goldensky..................

Carnival came by my Town Today

2006-08-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Carnival came by my town today
I will never knowcause you will never showcome on and love me nowcome on and love me now
Carnival came by my town todaybright lights from giant wheelsfall on the alleywaysand I’m hereby my doorwaiting for you
I will never knowcause you will never showcome on and love me nowcome on and love me now
I here sounds of loversbarrel organs, mothersI would like to take youdown therejust to make you minein a merry-go-round

Every Word

2006-08-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sade - Every Word
(Love is what the word was)
I saw a picture
How could you be so careless
How could you have done that to us
And I write this letter
I send it all back to you
And every word you said
[1] – In there every word, oh oh oh oh
How could you have done that to us
You treated me like a stranger
And all the time I was loving you
All your slick moves
They were once innocent moves
I wanted to look up to you
I really trusted you
And every word you said
[Repeat 1]
(Love is what the word was)
[2] – I was loving you like a child
All the time you were smiling
The same smile
I was loving you like a child
I really trusted you
Every word you said
Every word you said
(Love is what the word was)
Every word you said
Every word you said
(Love is what the word was)
(Love is what the word was)
Every word you said
Every word you said
[Repeat 2]
Every word you said
Every word you said
(Love is what the word was)
I send it back to you, yeah
(Love is what the word was)
Every word you said
Every word you said
(Love is what the word was)
I send it all back to you, yeah
(Love is what the word was)

A song

2006-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Kiss me on my neck - E. Badu
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
Been such a long timeI forgot that I was fine
Just kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
If you want to feel meBetter be divine
Bring me water, water for my mind
Give me nothinBreathe love in my air
Don’t abuse meCause these herbs are rare
If you want to feel meBetter be divine
Bring me water, water for my mind
Give me nothinBreathe love in my air
Don’t abuse meCause these herbs are rare
If you want too feel me babyBetter be divine
Bring me water for these flowersGrowing out my mind
Give me nothin’ just be gentle
Breathe love in my airUse me, don’t abuse me,
love meCause these herbs are rare
If you want to feel meBetter be divineBring me water,
water for my mindGive me nothin
Breathe love in my airDon’t abuse meCause these herbs are rare
If you want to feel meBetter be divineBring me water,
water for my mindGive me nothinBreathe love in my air
Don’t abuse meCause these herbs are rare
If you want to feel meBetter be divineBring me water,
water for my mindGive me nothinBreathe love in my air
Don’t abuse meCause these herbs are rare
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
Been such a long timeI forgot that I was fine
Just kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck
I want somebody to walk up behind me
And kiss me on my neck and breathe on my neck

2006-07-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

Comes The Dawn(Author Unknown)
After a while you learn thesubtle difference
Between holding a hand andchaining a soul,
And you learn that lovedoesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t meansecurity
,And you begin to understandthat kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head held high andyour eyes open,
With the grace of a woman,not the grief of a child,
You learn to build your roads
On today because tomorrow’s groundIs too uncertain for plans,
and futures haveA way of falling down inmid-flight.
After awhile you learn thateven sunshine
Burns if you get too much,
So you plant your own gardenand decorateYour own soul,
instead ofwaitingFor someone to bring youflowers.
And you learn that you reallycan endure,
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn…And learn,
With every good-bye you learn.

After a While by Veron. Shoffstica Aall

2006-03-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

After a While
By Veron. Shoffstica Aall
After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child
and you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...

Both Sides Now

2006-03-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

“Both Sides Now” Hayley Westenra
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhereI’ve looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
Clouds got in my way
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehowIt’s cloud illusions
I recallI really don’t know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes realI’ve looked at love that way
But now it’s just another show
And you leave ‘em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away
I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions I recallI really don’t know love
Really don’t know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say “I love you” right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at life that way
Oh but now old friends they’re acting strange
And they shake their heads
And they tell me that I’ve changed
Well something’s lost but something’s gained
In living every day
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all

2006-03-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

From Dallaslin;
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

Passion

2006-02-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

An entry by MissOtter on 43 things:

a song by blackalicious called “passion”
Passion
The will to win,
the spark within
Passion
The strength within the hearts of men
Passion
The drive to press,
to strive for best,
to rise
You’ve just arrived
the quest is driven through
Passion
To play through pain and love the game
Passion
To break the chain and blaze the flame
Passion
The fight for rights to love your life, to rise
You’ve just arrived the quest is driven through
Passion
passion is so wonderful when it can be expressed through what you do for work…i talked to a tattoo artist yesterday who told me how his entire outlook on life chnaged once he found a career he could put his whole soul into
good luck with this!!

I love the desert sky

2006-02-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

I love the desert sky
Originally uploaded by monique(moki).

It inspires.doesn't it?

Freshness..

2006-01-29T02:09:00.000-08:00

Freshness..
Originally uploaded by Supriya O.

May you all feel as fresh as this Rose.

Dandelion

2006-01-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

Dandelion
Originally uploaded by Meer.

