The Dawn of new year 2009

The eventful year 0f 2008 is coming to an  end and the new year is about to come. 2008 has been a year which was really different. A year which saw lot of changes around.
When we think about the past year,  the first thing which comes to my mind is the economic instability of world's richest and powerful nation, which in turn affected the world as a whole, like an epidemic.
Everywhere we hear about stock crashes , inflation, plummeting real estate prices, job and wage cuts , cost reduction etc. The fear factor is so huge and as  media also is ballooning the actual situation, we keep wondering what is more  in store with this monster!!!
Recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai has changed entire mood of the country and now people started talking about issues of common interest with more passion,  which is really a good sign and it can make a difference in the future.
2008 is not going without its share of good signs. Indian economy is really recovering faster than others and fundamentals continues to be strong. But definitely it will not be cake walk for companies and professionals. The new year will see the  survival of the fittest.
Election of the first black as the new president in the history of USA is truly remarkable and let us hope his actions will be inline with spirit of change and peace as expected in the new year.
In sports India can expect new achievements in the new year.  Last year saw some good developments in this front.
India will also have a new government in the new year. Let us all vote for the right candidates so that we will not suffer in the future.
Let us hope for the best.
Wish you a very happy and prosperous new year ahead.
Love
Sudheesh

Terrorism - The biggest malady of Modern India

Terrorists have again struck where India hurts the most. The attack on the financial capital of Mumbai on 26/11 have given big shock to millions of Indians across India and abroad. As the concentration of attacks were in public places like crowded railway stations, popular restaurants , Star hotels and busy city streets, common men are well aware of who are the targets now.

The Fear factor is more than ever before. People feel like ditched by the weak and corrupt leadership who cannot take proper and faster decisions and who once again have become mute spectators of killings of valiant police officers , army men and innocent civilians.

Corruption in Indian society has grown like a deadly cancer. Corruption is there everywhere top to bottom.Common man believe that everything in this country can be bought with currency, be it integrity of judiciary, truthfulness bureaucracy or the the power of the elected governments. It is easy and convenient for any forces who try to weaken this country, to use this cancer for their advantage.

Enemies of this country are cleverly using Indian men, money and machinery against India. And they are the clear winners in this game.

It is not a joke that Pakistan have better printing presses for currency printing. ISI use Indian citizens for carrying and distributing fake currency in this country, which in turn used to fund the terrorist activities in India.

Weak or spineless leadership and corruption are the biggest problems we are facing now. And so there should be more action from the people to make the required changes in the society.

Yes Guys and gals....

This is the time for action for each of us. There are lot of things that we can do as the responsible citizen of India.

1. Elect good people: We had enough of the soothing words, meaningless speeches and 70 mm smiles which is of use in front of hard realities like terrorism. It is the prime responsibility of all us to elect good, non-corrupt , courageous and able people into all political positions. Let other considerations like caste , Religion , dynasty, groupism, party etc. not influence our voting. Terrorists will not look whether you are Muslim or Hindu or Christian or your party before killing you. Remember only good members of assemblies and parliament can only save this country from the problems it is facing now.

   So caste your votes decisively.

2. Never encourage corruption: Fight..Yes fight against this biggest problem of Indian society. Our police are forced to defend us with 'Bullet proof' Jackets which are actually not bullet proof and age old 303 rifle and slow pistols against Powerful AK 47s and deadly grenades. I have seen a cctv footage of activity inside the TAJ hotel on 26/11, where the police officers hardly with any weaponry are trying to contain the mindless terrorists who had all the sophisticated and most modern equipments. Where are the crores of money gone in the name of modernization of forces?? Inform the right people when you come across any activity of corruption and
3. Don't ever be the consumers of smugglers : When we buy smuggled products , when we use the notorious hundi telephone services , when we support black money transactions etc., we are actually helping to fund Terrorists, who will not hesitate to pull the trigger of his AK 47 rifle against anybody at anywhere. So Please don't do anything illegal and persuade your friends and relatives to do things in right way.
4. Donate only to the known :There are reports that donations collected in the name of unknown charitable trusts, Orphanages, religious Institutions, people are flowing into hands of terrorists. So donate only to people and institutions whose activities and whereabouts are known. Also make they use the money effectively for the noblest motives.
5. Be Alert and willing to react: Be agile and cautious about suspected people and situations. Be sure that our eyes are open to fight united to the threats like this. Inform authorities in time of any suspected terrorist activity in our neighborhood. Learn to react courageously and be united against common issues like corruption, social problems, injustice and terrorism.

