Another Journey

This journey doesn’t start with suddenly as this was a well planned one. Booked a bus ticket to go home well ahead. The Telengana issue started and they stopped the buses. So booked a train ticket as a backup which was on waiting list 93.

On 23rd after PC gave a different version of the statement on Andhra things became better and busses were released. As per 23rd status buses were going and there was no problem. I called up the reservation counter again on 24th to confirm if buses were going and then tried to cancel the train ticket. It didn’t work for several times, so tried it one last time and switched of the PC with out seeing the status.

On the way to bus depot I was thinking how good it was to have a backup ticket, even if the refund may not happen, the peace it gave was worth. Waited at the pickup point for more than an hour and then called up to the reservation counter to find that the bus has been cancelled. The refund of the ticket can only happen if I give them my ticket that day. Hmmmm now the other option left is the train. I don’t even have the ticket printed. And only 30 mins left in which I have to now print the ticket and reach station. I tried taking my chance at train at the loss of bus ticket now.

Asked my cousin who is travelling by the same train and had already reached station to print my ticket. Out of the blue got a call from my colleague Shamil, asking me to join for lunch. While speaking to him I realised that I have a printed ticket at my office desk which I did on the day I booked the ticket. I requested him if he can drop me the ticket in time. He started immediately with the ticket. Mean while the net connection was slow where my cousin was trying to print and I asked him to check the PNR and…… the ticket status is cancelled :D.

Now my friend is still on the way getting the ticket. I have decided that any cost I am going to go by this train as the buses are not guaranteed and not sure if I will get a ticket for night. Went and bought a general ticket. Shamil came, and I was feeling bad that I have to make him come for a ticket that is of no use. One more idea stuck and asked him to cancel my bus ticket and felt happy that his efforts didn’t go waste as it still helped me.

Met my cousin who have a confirmed ticket on the platform and made up my mind to get reservation even if he charges me high once I get into the train. Got into the train and into my cousin’s reserved compartment it is worse than a general compartment. No place even to stand. Went in search of the TTE to get a reserved seat but it didn’t help, met 3 of them but all of them no vacancy. But he allowed me to stay in the compartment and all other unreserved he asked to get out.

The TTEs changed at Tirupati but they too didn’t ask any thing. So after a long wait I got down at Nellore. Then took a bus home and reached by 12 am.

This is the cheapest journey home I ever did 101 + 27

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Hallelujah Christmas Cruise

It is so often we miss to notice how things happen beyond what we can imagine or think of. Ever wondered how they do happen and who makes it happen? We do feel happy of the good that happens, enjoy it but most of the times fail to identify who made it happen. I sometimes try to look into it. Hallelujah Christmas Cruise play at KMC last Sunday is one of it.

I was part of the sound team for the play. The hired microphones were supposed to come at 11:30 am, so after morning service I took a break went out and came back but no trace of microphones and the wait went on. 3:30 pm the kids have started the final rehearsal still no trace. Usually we make the final rehearsal with sound so that we can tune the system and with kids it always difficult and now don’t even have that opportunity to do. There were instances where even after the trial, things went bad. Around 4:45 pm the hired ones came but with out cables and batteries. This made my worries and irritations rise which started due to the delay and no responses from the concerned people for hiring.

Though things I have to work with are now there, I was not really sure how I am going to make that to work with only those. Just sat down there not knowing what to do, the kids doing the rehearsal on one side and everyone waiting for the sound to come and me not having a clue how to make it work. And no time to get any things that is required. The vendors stopped picking up calls. We had been through this many times and we know how miraculously God worked, but this time it seemed hopeless. Sitting there I just asked one question “God! Are you going to make this happen?” “I am going to try my best, rest is Yours” This was my final say and started to put things together.

Added to this the other team mates who were supposed to come after lunch turned up late and there it went ….. Lost my cool and shouted at them. It was 5:20 pm when we started working with no sound and I know nothing other than a miracle can run the show with sound. And tough job connecting, setting it up, and coordinating with people for the small things required and the loose contacts making things worse in between. Things started falling in place, great ideas from the team and it’s just running around noting on the mind other than to make things work. Don’t remember how many times we sent people out to buy stuff that we need. And its 6:00pm YES! we can hear sound :). I just couldn’t believe myself that we did it in such short time and things started falling in place. I can’t believe it even now that we did it.  Just paused to recollect how things were half an hour back and I realized that we have the same assurance to remind Who is in control. Now I know Who worked for it and Who is working with us all the time.

Though we can hear the sound, it was pretty bad and people already started complaining. I just assured them that it will be better when it starts just cause of the miracle that had happened and knowing how things progressed I can say that :) . I left before it started, with the peace that “He brought it till here and the rest He will take care and it is going to happen”.

Thanks for the sound team and the team work that made this happen.

Came to know later that it was much better than the time I left.

Thank you LORD for being so faithful.

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Updates

It’s been long that I have written a blog entry. After all the work and other things don’t find time these days and I totally forgot until some reminded it. Life has become too busy and that too in December have too many things to do and every weekend already jam packed. But as usual plan to write the year ending notes by the end of year. Planning a vacation to go home and spend some time before the year ends.

