INDIA & TENNIS - A quick & interesting analysis...

We just witnessed a blasting performance by Roger Federer, top one seed and current king of grass courts went on a roller coaster ride and decimated his opponent Nadal with his winners and serve's to take away the 5th Wimbledon title in a row adding one more to his belt. Also Venus williams, elder of williams sisters made another mark in the history books by claiming her 4th Wimbledon title coming out from hibernation mode being seeded as 23rd in the world.

After watching these matches for many years, one question keeps boggling my mind. Why don't we see not many tennis players from India or China which are the highest populous nations in the world?!

Tennis, yet another energetic sport that pulls attention and attracts many around the world and glues them to television during grand slams titles. With 4 major championships happening every year to entertain the fans, tennis is one of few sport which brings out real talent from an individual to spotlight the best. There are other leagues, opens or tournaments which takes place around the world and also in our metro cities.

But it doesn't seems to be one of the popular sport with die hard fans like cricket in our country. In fact, its been creating some good impulses around youngsters especially past couple of years. A new generation of fanfare starting to whirl around and follow this sport closely after Sania's Mirza came on board taking the center stage winning some open titles and adding to her crown.

It's getting more visibility and attention nowadays because of the new fan-fare. But its always been a familiar and well known paradigm way before Sania's time. It was way back when I was doing my schooling. I hear lot about Vijay Amirtaraj & Ramesh Krishna who shinned as limelight of Indian Tennis. During those times, doordharshan used to report about their feat in tennis in the news.

Then came, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. New generation tennis players adding synergy with their young blood. They been on the center stage since then for quite some time with some victories in Davis cup and other opens playing as singles and partners. But they never had any luck to get the Grand slam titles and taste the essence. Its always been a unreachable feat for our Indians.

With only few people who can be finger numbered to come out of the country to be successful in this sport. It puts us on a uncomfortable spot comparing to other small countries. I even had tough time answering questions by my american collegues. They ask "Why don't I see not many indians in tennis being a populous country?"

If you look at the other side like USA or France, Tennis is a very well known sport and its been taught and trained in almost all the schools. There are tennis courts all around the neighborhood and cities which has easy access to anybody. I even got my hands on the racket and tennis balls, partnered with my colleagues, trying to learn this solo act which has more technical aspect to it.

So what exactly his holding others back to try and triumph this world class tennis ?! It even has good prize money, lot of media coverage and much more. Here are few things which I feel might be

1. Cost

Cost to buy a Racket is not expensive at all. It might cost Rs.1000 or Rs.2000 equal to a cricket bat for one time to get started. Tennis balls are all over the place nowadays. We started playing cricket instead of tennis. So that won't be problem to get hold few. I feel the only problem is hiring a trainer or getting on to a training regiment/facility which might cost fortune sometimes. There is no place to start or practice since not many public schools have tennis courts too. There comes the first hurdle.

2. Training

I do know that there are one or two tennis academies exists in metro-cities but they still are expensive for the middle class family. Only few people could afford to get in there. Hiring trainer is not possible since we don't have big pool of trainers to do personal training. Also there are not many training facilities or tennis court in and around cities to atleast just get started. Only few exists in luxury areas which have limited access to public. So there is a scarcity of training courts and trainers.

3. We tend to relay on the team effort

I feel, this one plays a major role in our mental aspect. I didn't want to speak for all. But I always felt that we tend to lean on others for support especially in sports. We like team sports better than individual sport. We don't want to face the failure alone. We don't want to push hard and challenge ourselves to work alone for successful except its for money. We tend avoid stretching our limits when it comes to sport. We are more comfortable contributing as a team member than be a team itself.

4. More technical than any other sport.

Tennis is one of the most technical sport I ever seen. You have all kinds of returns. You gotta use both backend and forehand to really play a good match. Its too technical for most of us and tough to master unless you have a good trainer to guide it. You have to build your adherline to play for 3-5 hrs. You have to have good physique to run around and beat the hell out of the opponent.

5. Importance to Individual Sports

I don't think, we are trained to give importance to sport acitivities. I think its mainly because of the school system we are acustomted too. We have PT classes twice a week and we do nothing but play team sport or just pass on the time. I ever seen schools giving more importance to Individual sports like they do it here. Also there is not a lot of after school programs to encourage kids to learn things.

Taking above reasons into account, I surely see the reason why we don't see too many players from our country. Its the basic nesseccites which we are missing for us to perform well in the sports department. It should start changing in every schools in every state to give importance to sports activities and make it a compulsory act for a student to take on specialized sport and excel it.

I know we all have the WILL to do it, but just finding the WAY is just isn't that easy.

