping site to find gifts of their choice.

Especially PRO bloggers(not me) who been blogging for years have been taken away to a freeze mode after seeing their converted amount. Nobody has revealed any figures yet. But one can easily guess from their page views. I bet they have tons on store to be redeemed. Many are aspiring to reach that stage. I also started seeing flurry of blogs from PRO Bloggers about the Do and Don't redeeming points. Many of them are saving up their points to get a big buy out from the shopping plaza.

Once the points are drained out from their account, everyone started eyeing closely on the points counter every time they do any activity. Now, there is not much importance for ranks, its the points which starts intriguing everybody to be gained. They just want to keep the counter ticking all the time so they can continue to accumulate more and more points for better rewards until they hit the daily max of 1000 points.

Realizing the craze among bloggers to know about points these days. I thought lets do an analysis to find out how many points gets for every different activity. Like many bloggers, I started watching the points ticker closely for each activity and sketched out some figures. It might be common for any bloggers unless sulekha is so intelligent to add some complex logic to it. Here is my analysis to guide you to satisfy your hunger toward points.

160 -280 Points

You will be able to take away this chunk of points if you can write a good blog to fill good amount of the page. If you edit the blog, you gain 80 points every time. I am not sure there is a limit for it.

100 Points

You can easy catch 100 points fish by reviewing any movie in the movie section. I don't think there is any limitation for how big it should be. Also by starting a new discussion group in Group section, you can reel it in.

80 Points

When you broaden your friends network by sending notes, you will add up 80 points to your points wallet. Its every time you send the notes.

50 Points

Every time you comment on a blog, you add up 50 points in your points valise. You can just keep commenting or add comments in the group and you will earn 1000 points. Lot of people just do that. If you watch closely, you will notice them.

40 Points

Whenever you start a Thread in the Group section or you add comments in any of the thread, you are awarded 40 points. Folks who are not well versed with blogging, they just concentrate on chatting in groups and gain lots of points from it.

10 Points

A trifle 10 points gets added to your ticker when you add any favorites. It can either a favorite blogger, restaurant or shop. You only get 10 points for it.

Once you reach your daily max of 1000 point, any more activites will not be counted under points but I am sure your rank system will take that into account. As I used to say, there is always good thing and bad in Sulekha system.

Good Thing

You get to see the points ticking every time you do an activity until you reach your daily max of 1000 points. There is no secret algorithms. I always helps to limit your activity to certain numbers if you are only keen on adding up points. You can easily gain 20,000 points = Rs.1000 in 20 days if you continue the activity to add 1000 points every day for 20 days.

Bad Thing

I don't think points are related to Ranks. May be to some extent but my analysis couldn't able to find exact relation with points and ranks. So if you are interested in ranks and not very much to the points, please continue to blog on and make your presence. You will see the change in the ranks everyday.

As its easy to predict the points earned and you can easily come up with the activity list, it doesn't interest many people except few diehard bloggers who just keep blogging and commenting.

Suggestion to Sulekha:

1. Sulekha should start thinking about changing their point allocation logic to be a variable by changing its daily max related to their ranks.

2. They can do the same thing to the points for each activity. They can vary the points relating to the ranks, that way its tough to figure out exact points for each activity.

I hope I didn't cross my limit or break terms & conditions of Sulekha by revealing the most wanted secret. I hope to not to get thrown out this blog space!!

The 99 Club: Neither Happy nor Content...

Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content. One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked.

This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land, unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant had so much. The King asked the servant, "Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies."

The king was not satisfied with that reply. Later in the day, he sought the advice of his most trusted advisor. After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired. The advisor replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... so many gold coins!

He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins. He wondered, "What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins!" He looked everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection.

From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th gold coin. He stopped singing while he worked. Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled. When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club."

He continued,

"The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra 1 telling to themselves: "Let me get that one final thing and then I will be happy for life." We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the minute we're given something bigger and better, we want even more! We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us; all these as a price for our growing needs and desires."