Not sure if I get proper transport because of the Telengana issue and the whole lot of bandhs happening. Booked a train ticket too as backup. Need to see on which ticket I will travel.

Went to carols and enjoyed it, Attended a protest for Samakya Andhra supported,  Organised a volunteer camp from iKnight, …I think that’s all in the recent past.

One more week to go home and after that one more week for the year to end. Few things left to be completed before that. Hope I will find some time.

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In Christ Alone Medley

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.


In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
In Christ Alone

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

- Phillips Craig Dean

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Bono - NAACP

A very nice speech especially the last few minutes. Very motivational

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A memorable journey

All of a sudden I found that I have nothing much to do at office. Hmm again... All my trip blog entries starts with the same line.. Nothing comes to my mind coz they do happen like that only. Ok coming back to this. I made plan to go on the 15th  night and got the ticket reserved too. But now seriously thought if I have to take that risk of traveling unreserved and a break journey with no clarity of number of breaks in it. It all looked like one big uncertainty with nothing certain but the destination my home ?

Decided to go on this adventure. So packed the stuff by afternoon and went to catch any bus that comes and waited midway. Came to know have direct Volvo to Nellore during the same time. So set the max limit of 45minutes for the bus to come and waited. Luckily the bus came and driver gave the ticket too. Was quite happy and it was the last seat.

So now at least something became certain that I have only a single break. As soon as I got in the there was dispute between the bus attender and a elder man regarding some seat problem and the attender was not responding properly and so I supported him and got it resolved and that’s just the beginning ?

From there it started to have multiple arguments with the driver, the hotel where he stopped for dinner at 3:30pm, and almost in each and every bus stop it stopped ? Driver had a very terrible day that day and the attender too. And most of them were not his mistakes. After half the journey we felt pity for the driver and started supporting him when he was correct which I lead the arguments again form the front even being in the last seat.

Cos of all this arguments the fellow passengers became very friendly discussing out this stuff and it was very funny making jokes of the situations. At the same time we got delayed too

At last reached home around 11pm by which every just got into beds as they don’t know I was coming. Yeah it was a surprise and I didn’t inform them that I started afternoon instead of evening.

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Changing World

In this ever changing world, do we need to change everything? I am sure there are few we can keep.

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Avalanche

As planned started off for Avalanche on the weekend. Met few of the other campers and got into the bus at Shanti Nagar bus stop. It went round and round the city and went to Mysore road bus stop again. It was raining heavily outside and no air inside the bus. After sometime the bus started and we were stopped at Bandipur forest as they have closed the entry from 2am-6 am. Slept in bus till they started allowing it at 5:30 am. Reached Ooty by 9:30 after a delay of 4 hours.

Went to Emerald from there. Most of the people had breakfast there. Started to walk to the camp site. It was a long tiring walk. The guides kept telling it was 30 mins away initially and after they changed it to 15 mins. It took almost 5 hours for the entire trek is nearly 10 kms; 3 kms on good road and after that on a mud trail. Up and down the hills. It was raining on and off.

Reached camp around 3:30 and had lunch there. It was a hot and yummy lunch, after all the trek it tasted awesome, It really is. Finished the lunch and relaxed for sometime, roaming around the camp site to explore it.

In the evening went out for kayaking. I did it for the first time and it was pretty good. Initially was trying to figure out which was it was going and after few minutes was able to control it. The lake and its surroundings are very beautiful. The clear waters in the lake are warm compared to the rain and the cold wind outside. I played with water while other took their turns with the kayak and swimming. I jumped into the kayak again when the instructor said there is a free kayak for the last trip. This time I went in much deeper and I was able to manage it pretty good. I think now I can do it alone.

Came back relaxed for the rest of the day. It was continuously drizzling all the time. Had very nice dinner along with chicken barbeque. Tried to sleep in the tent but it was very cold, so went back and slept in the dorm.

Woke up at usual time 6. Explored the places around while others are still getting out of their beds. Was feeling lazy as it was drizzling again that day too. The trip to the water fall started, didn’t want to go out in the rain but joined in end with the umbrella and the jacket. It was a short walk of less than 5 mins and there stands a beautiful waterfall making huge noise and running cold water.

Seeing that couldn’t resist so left the umbrella and jacket and went into water and enjoyed it a lot. The water is very cold and was looking too good. Had a nice waterfall bath – natural shower. Came back packed the stuff and finished the lunch and started to walk back to Emerald. It was good this time, didn’t feel much tired, though it took around 4.5 hrs for the trek down.

From Emerald took a truck to Ooty, was fun trying to maintain the balance. Reached Ooty, roamed around for some time, did some shopping and had dinner and reached bus stand.

Booked a AC bus so that it will be relaxing as needed to go to work the next day. This bus is Ambari, looked well, but all the way I can feel every ditch in the road, I doubt if this bus had shock absorbers.

Over all it was a very good trip. Enjoyed a lot of rain all along.

Few pics from the trip in my album koppole.in.