Yes Friends.. Enough is enough... India had it enough...Now it is time for action...Next terrorist target could be you and me...We cannot escape this until and unless we learn to fight.

For thousands of innocent victims of terrorism , for the valiant soldiers who laid their lives fighting terrorism, For countless illiterate and misguided youth on the path of terror and for the millions of peace loving citizen of this country, we need to do it.

Remember together we can make a difference. A real difference...

Ooty Botanical Garden - A heaven on earth !!!

  Have you ever been to this paradise on earth !!! I have been fortunate to visit the Ooty Botanical Garden for  more than 5 times in my life, in a span 20 years. It is an amazing fact that this popular garden  continue to hold its charm and freshness all through these years. Here nature comes in perfect harmony with the life.Ooty botanical garden has got a mystic beauty to attract regular  tourists who carries it's pleasant memories all through their life. 
The 55 acre wide Ooty botanical garden is located  in the heart of  the Ooty town in Tamilnadu state. For a visitor who enters from the noise,smoke and traffic of the town feel and experience a different world altogether inside the park. He is welcomed by a variety of colorful flowers ,beautiful lush green lawns and  rare trees, bushes and plants.
The History says the Ooty botanical garden was built by a British District collector way back in 1840 to cultivate western vegetables for the British employees who  worked here and was later converted into a public park.
Now this  garden is home to several rare species of trees and plants collected from different parts of the world.
There is a cork tree, which is not seen anywhere else in  India, a monkey puzzle tree  and a paper bark tree, which are few to name in this great collection. Also it has a  fossil tree trunk displayed which is about 20 million years old. The fern houses  have plenty of   begonias,  fern, cacti , orchids, dahlias and bulbous plants.The garden has good number of flowering plants both in its fern houses and outside.There is a Italian garden and a Lilly pond with color full flowers.    But in my opinion the highlight of the Ooty botanical garden is its vast and luxurious green lawns, which are definitely an striking visual treat.   A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden. According to the estimates close to 2 million tourists visit this park every year and the number is growing.
It is currently run by Tamilnadu state horticulture department and they doing an excellent job in keeping it in excellent condition.
Any  tour plan to the famous hill station of Ooty, Tamilnadu, India will not be complete without a visit  this beautiful  botanical garden. This is a must see place if you are in  Ooty. And do remember to allocate a minimum of 4 hours to spend, in this heaven on earth.

So don't wait anymore , Come and enjoy the peace and tranquility at the great Ooty botanical garden.
Ooty Botanical garden in Google Maps



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Facts about Ooty- The most popular Hill station in South India

How to 'Safely' Use Mobile Phones

Can we stop using Mobile Phones??!!! Mobile Phone has become the most essential and  most popular gadget  used by people worldwide today. It has become an extended part of the body for lot of us. The problem it causes to the Human body and the chances of developing cancer on mobile users, are still a matter of great debate among scientists, who work on the effects of mobile usage. We , common people , don't know whether it is because of the multi billion dollar  business interest of the mobile industry which is influencing scientific facts. The  following can be taken care to safely use your mobiles and reduce the possibility of any health hazard in the future.

• Use it sparingly!!! you read it right. It is a fact that the  radiation is high when we talk over the phone. Make calls when it is absolutely necessary. Be clear about what to talk before making the call. Ensure offers of free airtime and money back  don't make us to have marathon calls.  Remember mobiles can never be a replacement for our Social and family  life. Spend quality time with family , friends and relatives.
• Don't use when the battery/Signal is low. In these conditions mobile radiation will be multifold than at normal situations. So please make it a point to charge when there is only one battery block is available. Also avoid making calls when the signal  range is low.
•  Use Speaker phone feature more. This is a wonderful way to keep radiation away. I use this feature very much. Whenever I feel the call could be long I go to my personal cabin or to the conference room and and switch to speaker phone mode. At home also we can do this if the call content is not a secret.
• Keep away from the body as much as possible. Don't keep the mobile in the shirt or trouser pockets or in the belt pouch when not in use. Keep in your hand bag or in the hand itself when traveling and in the table when you work. While talking usage of ear phones are also good. But it is proven that the long  use of ear phones will damage our hearing abilities.
• Use flip type phones. Using 2 piece, flip phones are another good way to reduce radiation. Most of the flip side  phones have it's antennas on the mouth piece of the  phone. This will effectively increase the distance from the antenna to  our brain or body and reduce the radiation levels.
• A strict No to young children and pregnant women. It is a fact that mobile phone radiation will have great impact of the health of  young children. I  am aware that the children are basically very curious about this magic gadget. My son is also no different. But as their responsible  parents we need to restrict them using  or playing with it.  Moms-to-be, please note - just avoid cell phones, for a study has revealed that using mobiles during pregnancy could significantly raise your unborn child’s risk of developing  behavioral problems and heart beat rates later in life.
• Don't talk and drive. This is against rule of law and against our safety. Don't use mobile phone when driving.