That's what joining "The 99 Club" is all about.

Are you ready my lady?!

That saturday evening, my wife and I were getting ready to go to my friends place for a get-together. It was a busy day for me inspite of being it a weekend. I had to take care of my home yard which had grown wild(in US you have to cut your own lawn grass, good exercise huh!!) and had to finish some other errands.

After finishing all of them, I got ready quickly in 15min or so. My wife who was just helping me, started getting ready long before me and took forever to finish. I kept asking her "Are you ready my lady?!" like for ten times with little frustrated tone which got worser every time. I am not complaining or anything.

This situation reminded me of the days when my dad use to ask my mom. It was like 15 years ago, we were getting ready to go to my Grandparents house. We were suppose to reach their place for lunch. Its almost 12.30pm. My mom and sisters are still getting ready to leave. My dad was slowly losing his patience and kept asking the same question I asked my wife "Are you folks ready?!" We didn't have car at that time, we had to catch the bus to get to their house. It might take another an hour if we are luckily to get one quickly. Finally they were ready and we reached my grandparents place as usual last at around 2pm.

I hit on the same kinda of situation today with my wife which made me to wonder, Is all women like this takes so long to get ready?! Whats up with that?! I can agree if gals take forever to get ready before marraige because they want to look for the guys. But after marraige, we are only one going to appreciate and see them. Why are they wasting so much time on make up?!

I used to have a habit to go places on time when I was a single man and it totally got flipped around after the marriage. I didn't like it at first but I know I don't have control over it. So I just let it go. But I really like to see this to change for the benefit of both. I know we husbands should wait to see our wives to look great, there is always a limit. We can control the moment but we don't want to. So please understand the concept of time.

Anyways, we were finallly ready to leave home after a wrangle and to reach the place an hour late. We handled it ok, since not many had showed up. I just thought and smiled to myself, I am glad my wife is not bad after all!!

PS: Gals I am not against make up. Just be considerate thats all.

White or Black Pebble: A Short Story

I came across this short story when I was digging for one to present to my toastmaster club. Its really good one sent by my friend. Check it out.

*************************************************************************************
Many years ago, when a person who owed money could be thrown into jail, a merchant in London had the misfortune to owe a huge sum to a money-lender.

The money-lender, who was old, ugly and wicked, fancied the merchant's beautiful teenage daughter. He proposed a bargain. He said he would cancel the merchant's debt if he could have the girl instead.

Both the merchant and his daughter were horrified at the proposal.

So the cunning money-lender proposed that they let Providence decide the matter.
He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money-bag and then the girl would have to pick out one of the pebbles. If she chose the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be cancelled. If she chose the white pebble she would stay with her father and the debt would still be cancelled. But if she refused to pick out a pebble, her father would be thrown into jail and she would starve.

Reluctantly, the merchant agreed. They were standing on a pebble-strewn path in the merchant's garden as they talked and the money-lender stooped down to pick up the two pebbles. As he picked up the pebbles, the girl, sharp-eyed with fright, noticed that he picked up two black pebbles and put them into the money-bag. He then asked the girl to pick out the pebble that was to decide her fate and that of her father.

Imagine that you are standing on the path in the merchant's garden. What would you have done if you had been the unfortunate girl? Refuse to take a pebble? Point out that there are two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat ? Take a black pebble and sacrifice yourself in order to save your father from prison?

None of the suggestions is very helpful, for if the girl does not take a pebble her father goes to prison, and if she does take a pebble, then she has to marry the money-lender. NOW, THINK LATERALLY!

The girl in the pebble story put her hand into the money-bag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall to the path, where it was immediately lost among all the others.

"Oh, how clumsy of me," she said, "but never mind - if you look into the bag you will be able to tell which pebble I took by the Colour of the one that is left."