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A day well spent

A day well spent to visit ‘A talent well spent’. That’s what had happened on this unplanned trip which came into the schedule. SMART Hospital, Periyamali, Kamagiri was the destination. Prince, Michael and I started at 5:30am searching for petrol on Hosur Road. Got it when the fuel was about to end. Took a good amount of time to reach the place. The early morning drive was very pleasant passing through the jungle enjoying the beauties of the nature. The road became bad when we are almost near the place; it is so bad you think twice before you drive.

We entered the campus where the hospital is located and the area is big and they have few constructions there. All of them built with the local material available. Was surprised to see the infrastructure they have built at such a remote place where there is no proper road. And this is the effort Dr. Jeyachandran uncle which he started in 1983 and did each and everything of it on his own.

We met Dr. Jeyachandran uncle and Rohan just coming out after their morning chores. Came to know they had a long night trying to save one critical patient battling with life. They were very happy when they came to know that the patient has progressed remarkably well. Then uncle said how the patient had got rejected in the so called sophisticated hospitals of Bangalore and was vexed with life. She was ready to die rather than to live like that. I can read from uncle’s face how critical it was and the relief he have for the success of it and how big and achievement it is. This is just one of the many that happened there.

'A talent well spent' – this is what I mentioned in the beginning, and hope you have got whom I am referring to. In case you are not clear about it, it is about Dr. Jeyachandran. Just a down to earth person. There are many good things which I noticed in him, but one thing worth mentioning is about the use of his talent for the community.

We use our talents for our professions, to live our lives. Earn, do well and get settled using them. But how many of us and how many times think of giving back to the community using the very same talents with the same zeal and commitment and make a difference in the lives of the less privileged?

Also I noticed few young people travelled from the neighboring villages who volunteered to help during their camp.

Had nice food and roamed around for some time in the evening. Had snacks and started on ourjourney back.

While coming back have heard some elephant sounds, but the locals asked us not to stop as they are in good number and it will be a danger if they come. So continued the journey and wanted to make use of the time and hence started to write this blog entry.

"If I can ease one life in aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain."

So let us make some difference in whatever capacity we can, with which ever talent that God has given and make our lives - A life well spent.

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What you need to impress Amrita Rao

I was reading some article on rediff and came across this video. So was just checking out what it is. At the end of that I just couldn't stop laughing. You too watch it before you continue to read this.

What you need to impress Amrita Rao

All for self and he shouldn't ask her to change but she have a huge list of things for him :). Hmmm.. thats how things are. If wishes were horses ...... would ride.

Well this reminds me of an exercise that we recently did @ HAH programme @ KMC. We were asked to write a set of 5 things that we look for in a spouse. Immediately every one went work and I finished my top 5 priorities.

Now was wondering what will be the next thing asked to do. The the facilitator asked "Are you going to be what ever you have listed for your spouse".

Well a huge blank face. 4 of them there was no problem doing it and one I doubt.

And there are many such small things which will make you realise some big things we miss. Not only the exercise I mentioned there are many like this we do and each of it helped in its own way.

These are conducted by Ashley, a very good professional trainer. You can read his contributions in his blogs.

http://yesilearn.wordpress.com
http://Yesiwrite.blogspot.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jpashley
http://twitter.com/Ashleyvinil
http://facebook.com/ashley.vinil

I have learnt few things from him and still learning.

If interested you can attend his programme on every Saturday of every month @ Koramangala Methodist Church. Open to general public too and entry is free :)

Come and be blessed.

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How our life will be run by mobiles

It is called the Spark Room and it takes pride of place in the shiny new offices of Logica, the technology firm in King’s Cross, north London. On computer screens, what looks to the untrained eye like a series of dots and squiggles, graphs and web pages are downloading at great speed. Each one represents people: you and me. They move, like us. They talk, like us. They are us.

The images are the building blocks of the biggest revolution in IT since the advent of the internet — and one that will eventually have a direct impact on the lives of almost everyone.
“We’re not talking about something that we’ve always known would be good but could not work out how to make happen,” explained Elaine Doherty, Logica’s head of media innovation. “What we’re doing is something that was unimaginable even five years ago.”
Doherty is talking about “collective intelligence”, or “the network”. It is the latest buzzword to leak out of California’s Silicon Valley.
For a big idea it is remarkably simple. It means a world in which people are permanently connected to anything and everything: to our friends and families, to our employer, to our home, doctor, bank, even to our past, present and future. The squiggles and dots on Doherty’s screens represent those links, produced by a complex algorithm that runs using Logica’s new Interaction software.
How does it work? It is all down to the mobile phone. Thanks to hardware advances and super-fast 3G network connections, phones have become handheld mini-PCs capable of running any program. As we use them, our phones record the details of our lives. Global positioning technology in our handsets reveal where we are, when we get home and where we like to go at weekends. Thanks to our online search history, phones know what food, music, sports, authors, and holiday destinations we like.

John Arlidge

SUNDAY TIMES LONDON

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Susan Boyle

One more rags to riches over night story, that is what it looks like. Well she impressed me too when I watched the video of she singing for the Britan's got talent 2009 show. What also pulled my thoughts were the before and after interaction she did at the show.