Life has its wonders to raise your hair!

by Bob Dylan

2006-01-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

:It ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don’t matter, anyhow
An’ it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don’t know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I’ll be gone
You’re the reason I’m trav’lin’ on
Don’t think twice, it’s all right
It ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An’ it ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, babe
I’m on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin’ you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin’ anyway
So don’t think twice, it’s all right
It ain’t no use in callin’ out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain’t no use in callin’ out my name, galI can’t hear you any more
I’m a-thinkin’ and a-wond’rin’ all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I’m told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
I’m walkin’ down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I’m bound, I can’t tell
But goodbye’s too good a word, gal
So I’ll just say fare thee well
I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don’t mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don’t think twice, it’s all right

Goals

2006-01-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

From AnnieDee:

AnnieDee37 things
My one-page goal summary
This is the page that I have in my organizer. I can’t say that these are my top goals, but maybe a combination of what’s most important, what I need reminders for, and what I want to focus on this year. For example, I have a lot of goals for what I want to accomplish at work, but I’m on top of most of them. Getting my butt in the office at an acceptable hour, however, is something that I have difficulty doing, hence the reminder here. I thought about sharing just the personal growth goals, but I’m feeling open at the moment, so here is my exact page.
Personal Growth•
Greet each day with an outstanding attitude.
• Define myself in a way that does not depend upon what others think
.• Improve listening skills. Don’t interrupt.
• Talk to strangers
Health
• Reduce stress
• Cook more & eat well
• Walk• Stretch
• Wash my face every night
• Use sunscreen regularly
Home & environment
• Fix up house – organize, repair, etc.
Financial
• Track finances. Keep up-to-date.
• Actively manage investments
Enjoy life
• Take time for fun
Professional
• Get to work on time
• Learn sign language

Maxims and interludes

2006-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

A Quote from Jimmy:
13 things

In the “Maxims and Interludes” section, No. 138: “What we do in dreams we also do when we are awake: we invent and fabricate the person with whom we associate—and immediately forget we have done so.”
Others that may interest you:
No. 142: “The chastest expression I have ever heard: ’Dans la véritable amour c’est l’âme, qui enveloppe le corps.’” (Rough translation: In true love, the soul envelopes the body).
No. 153: “That which is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil.”

Bad Day by Daniel Powter

2006-01-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Bad Day Daniel Powter
Where is the moment we need at the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion’s gone away
And I don’t need no carryin’ on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You’re faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life’s been way off line
You’re falling to pieces everytime
And I don’t need no carryin’ on
Cause you had a bad day You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don’t know You tell me don’t lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day The camera don’t lie
You’re coming back down and you really don’t mind
You had a bad day You had a bad day
Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don’t need no carryin’ on
You had a bad day
You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don’t know
You tell me don’t lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don’t lie
You’re coming back down and you really don’t mind
You had a bad day
(Oh.. Holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I’m not wrong
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don’t know You tell me don’t lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride You had a bad day
You’ve seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day

Love

2006-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Gulfport
Belinda added an entry about Write Love Sentiments for Fernando.
until somebody loves you.
Your whole world changes when you are in love.I saw this in some one elses 43things. They said this of Love—>
Here is what real love feels like:It inspires you to be the Best person you can be
It fills you with Hope
It brings deep Peace and Contentment
It is Safe
It is an Appreciation and Enjoyment of a person just as they are
It removes Pain
It is Respect and Admiration
It is the Desire to be there for the other person and Support them
It encourages the development of self as a separate person
It is a feeling of timelessness
It is a sense of understanding, not always needing words
It is Gentle, Tender and Healing.

muddy @ about three months

2006-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

muddy @ about three months
Originally uploaded by jaymce.

Is n't it cute?

Tunuli Park, South Korea. July, 2004

2006-01-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

Tunuli Park, South Korea. July, 2004
Originally uploaded by libraryman.

A lushgreen park in south korea.Tunuli Park.

You make me feel brand new--Stylistics

2006-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 22

BelindaGulfport
You make me feel brand new -- Stylistics:
My love, I’ll never find the words, my love
To tell you how I feel, my love
mere words could not explainprecious love
you held my life within your handscreated everything I am
Taught me how to live again
Only youCame when I needed a friend
Believed in me through thick and thin
This song is for you
Filled with gratitude and love
God bless you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song for you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song cause’ you
Make me feel brand newMy love
When others made me insecure
You built me up and made me sure
You gave my pride back to me
Precious friendIn you I always have a friend
You’re one on whom I can depend
To walk a path that sometimes bends
Without youLife has no meaning or rhyme
Like notes to a song out of time
How can I repayYou for having faith in me
God bless youYou make me feel brand newI sing this song for you
You make me feel brand new
For God blessed me with you
You make me feel brand newI sing this song for you
You make me feel brand new
For God blessed me with you

Koeeoaddi There

2006-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Koeeoaddi There
Originally uploaded by Elkhead.

Sunrise behind a tree stripped bare by october gales.....how wonderful!

Flickr

2006-01-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

My first Flickr photo uploaded

2006-01-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by Kendoko.

I am learning Flickr

Zest to learn

2005-12-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

From Rob on 43 things:
Rob42 things
become a polymath
I'm thinking of altering this goal. — 11 weeks ago
There is much more I want to study than Philosophy. Someday I will read Nietzsche, and the works of other Philosophers (I would like to ask Paolo for a good place to start).
I would also like to learn some Classical History (perhaps you can point me in the right direction, Zhaneta?). I’ve read some tantalizing bits of works by Aristotle and Plato, but I want to read more. I want to know more about the Greeks and the Roman Empire.
I want to learn more about Eastern Philosophy/History/Religions. The history of China and India must be fascinating, or so I would like to think from the tiny amount that I know of them. I want to read Sun Tzu. I know something of Japanese history, but not nearly enough.
I want to learn more Science. Physics, especially. I would like to be able to understand Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity and String Theory. I will never stop learning Physics, but I want to know more about Astronomy, Biology (Evolution especially), Chemistry and Mathematics. Mathematics is something that is very interesting to me, but it cannot compete with Physics when it comes to drawing my attention. However, I would like to learn as much abstract mathematics as I can. Riemannian Geometry is something that I would like to learn more about. One day, one very distant day, I would like to be able to say, with a straight face that I understand Wiles’ proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem.
I would like to learn more about the world’s many and various cultures, their countries and languages also. People fascinate me, particularily “unusual” people. I don’t mean unusual in any kind of negative sense, merely people that are different from the kind of people that I encounter in day to day life. Foreign people are an example of what I mean, but not the only example that I can think of. Being an eccentric, I am naturally attracted to other eccentrics.
I would like to learn more about life. There are some things that you cannot learn by reading books or doing feverish calculations. Life, for instance. I need to get out there and experience it. I envy the free spirit who goes where s/he wants when s/he pleases. Love, also. I envy people who wear their heart on their sleeve. I wish I could be spontaneous instead of worrying about what the consequences might be. I think this kind of learning is what differentiates between knowledge and wisdom.
Almost all of my goals involve learning in some way; either directly or indirectly. I would like to argue that almost everyone on 43Things is the same. I’m going to change this goal to “Become a Polymath”.
I want to die with a smile on my face and a mind full of knowledge. If I can gain some wisdom while accumulating that knowledge, I am certain that I will be smiling when my time comes as I will know that I have lived a good life.