Since the remaining pebble is of course black, it must be assumed that she had taken the white pebble, since the money-lender dare not admit his dishonesty. In this way, using lateral thinking, the girl changes what seems an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one!

- From "Use of Lateral Thinking "by Edward deBono

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Did you happen to come across any situation like this one in your life which you changed by your lateral thinking?! Share it...

My First Father's Day: A Father's Diary

There is always first for everything in our life. Riding a bicycle first time, first instance of feeling love in heart, first job, first time getting on the flight, first time getting married(I hope its the only time) and so on. Adding to that list, becoming a Father first time is also yet another memorable moment for a married man.

In the past, I used to agree with my friends that Father's day is yet another day like Valentine's day, Mother's Day created by somebody for unknown reasons which got turned into a big business by Hallmark and other companies. I also felt that its not the only day we celebrate those people. Being said all that in the past which still holds good. I myself felt important to be celebrated after being a father now. I love to be treated special for a day. There is nothing wrong in it.

Like every women, Men also transforms himself to different characters in each stage of his life. But we don't talk loud enough about it to be heard by everybody. Because of that, there is a rumor floats around the town that MEN don't care much for changes in their life. I won't agree with that statement. True fact is, we do care for the changes but we don't show a lot to the outside world. So I feel thrilled in sharing my fatherhood experience.

I got upgraded(software sense, being software engineer) or promoted as a father approximately a year ago. My Son took his avatar in this world last year making me a proud father. That finest moment took me to the heights of happiness. Being a part of bringing a life to this world can't be compared to anything else in this world. Its a blessing from GOD and not many are blessed and get to experience it.

We ourselves were worried and longed to be parents one time. After marriage, we decided to wait for atleast 3 years before having a baby. Once we decided to have baby after that period, we aren't blessed soon enough.

Meanwhile, we been getting hit by the rumors all around. Every time we call our parents, they kept asking whether there is any special news. They start giving lectures for hours over the phone about being a parent. We have to some how convince them by telling to hold on a little while. We felt the pressure all over us and frustrated at times. We thought we made a bad decision to postpone for 3years. We just kept praying and hoping someday we will be blessed.

Our prayers were finally answered and we are blessed with a beautiful boy. I didn't believe when my wife said she was pregnant. I had to wait for 2 months until we get to scan and see it in our naked eyes. 10 months might be a long wait but its worth it. He was so tiny and precious when I took him in my hand as soon he came out crying.

(A Happy Father)

Time flies fast nowadays. He is going to be a year next Wednesday(Jun 20). This last one year was so much fun watching him grow slowly from being a tiny baby to an infant who can sit steadily to a toddler who can crawl and walk with support. We tried to take pictures whenever we get to see his cute smile and video taped memorable moments like when he start to rollover, when he sits up straight without falling and when he started crawling. We also started a scrap book to save all wonderful pics of him. Its a great treasure to have and hope to continue for years to come.

We already celebrated his Ist birthday when we were in India last month inviting all our closed relatives and friends. It was great experience to arrange this first big event in my life all myself. Its the first time lot of my relatives get to see him and he gets to play all the kids in my family. It was blast and joyous occasion.

He will be soon a 5 years old boy in a blink of an eye, running out from the home to go the school and one day he will be a big boy. Nothing can stop that so take it in as much as you can and save it in your heart.

I think being a father is a blessing and I like to spend valuable time with him and not let go of any precious moments. Every day is worth celebrating!!! I hope to be a good father by supporting him in all wonderful endeavors in his life journey as my son.

Happy Father's Day - Jun 17th!!!

Only in America: $54 Million for Pair of Pants

Isn't that too much for a Pair of pants?

Everybody would say a big "YES" for it. But it doesn't seems to be a big money for a administrative Judge as compensation for his lost pants. Its was talk of the town all over America and hit the headlines again yesterday when law suit came for trial.