She has been singing from the age on 12 and she is now 47. Trying to be a professional singer for these many years?? Not giving up. Well I may not have that kind of patience. Before start of the show she mentioned that it was her dream to perform before large number of audience. How long do you think that she was dreaming of this? And still she does :)  Her next statement, "And now I am going to make the audience…" shows the confidence she had. 

Some one who couldn't get an opportunity for 47 years, haven't performed any where before, says that today she is going to make the audience......, doing it for the first time. Awesome! The realization of the talent she has. She knows and understands what she is capable of.

Opportunity didn't come till now, and she didn't waste the one and only one that came.

Congrats Susan. Keep it going. All the best

You can watch it on YouTube.

„¸¨°º¤ø„...ø¤º° ¸„ø¤º°¨¸„ø¤º°¨

¨°º¤ø„¸ GO Susan !!¸„ø¤º°¨

¸„ø¤º°¨Ur Awesome!!! `°º¤ø„¸

¸„ø¤º°¨¸„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„¸¨°º¤ 

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Just another love story

From the very beginning, girl's family objected strongly on her dating this guy, saying that it has got to do with family background, that the girl will have to suffer for the rest of her life if she were to be with him.

Due to family's pressure, the couple quarreled very often. Though the girl loved the guy deeply, she always asked him: how deep is your love for me?'

As the guy is not good with his words, this often caused the girl to be very upset. With that the family's pressure, the gal often vents her anger on him. As for him.. he only endured it in silence.

After a couple of years, the guy finally graduated decided to further his studies overseas.

Before leaving, he proposed to the gal: 

I'm not very good with words. But all I know is that I love you. If you allow me, I will take care of you for the rest of my life. As for your family, I'll try my best to talk them round. Will you marry me?'

The girl agreed, with the guy's determination, the family finally gave in agreed to let them get married. So before he left, they got engaged.

The gal went out to the working society, whereas the guy was overseas, continuing his studies. They sent their love through emails or phone calls. Though it was hard, but both never thought of giving up.

One day, while the gal was on her way to work, she was knocked down by a car that lost control.

When she woke up, she saw her parents beside her bed. She realized that she was badly injured. Seeing her mum cry, she wanted to comfort her. But she realized that all that could come out of her mouth was just a sigh. she had lost her voice....

The doctor says that the impact on her brain has caused her to lose her voice. Listening to her parent's comfort, but with nothing coming out from her, she broke down. During the stay in hospital, besides silent cry.. it's still just silent cry that accompanied her.

Upon reaching home, everything seems to be the same. Except for the ringing tone of the phone which pierced into her heart every time it rang. She does not wish to let the guy know not wanting to be a burden to him, she wrote a letter to him saying that she does not wish to wait any longer.

With that, she sent the ring back to him. In return, the guy sent a millions of reply and countless phone calls.. all the gal could do besides crying is still crying.... The parents decided to move away, hoping that she could eventually forget everything and be happy.

With a new environment, the gal learns sign language started a new life.Telling herself everyday that she must forget the guy. One day, her friend came told her that he's back. She asked her friend not to let him know what happened to her.

Since then, there wasn't anymore news of him. A year has passed her friend came with an envelope, containing an invitation card for the guy's wedding. The gal was shattered. When she opened the letter, she saw her name on it instead. When she was about to ask her friend what was going on, she saw the guy standing in front of her....

He used sign language to tell her, I've spent a year to learn sign language. Just to let you know that I've not forgotten our promise.

Let me have the chance to be your voice. I Love You.' 

With that, he slipped the ring back into her finger. The gal finally smiled......

 

Just another love story!

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Loved Ones

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, 

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply. 

He said, "Please excuse me too; 

I wasn't watching for you." 

We were very polite, this stranger and I. 

We went on our way and we said goodbye. 

But at home a different story is told, 

How we treat our loved ones, young and old. 

Later that day, cooking the evening meal, 

My son stood beside me very still. 

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. 

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown. 

He walked away, his little heart broken. 

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. 

While I lay awake in bed, 

God's still small voice came to me and said, 

"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, 

but the family you love, you seem to abuse.. 

Go and look on the kitchen floor, 

You'll find some flowers there by the door. 

Those are the flowers he brought for you. 

He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. 

He stood very ! quietly not to spoil the surprise, 

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes." 

By this time, I felt very small, 

And now my tears began to fall. 

I quietly went and knelt by his bed; 

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. 

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?" 

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. 

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. 

I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." 

I said, "Son, ! I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; 

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." 

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. 

I love you anyway." 

I said, "Son, I love you too, 

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue." 

Loved ones the family and friends,  Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. 

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? 

So what is behind the story? 

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The More ... The Less.....

This is a old one which I have read few times. We read but dont realise what it means. If you have some time, read it slowly and try to understand and realise what it means to miss the things we enjoyed once upon a time. No time for that too? May GOD help you out :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today we have bigger houses, but smaller families

More conveniences , but less time

We Have more degrees, but less common sense

More knowledge , but less judgment 

We have more experts, but more problems

More medicine, but less wellness

We spend too recklessly

Laugh too little

Drive too fast

Get too angry too quickly

Stay up too late

Read too little

Watch TV too much

And ponder too little.