From www.actsofkindness.org

2005-12-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

100 IDEAS FOR KINDNESS 1. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers.2. Collect goods for a food bank.3. Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers.4. Garden clubs can make floral arrangements for senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals, police stations, or shut-ins.5. Adopt a student who needs a friend, checking in periodically to see how things are going.6. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school.7. Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen.8. Merchants can donate a percentage of receipts for the week to a special cause.9. Bring coworkers a special treat.10. Students can clean classrooms for the custodian.11. Buy a stranger a free pizza.12. Distribute lollipops to kids.13. Sing at a nursing home.14. Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents. 15. Slip paper hearts that say “It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! Have a great day!” under the windshield wipers of parked cars.16. Have a charity day at work, with employees bringing nonperishable food items to donate.17. Serve refreshments to customers.18. Draw names at school or work, and have people bring a small gift or food treat for their secret pal.19. Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.20. Treat someone to fresh fruit.21. Pay a compliment at least once a day.22. Call or visit a homebound person.23. Hand out balloons to passersby.24. Give free sodas to motorists.25. Be a good neighbor. Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”26. Transport someone who can’t drive.27. Mow a neighbor’s grass.28. Say something nice to everyone you meet today.29. Send a treat to a school or day-care center.30. Volunteer at an agency that needs help.31. Wipe rainwater off shopping carts or hold umbrellas for shoppers on the way to their cars.32. Give the gift of your smile.33. Send home a note telling parents something their child did well.34. Adopt a homeless pet at the humane society.35. Organize a scout troop or service club to help people with packages at the mall or grocery.36. Host special programs or speakers at libraries or bookstores.37. Offer to answer the phone for the school secretary for ten minutes.38. Volunteer to read to students in the classroom.39. Write notes of appreciation and bring flowers or goodies to teachers or other important people, such as the principal, nurse, custodian, and secretary.40. Incorporate kindness into the curriculum at area schools, day care centers, or children’s classes in faith organizations.41. Give a hug to a friend.42. Tell your children why you love them.43. Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.44. Pat someone on the back.45. Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.46. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning.47. Donate time at a senior center.48. Give blood.49. Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, and friendly conversation for patients.50. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby.51. Plant flowers in your neighbor’s flower box.52. Give another driver your parking spot.53. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.54. Give free car washes.55. Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings.56. Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job.57. Tell your employees how much you appreciate their work.58. Let your staff leave work an hour early.59. Have a clean-up party in the park.60. Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.61. Have everyone in your office draw the name of a Random Acts of Kindness buddy out of a hat and do a kind act for their buddy that day or week.62. Give a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert to a stranger.63. Leave an extra big tip for the waitperson.64. Drop off a plant, cookies, or donuts to the police or fire department.65. Open the door for another person.66. Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.67. Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.68. Leave a bouquet of flowers on the desk of a colleague at work with whom you don’t normally get along.69. Call an estranged family member.70. Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home.71. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.72. Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs.73. Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.74. Give friends and family kindness coupons they can redeem for kind favors.75. Be a friend to a new student or coworker.76. Renew an old friendship by sending a letter or small gift to someone you haven’t talked with in a long time.77. For one week, act on every single thought of generosity that arises spontaneously in your heart, and notice what happens as a consequence.78. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car.79. Invite someone new over for dinner.80. Buy a roll of brightly colored stickers and give them to children you meet during the day.81. Write a card of thanks and leave it with your tip. Be sure to be specific in your thanks.82. Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line.83. When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.84. Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game.85. Distribute kindness bookmarks that you have made.86. Create a craft project or build a bird house with a child.87. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person.88. Laugh out loud often and share your smile generously.89. Plant a tree in your neighborhood.90. Make a list of things to do to bring more kindness into the world, and have a friend make a list. Exchange lists and do one item per day for a month.91. Use an instant camera to take people’s photographs at a party or community event, and give the picture to them.92. As you go about your day, pick up trash.93. Send a letter to some former teachers, letting them know the difference they made in your life.94. Send a gift anonymously to a friend.95. Organize a clothing drive for a shelter.96. Buy books for a day care or school.97. Slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.98. Take an acquaintance to dinner.99. Offer to take a friend’s child to ball practice.100. Waive late fees for the week.