Its considered as one of the ridiculous, shameful, outrageous law suit ever in the US history especially by a judge suing a dry cleaner for a pair of pants they lost.

Administrative law judge Roy Pearson is representing himself in civil court and claimed that he is owed $54 million from a local dry cleaner who he says lost his pants, despite a sign in their store which ensures "Satisfaction Guaranteed."

It made me to wonder, how come he came up with that figure. Here is the detail scoop, he calculated the 54 million dollar penalty under District of Columbia consumer protection laws, at 1,500 dollars for every day the cleaners left the sign up in their shop. Its been 2years since the law suit was filed. He is also planning to call around 63 witnesses to support his side.

Custom Cleaners, owned by Chungs family have more than one laundry/dry cleaning shop around Washington D.C were hard hit by this law suit. They were able to find his pants but Pearon(Judge) refused it accept it saying its not his pants. They did offer him settlement of $12,000 as soon he filed the suit. Pearson again refused to take it.

Another interesting fact was, its not the first time it happens to them. It dates back way to 2002, when they had disagreement with him over another pair of his pants which Custom Cleaners allegedly lost and compensated him for with $150 . Pearson was banned from the store, defense attorney Christopher Manning claimed in court. Pearson pleaded with the Chungs to let him back into the store, because he didn't have a car, he said, and they were the only dry cleaners in the neighborhood.

Chungs are now paying for their wrong decision to let him in to the store. Whatever it may, its really a laughable and yet another story which hit the headlines of TV Channel. It will interesting to watch and hear the final judgement.

If we don't have a dream, we have nothing...

Its neither a mantra nor a slogan. It was the subject line of one of the emails I received today from my favorite motivational author vic-johnson. But its actually the theme of the movie called "Astronaut Farmer". I havn't seen the movie yet but when this subject line immediately tempted me to open it and just started reading it.

It talked about having a dream and believing in it. It also had the trailer of the movie which got the glimpse of it with some essence about the farmer believing in his dream and trying to percieve in it. Check it out when you get a time. Its worthing watching the trailer atleast.

But what intrigued me the most is the theme. It made to dwell more on the same line. "IF WE DON"T HAVE A DREAM, WE HAVE NOTHING". Just take a moment to think about it.

Isn't that true, if there is no concept of DREAM or there is NO DREAM do we have anything in life?!

Don't you just feel the life to be just empty and like a white blank space. What would anyone do without a dream? Everybody except the babies has dreams either small or big. I couldn't imagine a life without a dream. You dream when you are kid and you dream when you are 50 years old. It never stops.

As a kid, I dreamt to be an engineer and I am one now. What would I have been today if I didn't dream to be an engineer?! I never could imagine the answer.It might be favorite question asked by many interviewers to movie stars. But its the question everybody need to ask themselves.

If I didn't dream to be the person as I am now, where would I be? If I wasn't the person I dreamt to be. What happened to my dream?! Did it whine and twine to disappear in all the changes happened in my life. These are very good question which one should ask himself. If you can't answer them, it keeps adding on to itself to create maze which would be hard to get out.

Not everybody get to live their dream life. It doesn't mean that some are luckily and others are not. It means that some didn't believe in their dream and percieve on it. It will automaticaly faded off from your lifes chart. It also doesn't mean that one shouldn't have dreams of their own.

Dreams are like paddles to the rowing boat of life. If you don't have it, you can still use the hands to go but you can't stir well enough to get to the right path in the life. A person without dream is like the sailer trying to find the coast line without the help of lighthouse. You never know where you are going.

Don't fear to dream. Dream is the driving force of life. It changes in every stage of the life. We all first dream to become a well versed person in life. Then we dream to get a good wife. After that we dream to have a son or daughter. Later dream to own a house and it continues with an endless need.

Dream to reach the sky, you will atleast touch the stars. Dream on...

Did you know about CRAIGSLIST.ORG?!