BE A TRUE CREATIVE BLOGGER NOT A STEALER

This blog came out on the wake of finding few bloggers who is trying to mimic as experts and present blogs by stealing/robbing contents from the Internet. I thought, its about time to put together a blog to create awareness among vivid bloggers in this lively sulekha community to help them identify why they are here and also give them a chance to bring their own talents to the table.

If you been here for long, you already know that there are already "n" number of how-to blogs which came out enumerating steps on how to become a top blogger, how to create blogs, why is somebody blogging, make money in blogging and so forth. But they all missed out on an important point, what is blogging all about?!

What is a blog and why?!

Blog is a weblog. Its a web diary of oneself. It can be about yourself or about the way you feel about the world you encounter. Its can show and share the life you experience. It can portray your thoughts and reflect your feelings in different works like stories, experience essays, travelogues, news or reports.

Its an euphemism to personal notes. Its the place where you come out of the closet without worrying about others and the outcomes. Its all yours and yours only. Its not a cut and paste from others life or work. Its your online personal diary open to public.

Do you prefer, your place taken from the world and replaced by others? Do you like to see your personal diary with a work from others that's copied and pasted?

How do you like somebody stole your Kidney and sell it out without your permission?! Don't you feel that missing part and cry for it. That's how it should be. Its should have own your stamp and impression on the writing whether is a 2 para or junk of information. You should use the knowledge you gathered and gained in the interest to make your own creation.

How do I get recognized as a good blogger?!

"A journey of thousand miles always starts with a single step"
- Lao Tuz

Its my favorite quote. You have to start somewhere with a single step if you want to go place. You have to start scratching the pad first to create your own signature. True creations catch the experts eyesn one day or other. Your work will get recognition, if its worth it. It only needs your heart felt dedication and commitment. Its not an Adam's apple which you can't never able taste. Its an ordinary orange which has easy access door thru your commitment.

1. Pick topics related to you

You can easily find endless number of topics to talk about. If you are well versed in certain area, try to think of ways to present to educate others. For example, if you are nurse, you talk about first aid, CPR etc., You can talk about you, your nostalgia experience, about your work culture, things you like, your surroundings, things you find peculiar, things you find it interesting. Keep your eyes and ears open for news which you learn from TV or online, create your thoughts around it and develop a story.

Once you start building the rapport as a writer/blogger, you automatically find your niche to deliver better blogs. Develop your own trend by expressing views in your own way and experience a magic wand around you via comments from bloggers. If you are using content for other sources like sites or mails, give them credit by mentioned their name or source. Its not your work, don't take credit for it.

2. Set goals and Milestones

You need a goal to take you someplace. With out a beacon, its tough for the boat to get to the shore.

You can try goals like,

a. I should reach the top 250 blogger.

b. Get recognized as a Top blogger in Sulekha.

Goals are long winded at times and might fade away the purpose. Milestones guides a person to reach their Goals successfully.

Set Milestones like

a. Create and deliver atleast a one blog a day.

b. Reach Rank 1000 in 30 days or 500 in 10 days.

c. Get the blog featured in featured list at front page.

3. Track your performance

In Sulekha, you can easily track the performance by the ranks and Points. I would recommend you to follow just the ranks and don't worry about points. Ranks mostly gets calculated for your contribution in certain ways. Make note of the ranks everyday and see it progress every day. You will see it going down every day which really boost your momentum to go further.

4. Learn from other bloggers


Blog has lot to do with learning. Learning from others help you to develop and nurture you in lot of ways to create your own pattern. Basically people learn from their mistakes and more from others so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Try to learn the word usage and learn the meanings. Go to www.dictionary.com to find out the new words you never seen used. Find your own new words from sites like http://wordsmith.org/ and try to use it in your creation. This helps to develop your vocabulary and make you a mature blogger.

5. Appreciate fellow bloggers

Its the one other important aspect of blog community. Its a community not a self service forum. You can be a part of the community by belonging to one. You immerse yourself by reading others blog and appreciate their contribution through comments and notes. Encourage to bring out more from them and also thank people who comment your blog, after all we are all humans aspire for appreciations.

By patting others, you are in turn expressing your point on that topic. It helps you to build your own knowledge on that area. Blogging is a give and take media. There is only a thin line between Selfish and Self confidence. Don't be selfish by just expecting comments from others. Build your self confidence and challenge yourself to deliver your best.

What is in it for me?(WIIFM)

We always tend to look for the outcome in whatever we do. That's human nature.Some materialistic and others in differently. No harm in it.

There is a lot in blogging than just writing and commenting. You tend to attract people in your own way. People try to create a picture of you putting together your character and adding face to it. It also helps to relieve your stress by sharing thoughts to others who are virtual indeed.