Top 15 American Poems

2005-12-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Weekend Edition - Sunday, December 26, 1999 · Commentator and historian Douglas Brinkley put together a panel of distinguished poets and professors to pick the top 15 American poems of the century. Brinkley is distinguished professor of history and director of the Eisenhower Center at the University of New Orleans. Here is his list:
Number 1: T.S. Eliot, "The Wasteland"
Number 2: Hart Crane, "The Bridge"
Number 3: Allen Ginsburg, "Howl"
Number 4: Langston Hughes, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"
Number 5: Robert Frost, "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening"
Number 6: Carl Sandburg, "The People, Yes"
Number 7: Ezra Pound, "Pisan Cantos"
Number 8: Wallace Stevens, "The Snow Man"
Number 9: William Carlos Williams, "Patterson"
Number 10: Elizabeth Bishop, "In the Waiting Room"
Number 11: Robert Lowell, "For the Union Dead"
Number 12: e e cummings, "Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond"
Number 13: Gertrude Stein, "Lifting Belly"
Number 14: Robinson Jeffers, "Shine, Perishing Republic"
Number 15: Charles Olson, "The Maximus Poems"

The Logical Song by Supertramp

2005-12-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily,Joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible,
Logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
Clinical, intellectual, cynical.
There are times when all the world’s asleep,
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man.
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learnedI know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.
Now watch what you say or they’ll be calling you a radical,Liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won’t you sign up your name, we’d like to feel you’re
Acceptable, respecable, presentable, a vegtable!
At night, when all the world’s asleep,
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man.
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learnedI know it sounds absurdBut please tell me who I am.

WildcatGirl

2005-11-25T23:35:00.000-08:00

The Galaxy Song
(from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, 1983)

Whenever life gets you down, Mrs. Brown
,And things seem hard or tough,
And people are stupid, obnoxious or daft,
And you feel that you've had quite eno-o-o-o-o-ough...
Just remember that you're standing on a planet that's evolving
And revolving at nine hundred miles an hour,
That's orbiting at nineteen miles a second, so it's reckoned,
A sun that is the source of all our power.
The sun and you and me and all the stars that we can see
Are moving at a million miles a dayIn an outer spiral arm, at forty thousand miles an hour,
Of the galaxy we call the "Milky Way".
Our galaxy itself contains a hundred billion stars.
It's a hundred thousand light years side to side.
It bulges in the middle, sixteen thousand light years thick,
But out by us, it's just three thousand light years wide.
We're thirty thousand light years from galactic central point.
We go 'round every two hundred million years,
And our galaxy is only one of millions of billions
In this amazing and expanding universe.
(Animated calliope interlude)
The universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding
In all of the directions it can whizz
As fast as it can go, at the speed of light, you know,
Twelve million miles a minute, and that's the fastest speed there is.
So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure,
How amazingly unlikely is your birth,
And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space,
'Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth.

Change your life by Idealweight

2005-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Life Changing Weight Loss

One year ago I was over weight, on anti-depressants and my life was a mess. One year on I am a different person. I have lost 26kgs (57lbs) WITHOUT DIETING. I taught myself to reprogramme my mind from believing I was fat to believing that I am thin. It worked. I am free of anti-depressants and I really love myself just for being me. I eat whatever I want whenever I want and stay thin. I am now teaching others how to do become their Ideal Weight and my wish is to change the life of millions of people for the better.

It would have been much easier if I just woke up one day a changed person but it did not happen like that for me… Here is the short version…. I was at the worst point of my life in July last year. My husband told me he had been unfaithful to me many many times. We were together 6 years and married only 7 months. Our beautiful son was only 8 months. I am Irish and my husband is Australian. I moved to Australia to be with him and did not have any family to turn to. Heartbroken does not describe how hurt, rejected and suicidal I felt. I really wanted to die but could not even bring myself to do that. I had chronic and severe depression for 10 years up to this but never as bad as I did then. I kicked my husband out (several times) and hated the thought of being on my own so I kept taking him back even though I hated him. I started seeing a counsellor called Cheryl. She mentioned a book called ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ by Louise Hay. A few weeks later I read it, and then I read it again, and again. It made so much sense. I learned that every thought that we think and every word we say creates our life (have you seen “What the bleep do we know” – www.whatthebleep.com) and our reality. At first I got really angry that this woman was saying that I had created my totally disatrous life. Surely it was someone else’s fault. I realised that I had to take responsibilty for my life before I could start to change. I had created my life from the beliefs I learned from my parents. It is nobody’s fault. I created a relationship with my husband exactly like my parent’s relationship because to me it was normal, it was all I knew. If I saw couples being loving and romantic I thought that they were ‘weird’ because I had never experienced it as a child. I experienced an addictive co-dependent family and that is what I sought out without even realising it. I grew up surrounded by guilt and criticism and I was always guilty about something and always criticised others and myself because to me it was normal. I thought ‘that is the way life is’. As I learned more I decided to change the way I thought about my weight. It was one of the major things in my life that I wanted to change. I almost did it to prove that everything in the book was bullshit (excuse language). I was going to show this Louise Hay woman how wrong she was…. I started by writing down all the things that I believed about my weight eg. I am fat/ugly/unlovable/disgusting, I hate myself etc. My list was about 2 pages long. I decided I wanted to be 9 stone even though I had dieted almost constanly for over 10 years and only ever got to just under 11 stone. I then changed every single belief around so I hate myself became I love myslef. I am fat became I am thin. I recorded all of these ‘new’ beliefs (called affirmations)including “I am 9 stone” on a cd and listened to it all day; in the car, at home and in my sleep. Nothing happened for about a month except I felt really angry and silly for ‘falling for this womans teachings’. I was just about to give up when I started to loose weight. I kept listeneing to the cd and I kept loosing more and more even though I was eating more than ever. I got to 9 stone within about 3 or 4 months and then I changed my weight to 8 stone 10 lbs. Nobody was more flaberghasted than I was. Customers at work did not recognise me. Friends that I had not seen for ages thought I was ‘hot’. ‘Hot’... me???? After the weight disappeared I thought that I can sit at home and not tell anyone about this or I can start to teach others how easy this weight loss stuff is, even though I was petrified. What motivated me was if I could help just one person improve their life, I have accomplished something with my life. I have taught some of my friends and they have lost lots of weight. I started teaching classes in February and startd iDeal Weight seminars in Sydney. My first seminar was 3 weeks ago and I had 6 people who are learning really quickly and changing right before my eyes (I almost have tears of joy in my eyes as I am writing this). I am so lucky that I can spend my life doing this. It is such an amazing gift to share with people. Thank you for the opportunity to share it with you…