Craigslist is the only one place to sell and buy anything and everything used or new all around the globe for free of charge. Its a non-profit classified listing service offered to people all over the world now. Its totally FREE and no cost associated to list anytime compared to Sulekha or any other listings. Thats what makes this listing shows apart from the other fee paid listings. Its been there long before Sulekha classifed came in to place.

From the day I got to know about this listing like 5-6 years, it has come a long way. It has now listing for most of countries in the globe and its important cities. It has all different types of categories which you can imagine to sell or buy items.

Using Used Items

In America, any used items can be sold except sanitary stuff. You can see Garage sales in neighborhood selling used shoes, shirts, pants, books, cd etc., Thats how ebay came into market. Ebay serves has just another hub to get rid of old items other than garage sales. You can see all type of old and used items sold in it including the Chewing gum chewed by actors.

But buying or selling used items might not be a trend in India but its slowly peeping his head in different ways. Now you can see dealers and finance companies setting up shop to sell used cars and motorcycles. You can also see small computer dealers selling old and used refurbished computers. Traditionaly, we are used to buying new items whether its our clothes or items we used every day.

Its changing slowly and I don't think there is any wrong with it. Instead of throwing things away which are needed for you, it can be sold to be people who like to have it. Ebay charges hell lot of fees to list and service each listing. CRAIGSLIST.ORG is one of the best places to do it without any cost.

BUY and SELL ANYTHING

You can buy or sell anything you like to get rid off. Whether its your kids toys or you once expensive electronic item which you don't need or your wife's expensive outfit which she don't like it anymore. CRAIGSLIST.ORG has every category in the world like for sale, housing, services, jobs and so forth search to sell or buy things and services easier. It might not have the very attractive and friendly interface but it has the simpler method to add any type of listing with pics with out any charge for it.

Good thing about it is, you are not dealing with any company. You are directly dealing with the buyer or the seller. I have bought many items for my home. I have bought the spare bed for my guest room for just $100 which might cost $300. I had purchased metal cabinets for my office just $20 which is worth $100 bucks new. I can keep adding the list on and on. Its totally worth the time and money to shop in CRAIGSLIST.ORG

SELL AND DONATE

There is no harm in selling old items. Its the best of getting rid of things which you don't need or like it anymore. Instead of throwing things away and making a mess of your neighborhood. You can put it on the sale. If you find a good buyer, you can sell it and make a fortune. You know I am kidding. Just Sell it for whatever its worth and if you like donate it to any non-profit organization you wish.

It also offers discussion forms and listing for services for local business which can be used for marketing purpose. I just thought of spreading the word around about this easy listing service which would really help anybody..

INDIA TRIP - ONLY MONEY MATTERS, BIG MONEY!!!

Like every other desi, I did carry back loads of memory (without the need to check-in the flight) when I came back from my recent India trip. Obviously most of 'em about very happy and joyous moments but it also includes some interesting and strong, frustrating scenes which still remains untainted and fresh in my mind.

Those anguish instances when comes back at me, makes me to feel wary of the situation and pushes me to reach a bold conclusion that value for Rupee is diminishing faster than ever and at same time attraction towards has increased many times in recent years. To tell the plain blank truth(as per me), NO VALUE FOR INDIVIDUAL anymore in India unless you are big politician. Only MONEY MATTERS, especially BIG MONEY.

Everybody, talks in C's. Do you know what I mean?! C means CRORES like M - Millions are big figures. Like few years back, 10 Lakh Rupee is a big money to invest in anything but now its nothing and compared to Rs.10,000. There is no value for thousands anymore.

Why go that far?! There is nothing you can buy for a one rupee except a Clinic Plus Shampoo nowadays. One rupee which bought a couple of tea or an ice bar or good number of candies few years ago is no longer valid. There is no value for one Rupee not even with the beggars. They too expect more atleast Rs.5 or Rs.10.