You meet like minded people and make friends out of them. It also helps to met highly educated people and meet them in person if you get a chance. There are high level of probability to meet a person whom you always looked out in your life as friend or fiance. Who knows?!

There is also the money magic involved in almost all blogging nowadays. If you are in it for just money, I wouldn't recommend its a good way to earn but its reward for your contribution. Blogging should be hobby and not a shabby job.

Be a True blogger by contributing healthy and innovative creations.

Make a difference not just your Presence!!

WIMBLEDON ENDS WITH GRAND FINALE

A Sunday well spent in front of the TV watching one of the great matches in the Wimbledon open. Wimbledon, a camp ground for most of the tennis lovers during this time of the year and euphemism to tennis grass court heaven never fails to impress with its own class and classical atmosphere and some great entertaining tennis.

This year inspite of some heavy down pours which tested patience of certain player.They could able to squeeze in all the matches and get both Men and Women finals on schedule to deliver a good showcase for the tennis audience all over the world.

After a great run and some astonishing tennis for 2 weeks, only 2 players get to ahead to play the grand finale, the championship match for an head-on collision to decide the taker of the grand title. This year first seed Roger Federer faced his upcoming rival second seed Rafel Nadal once again 4th time in last 13 months in the grand slams.

The stage is set for a grand finale for these 2 world class players to deliver great tennis at this finisher. Its going to be a match marked in history whoever wins. If Nadal wins the title, he will be 2nd to win French and Wimbledon in the same year. If Federer takes the cup, it will his 5th continuous Wimbledon equaling the record of Bjon borg(1976-1980).

Federer beat Gasquet in his semi's straight setter to reserve his place in the finals. Nadal who had a restless 7 days run moving forward and Djoknovic injury in the semifinal match got him the ticket to play in the final one. Federer was on a role winning every match comfortably with his powerful backend and precise serve's. On the other hand, Nadal took every match to an extend on his own style winning his opponent with hard work and commitment.

Two best tennis players on the earth, met in this center court for the Grand Finale once again for a decider, just like last year.

First set was a tight as usual both players retaining their game. It went to tie-breaker and federer who has a champion edge took away from Nadal. Nadal came back with great vigor and got the second set for 6-4 equaling the set. Third set, a set which again shows the tough competition with twister went on to another tie breaker. Federer took his advantage winning again and taking a set lead 2-1.

This match really got to into its great moments during the 4set when Nadal came back with force and fierce ameliorating his level to take 4-0 lead in the set. Federer who was never pushed in to this situation before felt the pressure and wasn't happy with the camera decisions at times. He made lot of unforced errors and got finicky on his short by visualizing the fact the match is going on the 5 setter. Nadal really got the game in his grip and held the upper hand at this stage with aggressive returns and phenomenal play. He won the set from Federer 6-2.

Fifth set, the deciding set of the match. It went on tight 2-2 for 4 sets. Suddenly Federer did some errors to gave a slight chance to Nadal with a 2 break points. But Nadal didn't materialize properly and federer got back his game to lead 3-2. Next game Federer seems to win the points over the Nadal serves. He got his first break point since the 3rd set and the second only in this match. Federer took that break point by backend winners and put 4-2 lead by breaking Nadal.

Next set he won it ease with some great serve's to retain the lead 5-2. Nadal served on the last game to stop Federer. But federer played some great winners to force Nadal to deuce. On the 2nd deuce of the 6th game federer broke Nadal and captured his 5th title to kiss his cup.

The match lasted for apx. 3:45 mins to bring out yet another memorable match by thriving rivalry between Federer and Nadal. Its the 3rd longest mens single finals in Wimbledon history and thrilling climax after 2001 mens singles.

Earlier this saturday, Venus williams one of the energtic william sisters made to the finals inspite of being the 23rd seed to fight for her 4th wimbledon title against French young emerging tennis player Bartoli. It was straight setter match.

Venus thrashed Bartoli with her well diversified game plan with good returns and serves. Bartoli who was inspired by Pierce Brosnan presence sent the No1. seed Henin to home in the semi finals. She didn't have enough weapons to stop Venus. She did play great tennis and has enough time left to come back next year for yet another try for the title. This is the first year wimbledon is matched the price money for womens with mens singles champions.

Wimbledon as ever, undoubtedly entertained tennis fans all over world with some great tennis embracing tradition and creating history every year.

The Interpreter - A Good Political Thriller

I happen to watch this movie last week when my friend lended it to me. I like suspense and thriller one's and have my days for political oriented too. This one is a Political Thriller.