We’ve multiplied our possessions,

but reduced our values

We talk too much, love too little and lie too often

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life

We’ve added years to our lives, but not life to our years

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers 

Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints

We spend more, but have less

We buy more, enjoy it less

We’ve been all the way to the moon and back

But have trouble crossing the street to meet our neighbors. 

We’ve conquered outer space,

But not inner space

We’ve split the atom

But not our prejudice 

We write more, learn less

Plan more, but accomplish less

We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait,

We have higher incomes , but lower morals

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies

But have less communication 

We are long on quantity, 

But short on quality

These are the time of fast foods and slow digestion

Taller people, and short character 

More leisure and less fun 

More kinds of foods but less nutrition

Two incomes but more divorce

Fancier houses but more broken homes

Spend more time with your family and friends , eat your favorite foods, and visit the places you love .

Use your crystal goblets…do not save your best perfume for best…throw a party for no good reason.

Life isn’t only about survival … It’s about joy.

Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life.

Remove from your vocabulary phrases like “ one of these days “ and “ someday”

Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “ one of these days “

Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them.

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Activa & Shell

I wasn’t keeping track of my scooter’s mileage as I know that Activa is known to give less mileage, but I remember it was some where around 40 to 43kmpl when I checked few months ago. I recently started using the Shell petrol as I have a Shell pump on my way back home from office. I was quite surprised when I calculated my mileage last time which came to 46.7kmpl. I just couldn’t believe my self that it made such a big difference. As I wasn’t convinced that it is true and I might have calculated it wrongly so wanted to check noting down the readings CORRECTLY this time. So today when I checked it again one more wonder, not sure if I need to believe this also. It was 51.25kmpl. Now wait for one more reading?? :) this time I remember the readings correctly and there is no chance that it can go wrong. 

Activa giving 51 is something great which I never heard about. And it is not because of economy driving in fact I drive it worse than any other. Trying to beat every one at every signal and drag racing with my competitors like Innova, Scorpio, Safari and the Red Bus :) and indulging in drag races and driving it at high speed of 75kmph(High speed for a scooter at least). Even today as I was returning joined a race with two Bullets who are racing against each other. And guess who won? Me and my Active. Exaggerating? No. The signals came to my rescue and I won it :P. Also being a small scooter helped. 

So Shell and Activa… not all Activas only mine ROCKs.

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Busy??!!!!!

It’s long that I had written a blog entry, was busy as usual. Back to the parent company because of recession and now traveling in the city for 2hrs daily. But it was better than expected cos of the airport. At last decided to write an entry before I forget that I have a  blog. 

Bangalore became cool for the past 2 days and I am quite happy about it after experiencing the hot sun. 

Many things to be written. Will try to do it some time later when I find time. 

And now when I tried to post my blog entry Google said that they have determined my password to be simple and forced me to change it. What all on earth are these guys getting into. Any way the whole earth is public now, nothing is private including the passwords. Some one knows them all :) Total depedence on Google :( no way out as of now.

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Browser Wars.. Again….

Well some time back on my blog I have mentioned about the Browser Wars. And here is it again.

A happy moment when open source won over monopoly. I just happened to check it yesterday and was very surprised and happy to see the Fire Fox took the browser share more than that of all versions of IE put together. 

2009	IE7	IE6	IE8	Fx	Chrome	S	O
January	25.7%	18.5%	0.6%	45.5%	3.9%	3.0%	2.3%

This is from the w3schools. You can see the same info here http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp. 

Also Chrome also making good progress may take time to reach a considerable share and it is good for a starter.  Now IE totals to 44.8 where as Firefox is 45.5. Wish to see the Chrome and IE swapping places now. I know it will take some time and IE will not go that bad as Microsoft won't let it. But for the moment FF wins over IE...

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GIMP Rocks!!!

Long time since I changed the look of my web site. Was wondering over the weekend how to change it and then this idea struck. Simple design with a cartoon picture of mine. Sounded interesting. After searching all the pics found one which can fit. Actually there are very less of mine present so have to pick one of the existing. 

Now need to convert it to a black and white sketch. GIMP was the first one to be selected for editing but not sure how to do and also not comfortable with all the menus in it. So the google boss helped it out. Got a tutorial which does that and its pretty straight forward. Few steps and here it comes. Good and nice looking drawing of mine :) 

GIMP has too many options and not sure if some one is using all of them. But it is too good for a open source tool and of course I am not into the domain of image editing so can’t tell how good or bad it is but all I can say is it did the job and worked for me. 

Just created a wrapper and uploaded it to site.

Looks cool isn’t it? 

That’s why I say GIMP Rocks!!!!

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A Black Friday

Today is the most stressful day at work I can ever remember but with out actually doing any work. To shorten the story the global recession also had an affect in the company and from morning they have started process of giving the pink slips in other words firing. The environment in the office was too bad as every body got tensed not known if they were on the list. I don’t think some one worked today. At least I didn’t and most of my team didn’t.  By evening it reached to the peak and got on to every one’s nerves including mine:) though I was telling myself not to be so. Never had I felt that way. And in fact this is the first time I am witnessing or seeing or experiencing a lay off day. 