Resistance...
I think me trying to prove it didn’t work was the resistance in my mind. Us humans have the most amazing ability to pull the wool over our eyes. By trying to prove that it did not work was the only way my subconscious mund would let me attempt it in the first place. By attempting to loose weight in this way I was challenging my whole belief system. I also had a very strong belief that I was always right and if I was right how could ‘this woman’ be right. The anger I felt was also resisance. On the cd I also put on ‘I am willing to change’ and I heard this hundreds of times a day, which allowed me to change and to see things from a different perpective. I wrote the size I wanted to be on all of the tags on my clothes and I cut out a photograph from magazine a of a beautiful body and stuck it on my mirror. I looked at it every day and said ‘that is my new beauiful body’. I told myself in the mirror ‘I love myself’ over and over daily. I went from hating myself to absolutely loving myself, which before I thought was a bad thing but it is the most amazing thing in the world. I am teaching people to love themselves. If we truely love ourselves we can truely love and accept others for who they are so I am making the world a better place, which is the reason that I am here. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.
I have recently started to change my beliefs about money. My parents were in debt and I have been in a lot of debt. It is just my old beliefs. I have written out my money beliefs and changed them into positive affirmations which I have put on a cd. A new belief is that I am a money magnet. This time I am doing it fully knowing that it works. I will keep you posted on the changes in my prosperity consciousness and the more amazing changes in my life. If you would like to change your prosperity beliefs just let me know… maybe we can do this one together?

Being yourself

2005-11-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

heart
spirit is our soul in motion
we are fire in life
So much I could say, so many stories yet know: for the bad times and good times, it’s so worth being yourself.
fortune in your explorationmay the treasure be soulful
Caseywww.personaltao.com

Damien Rice's Cannonball

2005-11-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

Cannonball by Damien Rice
Still a little bit of your taste in my mouth
Still a little bit of you laced with my doubt
Still a little hard to say what’s going on
Still a little bit of your ghost, your witness
Still a little bit of your face I haven’t kissed
You step a little closer each day
That I can’t say what’s going on
Stones taught me to fly
Love, taught me to lie
Life, it taught me to die
So it’s not hard to fal
When you float like a cannonball
Still a little bit of your song in my ear
Still a little bit of your words I long to hear
You step a little closer to me
So close that I can’t see what’s going on
Stones taught me to fl
Love, it taught me to lieLife taught me to die
So it’s not hard to fall
When you float like a cannon..
Stones taught me to fly
Love, it taught me to cry
So come on courage
Teach me to be shy‘
Cause it’s not hard to fall
And I don’t wanna scare her
It’s not hard to fall
And I don’t wanna lose
It’s not hard to grow
When you know that you just don’t know

Comfort Zone

2005-11-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Comfort Zone

I used to have a Comfort Zone where I knew I couldn’t fail
The same four walls of busy work were really more like jail
I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone and paced the same old floor
I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much
I said I didn’t care for things like reaching goals and such
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own
I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win
I held my breath and stepped outside and let the change begin
I took a step and with new strength I’d never felt before
I kissed my Comfort Zone “goodbye” and closed and locked the door
If you’re in a Comfort Zone afraid to venture out
Remember that even me my friends was one time filled with doubt.
I know it can be scary but you really must
Just close your eyes and go for it believe in me and trust.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true
Greet your future with a smile success is there for you!

A beautiful song

2005-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Summer Highland Falls by Billy Joel...
They say that these are not the best of times
But they’re the only times I’ve ever known
And I believe there is a time for meditation
In cathedrals of our own
Now I have seen that sad surrender in my lover’s eyes
And I can only stand apart and sympathize
For we are always what our situations hand us
It’s either sadness or euphoria

And so we’ll argue and we’ll compromise
And realize that nothing’s ever changed
For all our mutual experience
Our separate conclusions are the same
Now we are forced to recognize our inhumanity
Our reason co-exists with our insanity
So we choose between reality and madness
It’s either sadness or euphoria

How thoughtlessly we dissipate our energies
Perhaps we don’t fulfill each other’s fantasies
And as we stand upon the ledges of our lives
With our respective similarities
It’s either sadness or euphoria

One Laptop per child

2005-11-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a very incisive comment on Media Lab's`one laptop per child' project from Atanu Dey on his blog Deeshaa:
A blackboard and chalk is not as sexy as a laptop. In fact, a TV and a media player is pretty much all the hardware that you need to provide basic education to a village full of children. That hardware (and some free software) would cost all of $200 a year, and if you pay about $2000 a year as salaries to a couple of village school teachers, you can educate a 100 kids for about $20 per child per year. Compare that to just buying $100 laptops for each kid.
I am confident that the One Laptop Per Child will have the effect which is the educational equivalent of the nutritional disaster that imported formula has had on the poor parts of the world.
Yes, they do kill babies in search of profits. And yes, they will not care that millions of children will be denied primary education because they are focused on the profits to be made from selling laptops.
I agree that this laptop project is at the cost of basic education for the poor children.