Sean Penn(Secret Service Agent) & Nicole Kidman (Interpreter) taking up the lead roles, giving their best as usual.

The main theme of the movie revolves around an Interpreter who works on the UN building. She overhears discussion of an assassination plot and she reports that to the UN Security office after clearing her doubts that its about the African Leader who is going to visit UN build in few days.

The case in turn gets assigned to United State Secret Service who assigns Tobin(Sean) to work with Interpreter Silvia(Nicole).

Most of the film surrounds the investigation of the assassination plot: the efforts to secure the UN building before Zuwanie's arrival (and to find any weapons, explosives or the like that may have been smuggled in), the investigation of Zuwanie's enemies and political opponents, and the investigation of Silvia herself.

As the film progresses, we see Silvia has in the past been involved in a Matoba guerrilla group, that her family was killed by land mines laid by Zuwanie, and even that she was girlfriend to one of Zuwanie's political opponents. Despite Keller considering Silvia a prime suspect, the two grow close as events unfold, and Keller ends up protecting her.

With a good story line and movie run up, it expands and takes us to a roller coaster ride but fails to thrill at the end. Climax is really predictable a bit if you watch it closely.

Overall, the movie is well worth watching on any night with your wife as well(if she is all over thrillers!!)

Plus Points: Story, lead roles, direction

Minus Points: climax seems tobe predictable

Movie Rating:

Music Rating:

Fireworks & Fun - Houstonian 4th July

Usually Houston(USA) weather at this time of year is supposed to be Hot and Humid. But for a change, the last few weeks is been totally different. Its been raining a whole lot and wiping out all the plans for the weekends. I thought its going to be a wash out 4th of July this year.

It rained the whole morning and all the Parades around the city were canceled. I was about to giveup on going to the concert and fireworks tonite. After all, mother nature changed her mind and didn't want spoil so thought it differently. Rain slowly stopped by mid morning and starts to see bright sun rays peeping out of the sky with still some cloudy skies floating around the area.

So I revitalized my idea and decided take my chances to go for tonite's show with my wife and son(his first 4th of July). We got their around 8:15pm and its too late to find a good spot. Its an outdoor theater facing an high up hill and people have to sit in the ground. With water still yet not fully dried, people just didn't care and as most of them came with easy chairs.

Big Crowd like hundreds of people already taken all comfortable spots and happily enjoying the music. We also just joined them by scooting inside the crowd with our own foldable chairs.

Concert podium - long shot

Another view, lots of violins and band. A real nice set from Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Fireworks started at 9:20pm with background music... A missle blasting like color stars...

Some more...

Enjoy the fireworks recorded live - 1:32mins (I couldn't download to sulekha because it seems to be little big so put in YouTube)

My own fireworks at my home. In Texas, you can buy firecrakers only during July 4th and Newyear's eve. I got this artillaries, rockets and crackers, the day before 4th of july. You can only fire them in certain area and my house happens to be in that county. So I celebrated 4th of July with some real firecrackers and fun.

Here the Artillary shell blowing in the sky,

My wife firing sparklers and having fun...

Its yet another Fourth of July with loads fun to add to our memory book. Rain couldn't hold any long and it started right back up last nite and poured it out!!

Fourth of July is always SPECIAL

"I believe in America because we have great dreams - and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true."
~Wendell L. Wilkie

Above quote clearly says, why many immigrant steps their foot on to this wonderful country?! Every immigrant who became an American resident has a true story to talk about this great country.

America, a great country has enriched millions of life all around the world and continues to pave his path welcoming many more to its future. We Indians have always found this country a home away home.

It has offered us more than we ever can think of. In my life, 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 my marks. I had the WILL to do things and 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 took dancing lessons for 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.

I also nurtured my habit to never forget to do some charity and give back to community as JFK said, "Ask not, what the country can do for you, but ask what you can for the country".

Life has changed so much for all good reasons. I vouch that every Indian will definetly has a story of his/her own similiar tp me. 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 saved some great memories of watching fireworks all across America.

I have seen Fireworks on top of Niagara falls(classy one) and eye catching light show of the falls at night. Its real cool to watch. Fireworks on Charles River in Boston mixed with live music was so ravishing like music fountain in Mysore Brindhavan garden.

We just missed the big Parade in main streets of Washington DC but happen to catch the mother of all fireworks. It was extravagancy and spectacular with various different patterns including flags and hearts. It almost lasted for more than half hour. We also seen Columbus City Fireworks, Fireworks in Austin,Texas Capital.

This 4th of July, I am planning to buy some firecrackers since its allowed in our part of city and crack it in the night. Also we are planning be celebrate by watching 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 4th of July!!

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.

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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...