And tough I was mentally prepared for the worse, I felt bad for the people who were asked to leave. Managing to get a job in the current market situations is not easy. Also it will be like loosing friends and team members that you have at work all these days. Noting is going to replace them. Couple of my team members and neighbors also left. Seeing all this almost got a headache by evening even after coming to know that it has been done totally. 

Left office early and to beat the bad day decided to hang out with friends some where and ended up watching the movie “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” which had actually spoilt the rest of the day. What a crap movie and subject. Wonder people watch knowing about it and going through reviews. I didn’t know anything about it else I certainly wouldn’t have gone. Didn’t expect that it will add worse things to Black Friday. You better not watch it if you value your time and money.  But it would be unfair if I don't mention about its beautiful, outstanding bits of music done for the title song and some parts of background score. Also the cinematography at few places and the lighting is good.

Now being a normal Friday night which is a longer one :) so got time to post this.

“Cheers!!! The future is always uncertain!! It had always been like that. Nothing new. :)”

At the end of the day thank God I still have a job.

Not sure when my day comes till then Cheers!!!

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Trip to Hogenekal

Hi,

High lights of the Trip to Hogenekal. 

Date: 7th September 2005

Team: Jordan, Goldie, Raja, Habib, Somu, Satya, Rajesh, Anand, Krishna, Leela and Sarma.

Route: Bangalore->Hosur->Krishnagiri->Dharmapuri->Hogenakkal

0335: Missed the alarm in Habib's phone which he switched off and slept and luckily woke up by the backup alarm. Packed the food and bags.

0405: The cab came. It was showering form the time we got up.

0430: At the Anand's room to check the status. Satya helped in waking up people. Krishna busy in packing food. Some of them waiting for their turn to take bath.

0450: All set to go, boarded the Van and started the journey. Few of the guys slept and others with their own enjoyment, chatting, playing cards.

0530: At Hosur paying up the tax in the Check Post.

0720: At Dharmapuri. Had a nice break fast.  Sheik (along with his camel) was sleeping in the cab while every one had their breakfast as Mr. Sun didn't come upto the Tamarind Tree.

0830: Almost near the Hogenakal. Everyone is up in their spirits after having the breakfast and recharging themselves at Dharmapuri, doing all the nonsense possible and also enjoying the Ghat road which was beginning for the exciting landscapes by the nature.

0840: Stepped down at Hogenekal. Its been showering all the way. With those showers looking perfect for the outing. We hoped that it won't increase. Mr. Sun didn't turned up yet. While every one was busy in deciding what needs to be taken out, a large crowd gathered outside. As we stepped outside the all started asking to take the boat and oil message. Though we said no to them they didn't leave us. They followed us all the way to the boating point asking for the same in spite of all our 'No's. We came to know that a few paths one of which is towards the hanging bridge where you get a perfect straight view of the falls are blocked and no one is allowed as the water levels was raised due to the recent rains and also the because of the water from the dam.

0900: After long negotiations regarding the boats  with some of the men (later came to  know that they are  middle men)  in all the languages we could, made the deal for the boats. Took 3 boats for all of us. Splited into the follwing teams:

Jordan, Raja, Anand, Krishna.

Somu, Rajesh, Leela Sarma.

Goldie, Habib, Satya (The Heavy Weight Champions).

Lucky enough to get some nice experienced boat riders. These people also carry an identity card given by the Govt. of TN. They said all differently from what we head regarding the place which was termed as a dangerous place. After a ride for some time we reached a place where we need to walk. 

1030: After walking around 250 meters, again the water way appeared. The boat men carried their boats all the way. Ordered for some fish there and continued towards the water fall. All the boats stopped at a few meters to the falls and from there we have to walk on the rocks in water. The boat men showed us the exact steps to be taken and asked not to take any other path as that is very dangerous. They even helped us in crossing the rocks where it was difficult. None other than me fell :(. Got a side view of the falls. That's an amazing view. A few feet from the edge hardly 3 feet.  Every one enjoyed a lot. We spent some time there watching it. Couldn't take much photos there as the water after hitting the rocks went up in the air and the wind brought the mist all on us.  Everybody's clothes got wet.1115: One of the important things forgot to mention up to now is the new pair of eyes which Somu got ( The Binoculars of course mine). He never left them. Not sure what all he watched with his new pair of eyes. Sometimes he used to watch it even without removing caps of the lenses ;). Got the fish ordered fried and its time for the Oil massage which the boatwala did. A very nice massage. Few of us took it and the others got afraid after seeing that and didn't take even after the guys who took it said it was good. The so called Kumar Raja (Anand) didn't even step into water for his own reasons. He too didn't remove his new skin which he brought recently (as usual someone paid) his new jerkin.

1330: Time went so fast no one noticed. All felt hungry. So finished playing in water and came out. Again after a short walk on land the final boat ride started. 

1345: End of our Boat ride. Worth going the ride. Paid an excess amount for the boat men for the delay (Less than what they asked for before beginning if a delay occurs). The boat men gave their visiting card with a photo and also a mobile no. Only BSNL mobile works there. 