Inflation and cost of living has gone up many fold in my opinion. Being a outsider visiting india after couple of years, its huge change. It might not seem a big deal for people who been witnessing this day in and out but its a surprise rather shock for us.

I have seen in many places, people are getting riped of in whatever way they can. There is no better choice than paying the extra bucks. Take the Metro bus service in chennai. They introduced different bus services like M service, Superfast, non-stop which charges many folds than usual fare but still take the same amount of time to reach your destination. There is no choice for commuter than taking these services. Few years back, you can buy a ticket of Rs.5-8 to travel to my place to Chennai Broadway(30kms) which now costs atleast Rs.15-18 and more in the special buses.

In other public places, the charges have be jacked up many fold. In order to go to a reasonable North Indian type restaurant for a dinner for two, you atleast need a Rs.500 note in your pocket otherwise you better look out for the usual idli and dosa hotel. Movie tickets are now minimum Rs.50-75 in reasonably good theatre. Its actually more than hundred rupees per head in multiplex theatres. Man, lots of things changed in 2 years.

Its even gotten worse in the temples and tourist places. When you go to big famous temples like Palani, you get riped of in the name of faster service. I was a direct victim of it. We wanted to go to Palani Hill Temp while we returning from Kodai(hill station). We didn't have enough time so we decided to take the expensive line to catch the ride in Rope/Cable car, which would cost us Rs.50/person compared to normal Rs.10 hoping to reach the counter faster. But it took the same amount of time compared to the Rs.10 line. Nothing special about it the extra cost. Totally unreasonable to ripe off taking the situation as the advantage.

Another situation which took me to the heights of ripe off that I have experienced in this trip. We had plan to go Kodaikonal for 3 days from Chennai as our escape from heat waves. We booked thru a chennai club to have rooms in the big, famous Hill Country Resort 4 months ahead of our trip. We got the letter from the club saying that we will have a big delux room when we get there. When we went, a shocking news is waiting for us. They told us, they never got the reservations from the club and can't allot any room for us. We were stranded in the street and nowhere to go.

We were so ridiculed and frustrated to hear about it. We immediately called the contact person of the club and asked about it, he doesn't care. He said, we tried our best and we got to know that we couldn't get the rooms 2 days ago and sorry to inform you at the last min. Because its the peak season, they didn't have reservation for the clubs. Myself and my father-in law went ballistic.

What are you telling us? We planned 3-4months ago and sent you all formal paper work and payment and now you are telling us its not reserved. He just stayed silent and told that he will make other arrangements. He decided to ripe us off which was evident in his answers. He then gave us a local agent who has a contract with him. This agent guy tries to put us in a media core hotel and planned to take the big money we paid for the resort. What a cheap mentality people? We got to know their plan and decided to not go with that agent guy.

We were so tired after long travel and just want to get a good place at this situation. We tried to find rooms using a different agent on road and finally able to get a reasonable place paying from our pocket. We wasted one day to get the accommodation with the 11month baby in hand and couldn't enjoy the rest of vacation well because of the hassle.

Later we came to know that its normal tactics from this club. They do these type of things all the time and we are there victims this time. As soon we got back to chennai, my in-law had a tense talk with the club folks and in one stage plan to give a compliant report in the newspaper and backed out. Nevertheless, he is trying to the get money back. Whatever it may be, the vacation spoiled is spoiled and nothing can bring it back.

I hired a magician for my Son's Birthday party. He quoted a fixed charge of Rs.1000 for a hour(lowest charge I can find) over the phone but when he got to the party. He tried on me to get more money taking the advantage that we don't have choice. But I strongly said if you want more, you have to do it. He just agreed and did the show.

People just wanna find situation to take advantage to us rip off. I had come across many more instances like this one in this trip. After being a victim and witness of few, I realized that time have changed and nowadays people don't care for others. They just care only for money and they go to any extent to ripe off others money in anyway possible. All they think about is Money and nothing matters to them. I doubt the situation will ever change rather getting worse every day. You be the judge...