Secularism

2005-11-04T23:15:00.000-08:00

Kierkegaard
"Life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards".
Here is an interesting writeup on secularism:
secularism

Amrita Pritam passes away

2005-10-31T22:33:00.000-08:00

Noted Punjabi writer Amrita Pritam Passed away in New Delhi on October31,2005(Monday) at 3.30pm.She was 86.Her noted work PINJAR was recently made into a bollywood film,with a memorable performance by Manoj Bajpayee.She had been a recepient of Padma Vibhushan,GyanPeeth awaard,Sahitya Akademi award.Rasidi Ticket ,an autobiographical work,was also the most cotroversial of her works.
She was a sensitive poet andwriter ,and a courageous human being.She was totally secular in her thoughts and words and actions.I salute such a great soul.

India Empowered

2005-10-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting analysis of the above captioned series in the Indian Express:
The Ownership Society

Speak out

2005-10-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

When we remain silent against injustice,we only strengthen the hands of the perpetrators of injustice and they may even think that they are right.. This will weaken the victims still further and their voices will become more feeble.If we think somebody else will do it ,we are only deluding ourselves because `somebodyelse' will be also thinking in the same manner.This thinking needs achange in all of us`Dont ask for whom the bell toll.....' .A small poem posted by Flower girl:
FIRST THEY CAME FOR THE JEWS
First they came for the Jewsand I did not speak outbecause I was not a Jew
.Then they came for the Communistsand I did not speak outbecause I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak outbecause I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller

Passing away of Rosa Parks

2005-10-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Rosa Parks ,the pioneer of civil rights movement in the USA died in detroit on Monday evening.She was 92.She refused to give her bus seat to a whiteman and with this gave birth to civil rights movement. I give my salute to her.
She was 42 in 1955 when she committed the act of defiance. The rules required the blacks to give seats to the whites.Rosa Parks refused to give her seat to a whiteman and was jailed.She was also fined 14$.Her arrest triggered a 381-day boycott of the bus system organized by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who later earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.The movement culminated in the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act, which banned racial discrimination in public accommodations.She foundedthe Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. in 1987,for developing leadership among Detroit’s young people and initiating them into the struggle for civil rightsAt a celebration in her honor in 1988, she said: “Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die — the dream of freedom and peace.”
We still need people like her,people who have vision,courage and inspiration.Rosa Parks will continue to inspire people around the world for many ,many years to come.

The Fight

2005-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

In Uttar Pradesh,the Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is fighting publicly with the Governor.As a rsult, a confusion has prevailed in the administration.It so happened that Governor of Uttar Pradesh T S Rajeshwer got complaints against a few Vice Cancellors of universities.Governor,who is also Chancellor of these universities directed two IAS officers working in the state government to do the inquiries.The officers complied with the orders of the Governor and submitted the inquiry reports to him.Governor dismissed some of the Vice Chancellors.The Chief Minister asked for the explanation of the officers as to WHY THEY OBEYED THE ORDERS OF GOVERNOR WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE CHIEF MINISTER.Not only that ,one of the officers was shifted to an insignificant post.The marching order of the other officer are expected any day.
Is President of India watching and will he do something to control this sorry state of affairs?Will the Prime Minister of India do something?

Life

2005-10-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

So many worlds, so much to do, so little done, such things to be."~ Lord Alfred Tennyson

Political Reforms

2005-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that without political reforms ,society and the world can not change.I am also convinced that present political situation is highly unsatisfactory.This needs to be changed.I also know that it is not easy.But then ,there are no other ways possible.Any comments?

Internet as a tool for the poor

2005-10-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

I often think that internet has a great potential to understand the world,especially in the hands of the poor.One important aspect of development is to find ways and means by which we can make internet services cheaper and more accessible.

Gandhi Jayanti,children's Torture and our MP's

2005-10-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

At Green Park Stadium in Kanpur,over 10,000 students were assembled from 730 hrs to celebrate Gandhi Jayantion 2nd October.These children had been instructed to reach their respective schools at 0600 hrs.At 900 hrs, children did their final rehearsal and were made to sit to wait for the Chief guest and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh,MP Jaya Prada.These `guests' were late by over four hours.Meanwhile due to heat and stress,about 100 children,mostly girls fainted on the spot.
Drinking water was not available as there were only a few water tankers and there was a long queue due to sweltering heat.There was no breakfast though children had started very early from their homes without any food.The programme was jointly organized by the district administration,Education department and an NGO Yuvak Biradari from Mumbai.There was hardly any programme to make children aware of Gandhi's ideas.The children started fainting from 1030 onwrds.In the absence of ambulances at the site ,parents were seen rushing theic unconscious children to local UHM hospital in their private vehicles.
Amar Singh and Jaya prada arrived at 1150 hrs and inspite of 100 children in fainted condition,the programme started as if nothing had happened and conluded at 1245hrs.The programme had been named Sur Taal.As a belated damage control exercise,Amar Singh later issued a statement from New delhi apologizing for the incident,
I feel outraged.

Gandhi and his relevance

2005-10-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Every year on 2nd October,we in India celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.It is a National holiday.Newspapers and magazines publish special articles on gandhi.Political leaders give speeches.There are seminars and debates all over.There is an official expectation of festivity on this day. I ask myself:Is Gandhi dead in India, or is anything of him is still left here?
I see violence all around me.I see communalism everywhere.Materialism has grown and I find people running after money.Political leaders have become thoroughly corrupt and I hardly see any sense of idealism or public service in them or in any one else.Truth is sacrificed for petty considerations while Gandhi stood for truth and non-violence.India has lost the spirit and soul of Gandhi.
I find myself sliding into a deep depression.Why do we have to be such hypocrites?