1400: Reached the Cab and started the journey to Krishnagiri Dam.

1420: Stopped the vehicle for the lunch at "The Road (Under a tree)".  Finished the lunch and continued. For a change Leela, Dabba, KuReddy and I got on top of the vehicle after getting permission from the driver. Enjoyed on the top of the cloudy day with the tamarind trees and wires coming on the way. Leela lost his glasses (Which was caught by me when they are flying off and hidden), so almost went off his moods.

1515: Went into the vehicle as we are approaching the Highway.

1540: Stopped the vehicle for a tea break after which I slept in the last seat and not sure what happened in between until we reached Krishnagiri Dam. Of course no one told me also. Hope they also don't know :)

1630: Reached Krishnagiri Dam. Its full with its water level reaching a few inches below to the gates. Right time for a visit.  Went on top of the Dam and spent some time in a park adjacent to it. Took a shortcut (for a difference also) while returning in a way that was across the knee deep flowing waters from the dam.  

1800: Back in cab for returning to Bangalore. On the way back Krishna entertained the people by his actions which he called as dance :)

2000: By God's grace reached Bangalore safe and almost exhausted. Had some rotis and took rest for the day.

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Trip to Mysore

Trip to Mysore.

Date: 15th and 16th July 2006

Team: Jordan, Goldie, Habib, Somu, Satya, Sunil, Krishna, Leela, Babbai and Sarma.

Route: Bangalore->Mysore

Day 1 - 15th July 2006

0700: People promised to be present at 5:30 appeared at last. Krishna accepted to come as Mr.Karthik (Kukka alias Anand) dropped citing some junk reasons of not feeling well (Actually a call came may be from... left to your imagination... after which he dropped). Packed the things and started for the drive.

0730: Outskirts of Bangalore. Starting Drivers – Satya, Goldie, Jordan, Somu and Habib. After Bangalore we noticed that Habib was driving a bicycle (Actually Splendor plus. But he drives like that). So got to take over from him and the other drivers shifted. 

0800: Got on to the highway, the road is good. But still people are moving slowly stopping and meeting so that no one misses out. 

0900: Reached Kamat 50 Kms from Bangalore, for the breakfast. Had a nice breakfast. Forgot to mention the climate was very nice that we didn't see the sun up to now.

0930: Started after breakfast. Shortly it started showering. And the ride was the best I of all I did. Listening to music on Ku's phone which was occasionally disturbed by his girl friends, and driving on a smooth road with very less traffic at high speed. The most enjoyed ride of the trip. 

1040: Stopped by a Bajaj service center for a minor repair and fixing the rear view mirror which was not present for Reddy's Bike.

1140: Missed Srirangapatnam and went a little ahead. Turned back and drove another 4 Kms. 

1150: Reached Srirangapatnam and visited a few historical places of Tippu the Great.

1310: At Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. It was the right time we visited. Its an amazing view with just born chicks and the sounds of the birds. Babbai spotted a Crocodile on the rock with the help of my Binoculars :)

1330: Took the boat and went for the bird watching. It's a nice experience. Came across the Corcs lying on the islands. We were told that these are vegetarian Corcs so everyone relaxed :). The brid count may be in thousands. We also saw Bats as big a crow. The boat trip was enjoyable.

1400: Came out of the waters. The ambiance is pretty nice with many trees around. Wanted a pic of the whole group there. Atlast found some one. Looked he is new for using the cam. Habib gave him training by taking a picture. So stood still but he didn't clicked. Again the training master went and gave him advanced training this time. After much time of posing he took one. Every one was laughing after the photo as the guy who took it looked like he achieved something great :-) and was out of some major trouble. Conveyed our sincere thanks to him. Just went on seeing the places around.

1415: Habib climbed a tree which he was used to; later couldn't get down as he knows only climbing. With lot of effort at last he came down and we continued.

1440: Near to Mysore. All the bikers stopped there to plan where to go in Mysore. Not sure of where to stay. Thought of going into the city and look out for a Lodge/Dorm.

1515: Started conversation with a guy who is coming along and he told that he will show us a place for our stay. We followed him. He took us into all the small streets in Mysore and after a 20 min travel he took us to the place and from there he left. Went in for the enquiry and found that it is reasonable. Decided to stay there with out wasting time on searching for a better one.

1540: Decided to have lunch as all are hungry and for Elka already Elkalu already started running in his stomach. Planned to search for an Andhra style hotel. Came to know about the RR. Went in search of it. Discovered that the place we put up is almost the heart of the city. Looks like to avoid traffic that guy has lead us in all the gullys. Found RR and had a heavy lunch. It was good. From there started to KRS directly.

1730: Very near to KRS. The Sunset, The waters.. The Dam... I felt we went there at a right time. Time for getting the pic of all of us including our bikes now and here is it.

1945: Roamed all along the Gardens, Dam. The receptionist Mr. Ku Reddy was as usual busy with his phone away from the people. Relaxed at the musical fountain and started back. Mr. Ku was graceful enough to join us back with out adding any further delay. On the way decide that we all we go together. Satya leading the way and me at the last so that people dont miss and also the road is bad and driving during nights on that can be dangerous.