CURD RICE - Poor Man Rich Meal !!!

I was just finishing up with my lunch which is the simple and most satisfying meal of all time ever, THE CURD RICE. A question suddenly popped in my mind. Why didn't I ever thought of writing about it at all these days and started punching my keyboard.

Nothing can beat or replace the cool refreshing fulfilment feel this simple and easy meal can provide to one. Its the all time favorite meal for almost all south Indians especially around the Brahmin's community since its a pure veg. meal. I can't recollect a single soul in my life I know off who Deny's to eat the Curd Rice.

I strongly feel that Curd Rice might have a long history going beyond the South Indians favorite idlis, vada, sambar and dosas. For idlis and vada, you need lot of preparation but for Curd Rice no preparation needed. Also idli and sambar can't go places where Curd Rice can go all over. Its there in all places whether its hut or palace.

Its served as a full meal in poor man's hut whereas has the last part meal in rich man's bungalow. It is there in every occasion. It served at last meal in the marriage feast as well as last part in the funeral meal. Without curd rice, no occasion meal ends. Curd rice prepared and distributed in temples are so gracious to have as prasadam.

One wonders how come just the Curd rice can be a full meal?! I can assure you, its been full satisfying meal for years for many mainly for school going kids and office going adults.

I can still remember those days when my mom just fills my school tiffin carrier with fresh made curd rice for my lunch with my favorite pickle. It still follows with my wife now filling my lunch box with same refreshing curd rice no different in taste than my moms. There is no age bar for this meal. Some might not like chapati and some might not like idlis but nobody can so "NO" to Curd Rice.

Its the only meal which doesn't need a big chef to prepare it and one doesn't even have to know anything about cooking. Its totally no brainier to make this meal. Its so easy to make this meal which makes you feel good especially in the hot summer days, there is debate about it.

Curd Rice can be prepared in freshly cooked Rice(not warm) or one day old rice by simply mixing it to the Curd with some salt or no salt for a plain taste. I prefer to take it without salt to get the sweet taste of curd. It can be made rich by adding nuts and spices to have little more taste added to it. It can also be prepared in vermicelli(samiya) which gives a different taste and feel.

This meal is the only one that can go with any kinda of side dish whether its simple pickle or heavy curry. Simple mavadu pickle(mango pickle) or lemon pickel goes well with it. Its the meal which certainly won't upset your stomach anywhere, anytime unless its tainted. Its the no hassle meal which can be found all around the globe.

CURD RICE et all is the only simple meal which can satisfy anybody without any bar. Its not a mouth watering meal but mouth wowing meal!!!

De-Motivational Posters - A Good Laugh...

De-Motivational Posters

Tired of inspiration posters in your office that urge you to do things the company wants you to do? Here are some that are not what the boss had in mind!

Looks like somebody is really working hard to demotivate people. Thanks to my friend who tried the same with me by sending it.

CHENNAI CITY - Is it losing friendliness with an Attitude change?!

With my eyes still burning and begging to take a nap due to jet lag and date/night change, I couldn't control my fingers to stop lingering at the keyboard. They just wanted to start back up on my blogging with loads of interesting things still fresh enough in my mind from my recent trip to Chennai - India. The month long vacation to home land will never be enough with too much stuff to do in a short duration. It just vanished like a second, leaving some memorable and unforgettable moments.

Busy highway traffic than ever with all types of vehicles, new model cars from all over the world struggling to float thru local streets, construction all over the city making a city traffic a nightmare during peak hours, pizza and burger corners all around the town, increased number of call taxies and autos adding to the chaos, new malls and multiplex movie theatres for fun, busy shopping complexes and TNagar streets with more heads than ever with loads of stuff in their hand during the weekdays.