Nobody can deny the fact that it is  a innovation which changed the way we  work and live. There is no question about it's usefulness and convenience. There are people who love their cute phones rather than anything else!!! And there are great companies like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung , Apple etc who tries to make phones which can do  everything other than just communication.

Check out your mobile's radiation levels ( Specific Absorption Rate)  before looking at the glossy features. We can use technology but  not abuse it. So use Mobiles but use it safely!!!.

 

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Related Articles:

• Chrome- New browser from Google

• Google 'Dream' to take on iPhone

• Finally Iphone 3G is coming to India !!!

• Apple launches iPhone 3G today amidst much fanfare !!!

Have a good Day!!!

Chrome- New browser from Google

Google browser!!!??...Yeah..The search engine company Google has unveiled its own browser yesterday named as 'Google Chrome' beta. It is open for download for all in the following site.

Click here to go to the download site

More than 72% web users are using Microsoft's Internet explorer for their browsing requirements now. Internet Explorer is much popular than any other browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Opera. Google Chrome has hit the market at this juncture and will be competing with IE whose Ver.8 has been recently launched.

I have just downloaded and tried Google Chrome. The installation is online finished without much hiccups. The following are the points I noticed .

• It doesn't look like a conventional browser and the feel is much lighter and simple.
• Searching is simplified. You can type key words in the address bar itself to use Google search ( search engine can be changed). As Google Chrome Seamlessly work with the search engines and finding the web address is also very easy.
• Opening a new tab is pretty easy. Just click the '+' next to the current pane you have a new tab.
• There is no Menu bar also. There is much lesser buttons, options or icons. We cannot add any additional features also.
• There is new 'incognito' window. If you open this window and browse it won't appear in your browser history or search history, and they won't leave other traces, like cookies, on your computer after you close the incognito window.
• There is no progress bar to know the progress of the page loading.
• It seems faster than firefox. Seems to be more stable also as the errors in web pages are not affecting Google Chrome.

The days of monopoly in browser industry will end with the launch of Google Chrome. And the competition will greatly transform Internet experience for better by compelling the manufactures to come up with unique and friendly solutions to the users.

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• Firefox Ver.3 Downloads to Success !!!
• Google 'Dream' to take on iPhone

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Finally Iphone 3G is coming to India !!!

It seems that the long wait of iPhone fans in India is finally over. As expected, Apple 3G iPhone, which has acquired a cult status in western countries, is getting officially launched here by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone on 22nd of August 08.

I am sure that there will be great demand for this coveted product in India also. Already there are lot of un locked and cracked iPhones are used in India.

Problems are in plenty even if we could buy iPhone on 22nd.

• The base model is priced at $199 (About INR 8000) globally. Service providers are giving subsidies for iPhones. Here Bharti and Vodafone are not planning to give any subsidies and at the same time likely to sell at a premium price. According to industry assumptions price could be more than Rs.30000/-!!!.
• In India 3G network is still not a reality. Government is yet to take a decision and still formulating guidelines on the 3G spectrum to the private players. It was known that PSUs BSNL and MTNL were allocated 3G spectrum and it may take long time for them to make the networks ready.
• Even if the Players get the 3G spectrum it will take minimum one year for them to make the new infrastructure up for 3G. Existing 2G infrastructure cannot be used for the new technology.
• As 3G networks are not available, the full functionality of the iPhone cannot be utilized. But it will work on 2G networks, which we have now, with limited functions.

Anyway it is very clear that iPhone is going to create rage among the gadget lovers in India also, as it happened abroad. Major mobile manufactures like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericson will face very stiff competition for their high end models. They will have to do more innovation to bring out better products that standup to this iconic gadget !!.

Related Article:

Apple launches iPhone 3G today amidst much fanfare !!!