2010: Me coming in the last listening to music, enjoying the cool air. Krishna and me stopped twice and then continued. Coz of getting late I rode a little faster to catch up with the guys ahead. On the way found that every one is waiting. I thot its for me, later realised that one bike is missing and Elka the great got lost. Came to know he is coming on the proper way. “Podduna nuchi turning daggara agandra ani cheptane unna (From morning I have been asking to stop at turnings)” on top of Elka's voice. Now all are over cautious and rode very near.

2030: Reached the Lodge. As time is there wanted to do window shopping on the Devaraj Urs Rd. All went to see it. Nothing very great about it. But was the biggest commercial road in Mysore.

2115: Had dinner at the Mobile hotels. Ate all the local food available. Then went to Lodge and called it a day.

2200: Lights off after reminding everyone to be ready to go out next morning by 630 am.

Day 2 - 16th July 2006

06:00: Woke up and found a few are already out of beds. Getting ready for going out.

0745: Got out of the lodge and started towards Chamundi Hills. Habib, Sunil and Goldie opted to stay back and rest. The remaining continued.

0830: The morning is very cloudy and cool. The ride to the hill on the ghat road is very good. The clouds are at a very less height that we could see the upper half of the micro wave tower on the hill.

0930: All went in to the temple. I'm outside waiting for my frens to complete the darsanam. After that visited the Nandi and started back to Mysore. Had breakfast at the road side. Was good. Satya was very much interested in visiting the Lalitha Mahal Palace though I said its a hotel and not a historical place to visit. He said many things to prove that it is not a Hotel. Only after getting confirmed from the security at the palace gate he turned back.

1030: Went to zoo. The biggest zoo I ever visited. Also the only zoo that hosts a Gorilla in India.:) Animals and Birds are Pretty nice there.

1200: Came out of the zoo with legs paining after a long walk in the zoo. But it was enjoyable. By this time the remaining 3 went to the palace. We joined them there.

13:00: All of us met and Shiek wanted to leave as his camel left along with his tent. So he left Bangalore along with Sunil

1400: Out of Mysore palace. Went to room for packing up the things. Few of us wanted to visit the Jagan Mohan Art Gallery which is opposite to our lodge. 

1445: At Jagan Mohan Art Gallery. It was wonderful. We went to the Ravi Varma's painitings on the first floor. They are awesome. The imagination level and the detail of the pictures are marvelous. Spent most of the time there. After coming out of the room didn't want to see any other paintings. Came back to the Room.

1530: Checked out of the lodge and started moving towards Bangalore finding some place for lunch. Stopped at the St. Philomena Church for some time and continued. Got some Dabha on the way and stopped there for lunch.

1715: Finished lunch and started from there. After coming some 3Kms saw every one stopped there. Came to know Panthulu the Great (Sarma) left his bag in the Dabha. I went back along with him to pick it up. While starting we all decided to meet at Kamat.

1825: Reached Kamat. I was the first to reach. Came non stop from Mysore. Around 96Kms in 75 mins clocking the top speed of 117Kmph. Then one by one started and by 1840 all reached had tea and continued.

2030: Reached the base camp at Srinivagilu Bakery. Had a nice trip with out any problems by God's Grace.

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My Trips

The next 2 entries will be about my trips which I did 2 years back. I lost all this data while switching my hosting provider. But to my surprise I found them in the google cache when they released it. Got the text at least. So posting them here not to forget the good times we had....

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Sweet Heart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmm Here is the new member of our family, the first one in the generation next :) Just started the journey in this world today :)

Looking at this, I can sing of .. Oh my sleeping child the world's so wild but you build your own paradise :). I have remembered this for some other reason and still its on my mind so...

Could not see her being in Bangalore today. Well technology came to rescue and there the picture comes through MMS :) Wow Wonderful :) Excited.

Little Sweet Heart welcome :) Hope you will have a wonderful life and God Bless you with lots and lots of everything you need.

Lots of kisses and love from me too :)

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And .. one more year passed away...

The year passed by… So it is only now that the one could think of the past and hope for the future. 

Looking back to 2008 well I can say that it is not very good and not bad either. The bad things I can recollect The Orissa massacre, The Mumbai Terrorism, The Serial blasts across many cities and not to miss the economic slow down which in some or other way affected the most of the people lives across the globe. And this is the World List :) 

And the achievements noting great noticeable other than ISRO launching 9 satellites in one launch.

Rock On!! Inspiring movie of the year. :)

And now coming to mine …  

Well let me think …..

It has not been a year of great achievements a very normal one neither bad nor good. Worked on few things I liked and did some useful work :) but it is almost at the same place where I was a year ago. Not much of a change. Few relations lost and few made. Noting much apart…

The New Year is here now, well have to take it if interested or not:). No major ambitions but have a wish list :). Hope to get few of them at least before the year ends. 

And New Year resolutions? Need one? Huh?

Be a better human :). This is being carried for the past few years and worth carrying it. And I am sure there is no end to this.

Years come and pass by, what matters is how you made use of them.

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