Changing the world

2005-10-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Ever heard this poem?
_When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

The Author of The road less travelled passes away

2005-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

M. Scott Peck,author of the best selling self-help book ,The road less travelled passed away on Sunday,September 26 at his home in Warren,Connect.He was 69.The cause was liver and pancreatic duct cancer.
The road less travelled was published in 1978 and `Further along the road less travelled 'was published in 1993.The third volume `The road less travelled and beyond' was published in 1997.These three volumes have been translated into more than 20 languages.The book was popular because Dr peck was able to blend the spiritual and the psycholgical very well. The road less travelled became New York times bestseller in mid 1983,five years after its publication.It remained on the list for 694 weeks ,which was about 13 years.The book says that the problems of life can be solved only through self-discipline.
M .Scott peck also wrote two other non-fiction bestsellers:People of the Lie ,and The Different Drum.These exlore respectively the nature of evil ,and nature of community.

Indian writers

2005-09-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am a voracious reader of literature but i confess that i dont read many indian writers.Why i do this ,is difficult to answer.Maha Shweta Devi,Amrita Pritam,Prem Chand ,Tagore are some Indian writers whose works have also been translated in English .Faiz is another famous name.Arundhati Roy's The God of small things was really impactful.There is some complex(?) that Indian works are inferior.Also the marketing by Indian publishers leaves much to be desired.It makes me think how we should improve this situation.Sometimes a nagging doubt crosses my mind that like poor performance of India in Olympics ,may be ,...we are not good enough at literature also.Any ideas?

Right to Information Act ,2005

2005-09-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Right to Information Act will come into force on 12th October,though some basic sections came into force on 15th June ,2005.Information means any material,report or document with a public authority .But according to the website of ministry of Personnel,government of India,it does not include file-notings .On 12th October, any citizen of India will be able to obtain information from a public authority as a matter of right,at least in law.
Among items exempt from disclosure are:cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers; Agencies specified by State Governments through a Notification will also be excluded.
The State Information Commission will be constituted by the State Government through a Gazette notification. It will have one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the Governor. The Appointments Committee will be headed by the Chief Minister. Other members include the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and one Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
The qualifications for appointment as SCIC/SIC shall be the same as that for Central Commissioners.
The salary of the State Chief Information Commissioner will be the same as that of an Election Commissioner. The salary of the State Information Commissioner will be the same as that of the Chief Secretary of the State Government. (S.15)
Cynics among us feel that it gives the Chief Minister Of a state the power to oblige and appoint 11 Yesmen and party sympathizers at hefty salaries to the posts of one ChiefInformation Commissioner and 10 Information Commissioners.The main job of these 11 persons will be to ensure how to deprive citizens from their right to information.We dont really lack laws but the belief in democratic values at political and administrative levels.In the absence of such beliefs and the will,no law can empower common citizens.Seeking reforms through enactment of laws is an exercise in futility and may erode further the faith of people in democracy.

Self-actualization and mission

2005-09-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

When i wrote my mission statement,i found i wanted to make certain changes in the world around me.However this slowly made me realize that i need to change myself also to fulfill my mission.That's how i decided to have self actualization as my goal.But i sometimes feel that self actualization is only a means to realize my mission which is embedded in society and others.

Anti-defection law

2005-09-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

There is a serious defect in anti-defection law which needs to be plugged.In case of a dispute whether a set of legislators should stand disqualified on not,at present the adjudication is done by the Speaker. The Speaker belongs to one of the parties in the ruling coalition and has his own loyalties and compulsions.This was evident in the recent hearing on a petition to disqualify certain MLAs in UP assembly.The remedy lies in amending the law and making the Election Commision rather than the Speaker the adjudicator in such disputes.Otherwise corruption,horsetrading andsubversion of democracy will continue.
Let us hope H'ble Supreme Court lays down some rules or issues some directions on this aspect in the ongoing hearing in respect of imposition of President's rule in Bihar.

Fixed tenure for Home Secy,Defence Secy &others

2005-09-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

I agree that the decision appears good at the face of it ;its misuse is quite likely.Again by the same logic screening of bureaucrats by the same politicians is likely to be misused
by them ,and honest and wellmeaning officers are likely to be the victims.Let us not do anything to reform the civil service without reforming the political system simutaneously.If that is not possible,we should allow the civil service to remain as it is.

Shock of The Mitrokhin ArchivesPart Two

2005-09-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Two chapters of Mitrokin Archives Part2 are devoted to India.According to authors,by 1960s,the KGB had become the main conduit of both the money and secret communications from Moscow to the CPI. By 1970s,``it seemed like the entire country was for sale; the KGB—and the CIA—had deeply penetrated the Indian government. After a while neither side entrusted sensitive information to the Indians, realizing their enemy would know all about it the next day." The situation was no better on the side of the CPI.The CPI had no cause for complaint: "By 1972, the import-export business founded by the CPI a decade earlier to trade with the Soviet Union had contributed more than 10 million rupees to Party funds."
According to KGB files, there were "ten Indian newspapers on its payroll" by 1972.
The Mitrokhin archives2 highlight the way our `friendly'agency the KGB was playing its part in India in those years when we were all the time busy in blaming the CIA.
How naive of us!As an Indian ,I am shocked.

What makes us--thinking or feeling?

2005-09-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Speaking of reason and passion,Kahlil Gibran says in the Prophet:``Your reason and passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul.If either your sails or your rudder be broken,you can but toss and drift,or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.Foe reason,ruling alone,is a force confining;and passion,unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion,that it may sing;And let it direct your passion with reason. . . . . .. you should rest in reason and move in passion".The latest research reveals that we have two minds,one that thinks and one that feels.These two minds are semi-independent faculties.The thinking brain is called neocortexThe amygdala acts as a storehouse of emotional memory.Sensory signals from eyes or ears first reach in the brain to the Thalamus.From Thalamus ,they go to amygdala and independently to the neocotex .Amygdala can receive signals before neocortex receives them.Emotional responses therefore take place before the thinking or intellectual response.However pre-frontal lobes in the brain can control the emotional responsesThis involves emotional brain as much in reasoning as the thinking brain.In short there has to be an intelligent balance of emotion/feeling and reason.The latest research confirms what the poet Kahlil Gibran said.I am ,therefore ,a balanced combination of what i think and feel.The reason why many people are guided more by feelings is that they have yet to learn to be emotionally intelligent.I do not agree that our thinking detrmines our success ,unless you include emotinal intelligence also as a part of thinking.I also am of the view that i am defined by a combination of what i think AND feel.Our abilities as well as our choices are also determined by both emotions and reason.What we call competence is a combination of of our intellectual intelligence and our emotional/social intelligence.