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The Alchemist- The great story of a Pilgrimage to the dreams

                                                          
'The Alchemist' by popular Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho was first published in Portuguese language in the year of 1988. I got this novel as a birthday gift from my wife.

The Alchemist is a very small book - only less than 200 pages. But it didn't stop it in becoming one of the biggest selling books of all time- Published in 56 languages, Sold more than 65 million copies in more than 150 countries within the last 20 years!!!!

The story is of a shepherd boy called Santiago from Andalusia in Spain. He dreams about Egyptian pyramids and a treasure there. An Old Gypsy women who can interpret dreams, helps him to understand the meaning of it. The chance encounter with an old wandering King becomes a turning point in Santiago's life. The King make him understand that going to Egypt and finding the treasure is the destiny of his life and he gives him valuable advices about life and encourages him to go for it.

Santiago starts his long journey Through Africa to Egypt. The journey turns out to be a tough , Long and takes few years. He had to face extreme difficulties, obstacles and dangers. He was looted of all his money and valuables. Had to work in crystal glass shop to make money for an year. He had to travel for many days thru tough deserts. In a desert Oasis he finds his love and an Alchemist who guides him for his rest of the journey. From the Alchemist he learns how to talk to one's own soul and to the soul of the Universe.

He understands that each and everything in this world has a destiny and and role to play here. The man should understand his destiny and goal of his life and go all out for achieving it. It is irony that after making all the way to the pyramids Santiago finally understands and find the treasure in the very place, from where he have started his eventful voyage!!!

The message of the 'the Alchemist' is about the importance and the beauty of the need of following one's dreams.
This is a inspirational master piece by a Genius who understood the meaning of life. Within the last 20 years, I am sure, this book might have played a prominent role in transforming several people's life across world.
The motivational value of 'The Alchemist' is beyond comparison. It is no surprise this book continues to be a best seller in the book stores every where. I believe this is a must read book for everyone. It is a thriller that after start reading you will not feel like put it down till the end!!!
I am sure this book will definitely help you because I believe, '
So Grab a book from a nearer book shop or lend it from a library or friend at once and experience the greatness of 'the Alchemist'.
                                                    
Some of the excerpts from the book which really touched my heart. Enjoy reading it....

• "Every one on earth has a treasure that awaits him...Most people see the world as a threatening place , and because they do , the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place"
• " Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
• "When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love...Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met......And when two such people encounter each other , and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one's dreams would have no meaning"
• " It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting".
• "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it".
• "There is only one way to learn. It's through action".
• "No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it."
• "A philosophy of life: I'm an adventurer, looking for treasure".

I request you to update your comments , ideas and opinions about the above article.
 Remember Good books are written from the experiences and imagination of great people. So they will definitely add value to our life.

Have a good day !!

Apple launches iPhone 3G today amidst much fanfare !!!

The much awaited new version of Apple's iPhone 3G has been launched today in selected countries amidst much fanfare. This launch has created such a rage that people in Japan and US were queuing in front of the mobile stores for the last 2-3 days, day and night, to be the first owners of this much loved/ hyped gadget. The first owners were seen jumping with joy as if they have conquered the world. Cell phone stores are limiting the sales as one phone to one person, to control demand.

Apple has launched the first version of this phone last year to a market targeting the loyal ipod customers, as an extended iPod with additinal features of a mobile phone.

Apple iPhone 2.0 is the upgraded version of the software and IPhone ver 1.0 users can upgrade it to version 2.0 by downloading the software and installing it in the old phone.

The new Features are given below

• App Store support (so one can install third-party applications and games)
• 3G speed - Faster Downloading of mails and of browsing Internet thru 3G cellular networks. 3G supports simultaneous voice and data. One can talk on the phone while surfing the web, checking email, or using Maps
• GPS- find location, get directions, and see traffic — all from phone
• The ability to search through contacts, and more.
• Good interoperability with Microsoft's most popular mail server system, MS exchange server.

iPhone cost is around $220 for the 8 GB and $320 for 16GB models. Indians will have to wit till August or September for an Official launch here. The lower end model expected to be priced around Rs.15000/-. Vodafone will be the service provider in India for iPhone first followed by Bharati Airtel. Both these service providers started bookings in their respective web sites. 3G spectrum over GSM networks in India is still not finalized also!!.

Anyway the hype and passion which is shown on Apple's this coveted product is unprecedented and strange. This shows the new generation's mad infatuation with fancy gadgets like this!!!

people in Q in front of a mobile store in Japan

How to have a Coffee Bean attitude.