It might be an usual sight for the chennai residents but its new for visitors like me. Before I like to write all about good and memorable moments, I am more tempted to blog on some of the interesting but frustrating instances which I experienced in this visit to chennai that hit me right on lifting my eyebrows high enough. Does all these changes made an attitude shift/change in people mind?!

Being a witness to this evolving change on and off in this city, I would say "YES" to that boldly. Its losing its friendliness with a big attitude change of "DON'T CARE ABOUT OTHERS". Some might not agree with me but thats the true fact. Let me sketch out few instances which I faced during this trip.

I was at the big shopping complex POTHYS which stands at the center of TNagar(chennai) between Pondy Bazaar and Pangal Park. Its one of the busiest shopping complex at all seasons. I was shopping some trousers and shirts with my wife who is also shopping for her. In that shopping complex, every floor has its own cash counter and you have pay it each counter separately if you are buying different items in each floor.

First of all, there is no Queue for the cash counter. You have to wait in magic line at the cashier desk to pay in each floor to get your stuffs. I was next to that cashier desk to pay my bill waiting for the guy ahead of me to finish up. Cashier is busy counting to make sure he got the right amount for the bills and didn't care to see the next person in line. But I was hoping to be serviced next since I am the only one standing.

In a blink of a second, couple of other people got in the magic line in front of me cutting me thru by stretching their hands with their payment long enough to the cashier to crab his attention. I didn't say anything and still waited patiently, hoping that the cashier will get my payment after finishing up with the guy.

After finishing up with guy ahead of me, cashier took the payment from the hand which stood next to his eyes from the other person who cut me thru the magic line. It totally blew me off right there since I was the one waiting in that line long enough to be serviced. I immediately took it on with the cashier shouting to express my stand.

He tries to defend himself saying he can't see who is next because he is busy counting the money. I told him that there is no proper process to pay the payment. There should be a queue system or cashier should be smart enough to notice the next person in the magic line. I would mainly blame the people who just cut me thru without any courtesy to see that there are already others waiting in line to pay. After asking about it, cashier immediately took my payment and serviced me.

There are couple of things which wasn't right. First of all, there is no "Q" system or any process to make the payment easier. This is always the case in most of the shopping complexes. There is no proper payment counters or queue system in anything. The complex owners has to be blamed for it. Secondly and most importantly people need to have courtesy to see who is on line and try to let them pay first and wait for their turn instead of acting in urgency all the time. I did find the suggestion box to write my suggestions hoping they will read and implement it. After all, they advertise themselves has Perfect Service Shopping complex.

Here is the another one which happens in all the small streets in this big city. After some bizarre million cars getting exported and produced every day in our country, you see them in great numbers all over the city nowadays. But the city streets were built to handle only bikes and carts not this big cars. They get flooded and choked up with traffic all the time. Car drivers just try every way to maneuver around the city streets without worrying about others.

With less street space, only one car can go at time in most of the city streets. One time, we were going to my relative place in my in-laws new Ford car and hit on this small street which has only enough space for a car. There is already auto rickshaw parked at the end of the street blocking the way to get out to make it worse. We were waiting for the auto rickshaw to clear off the street faster so we can get out.

While we were waiting, the car which came behind us just wouldn't care and over took us trying to get out. He was not able to move being the auto rickshaw is still blocking the way. Why can't he just wait for it to clear and for us move and he can proceed?! There is no patience, every body wants to move fast in a urgency and its always me and me first.

It again blew me off. We are waiting and this guy just cut me thru making it worse. So I immediately came out of the car and asked the same question to the driver. He didn't car and some how maneuvered himself to get out of it. After the auto rickshaw got cleared, we were able to get out and move on.

I was so disgusted to see these things just because people don't have courtesy or friendliness to care for others. Its all about the them and that's the shift in the attitude. Nobody cares about what others things and nobody likes to ask about it. They just accept and go with it.

These are just few instances of many which I faced during my visit last month which totally changed my mindset about this evolving city and my own city. It is losing its shine on friendliness with change in people attitude...