Stories are always a good way to communicate great messages. I have grown up hearing bed time stories from my grand parents and father. I am indebted to them for this. Story telling is a easy way to inculcate good morale and lessons of life and  are widely used by not only parents but teachers and public speakers also to convey tough ideas and to build right attitude.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill

Please read the story below of how to have the right attitude- Coffee bean attitude. This story has influenced me a lot.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and
how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting
and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second, she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee 
beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.In about
twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked,"Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," her daughter replied.She brought her daughter closer and asked her to feel the carrots.The daughter noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, the daughter observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, mother asked her daughter to sip the coffee.The
daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.Then the daughter asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained, "Each of these objects has faced the same adversity-boiling water-but each reacted differently. The carrot
went in strong, hared, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but,after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. They changed the water.""Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"Think of this:
Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I
wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with
the heat?
Did I once have a fluid spirit, but after death, breakup, financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?
Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough
with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot,it releases the fragrance and flavor.When things are at their worst, do I get better and change the situation around me?
How do you handle adversity? What gives you the greatest opportunity for long term happiness?
That is our highest choice. 
Do I have "COFFEE BEAN ATTITUDE"
For a better World

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Firefox Ver.3 Downloads to Success !!!

For A Better World

Mozilla has launched Firefox web browser version 3 on 17th of June amidst of much fanfare. They have announced June 17th as 'Download day' and claims to have achieved a total download of 80 lac in 24 hours of launch of this soft ware. It is upto the Guinness authorities now to announce the world record. According to Mozilla site latest count is more than 131 lacs!!!. And going up every seconds!! Click the below link to know the latest count.

http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord/

Firfox is the second most popular browser used by the internet users across globe after Microsoft's Internet Explorer. The beauty of the Mozilla's fiorefox is that it is the product developed by the open source community and is completely free to use. Mozilla foundation is a not for profit organisation who are powered by the open source idea. This foundation is backed and supported by thousands of developers spread across the world. They devotes its resources to promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the Internet.

Anybody can download Firefox 3 from the following site for free.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Windows installation file is of the size of 7.3 MB only.

I tried it in my desktop. The installation was exceptionally quick and was over in just 4 clicks and took only seconds!! Any novice can install it without any hiccups . It automatically places an icon in the system tray for easy access.

I have used Firefox 2 also. And so I can tell you that this is much better product from Firefox platform. Site loading is faster compared to Internet explorer. It is taking bookmarking to new levels. One click on the star icon at the end of the location bar bookmarks a site.

This browser uses google search cache brilliantly to ease browsing by listing recently searched sites with description in the address field. The developer site claims that it is more secure against viruses, worms, trojan horses and spyware. And there are much more features for making it more popular amoung the internet users.

Happy browsing.

For discussing more interesting topics like this kindly log on to my blog

For A Better World now. Also Please update your comments and opinions about this article.

love

Sudheesh

Papillon - The saga of human endurance

Man's survival instincts and faith in life is legendary. These qualities made mankind the leaders of the world.

Papillon is one of the greatest books I have come across in recent times. It was first introduced to me by my English teacher way back in nineties. But I couldn't get the opportunity to read it till recently. One evening on my regular train journeys to home from work, I bought this book from a young boy, who was selling popular English books in trains.

Papillon is Originally written in french and published in 1970. I bought the English translation by Patrik O' brian.

Papillon is a real life story of  Mr Henri Charriere  (Papillon is nick name), who was convicted by French government for a crime he  never committed in his life, when he was just below 25. Story is narrated to have taken place in a 14 year period of his conviction a from 1931 to 1945.

The convicts of that time were considered as pests by the French colonial government and the jails were made to systematically and brutally tame them. A person who enters in to the life sentence in his prime age will come of these cells either as mad or dead. These confinements are never meant to make the convicts  better people.

Sensing this danger Papillon' s aim and efforts were only to escape from the prisons. Every time he escaped, he was caught and put back in to rigorous confinements by the cruel authorities. The duration between the escape and confinements were filled with adventurous journeys thru geographically varied places with culturally different  people. This is not only a riveting and gripping story of adventures of Pappillon but also about the extra ordinary  love between people.

Story depiction is very elaborate and detailed and so we feel very much related to the situations and characters.

This book is all about the importance of having a 'never say die' attitude towards life.

It is a must read and I strongly recommend it to you.