Cynicism and hope

2005-09-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

It is important to realize that we have a unique mission to fulfill in this world. However our lack of understanding, our ignorance and our bitter experiences sometimes make us cynics. When we turn cynics we begin to lose our mission .In order to fulfill our mission ,it is important that we get out of cynicism by conscious efforts.
A cynic shows a disposition to disbelieve in the sincerity and goodness of human nature. We become cynic when we are constantly disillusioned again and again by the people, when we begin to realize that despite their benevolent façade, most people are crassly self - serving and rarely concerned about what is right. We also discover that most people tend to be hypocritical and corrupt.
We also become cynic when we see the appalling poverty in the world and more than 30,000 children dying daily due to causes which are utterly preventable. When we see or experience discrimination on the basis of gender or race, when we suffer personally and know that those who pretend that such suffering does not exist are lying to themselves or turning a blind eye that such suffering will not befall them.
Many events in our life also strengthen our sense of cynicisme humans’ willingness to inflict pain and their ability to find pleasure in inflicting pain-whether in the realm of the global or the intimate, some part in us wants to die and does die .As cynics we think that we see the world all too clearly, but do nothing against injustice except to see through the perpetrators of injustice. We have lost all hope. We do not trust any body and nobody trusts us. As a result we cannot build or lead any organization or even attempt to change the situation. The last thirty years of life in India has seen a great rise in cynicism on the part of the Indian public. The cynicism has been directed both at government and at business. These institutions have lost the faith of many Indians in their ability to do right by them .Ignorance, cynicism and apathy are persistent threats to our democratic system of government. Cynicism is particularly prevalent in poor people and weaker sections of society. Frustration in these sections has led to the need for grass-roots organizations on the issue of justice and inequalities. Their mission should be to combat apathy and cynicism by renewing their interest and participation in political process We should constantly reflect on how to overcome the cynicism that constantly besets our own lives; how to make a difference for those who struggle ;how to deepen the faith we can easily share with them ;the faith that spirit matters To believe that even one person can make a difference.
We need clearer insight and perspective about our own selves and the institutions that shape our world. We realize that
*True good causes ripples that expand through eternity, and is not wasted.
*People and animals that were helped by us remember those kindnesses, and are thankful.
*There are others who care, others who also dare to see the darkness.
*All of us face struggle but it is not a pointless struggle.*Most of the channels that the dominant culture offers us to make the world a better place are themselves embedded in the same authority structures .Therefore often the solutions are part of the problem .Such solutions never work and lead us to disillusionment and cynicism .The solutions have to be more radical.
*Problems are never wholly individual and can not be solved in individual ways .Part of the solution is always to be found in the bigger struggle in which all have a part. This leads to further action along with others who have understood the reality in the same manner .In a way cynicism offers us an opportunity to connect with such like minded people who are worth working with and living for . Sharing collective discussion and collective action enables us to shore up each other’s sense of hope still further. As we struggle along the contours of our mission begin to become clearer. We may not always be clear about the choices and decisions we should make .But struggling to achieve our mission is a source of joy .This joy along with hope becomes a driver for further struggle and we traverse our journey to realize our mission with more confidence, contribution ,maturity and creativity ,regardless of the outcome.

Bill Clinton visits Lucknow

2005-09-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

I like this post by Amardeep Singh:
Bill Clinton Goes To Lucknow Only
(A little gossip post.)You thought Bill Clinton was doing his Hurricane relief thing? Well, he is,except yesterday he popped up at a "Global Industrial Meet" event organized by the state government of Uttar Pradesh, in north-central India. It's one of those 'spend tons of money so that someone will spend money on you' types of affairs. And while it's not a totally frivolous affair, it certainly isn't anything like charity. (Bill Clinton is clearly not trying to be Jimmy Carter.)How much did the Mulayam Singh Yadav government spend to get Clinton? I wonder

I have sent the following comment:
The common citizens of India at Lucknow continue to wonder what pompted Mr. Bill Clinton to come to Lucknow,for in the name of Global industrial meet, there was only a lavish party in the city of Nawabs and a musical performance by artists from Bombay.All this at a time when we have Katrina in New Orleans and Over five thousand deaths due to Japanese Encephalitis in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.A Global insult to the sensibilities ofpeople who can easily see behind such dramas.Thank you for writing on this subject.I have been an admirer of your blog posts

Do you smell a sarcasm here?

2005-09-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

India has offered 5million$ aid for relief operations in New orleans Katrina disaster.Here is the last part of a post by one Mr Bruces on his blog regarding this assistance:

Where's bloomin' Rudyard Kipling when we need 'im, eh?
I sha'n't forgit the night When I dropped be'ind the fight With a bullet where my belt-plate should 'a' been. I was chokin' mad with thirst, An' the man that spied me first Was our good old grinnin', gruntin' Gunga Din.
'E lifted up my 'ead, An' 'e plugged me where I bled, An' 'e guv me 'arf-a-pint o' water—green; It was crawlin' an' it stunk, But of all the drinks I've drunk, I'm gratefullest to one from Gunga Din.
It was "Din! Din! Din! 'Ere's a beggar with a bullet through 'is spleen; 'E's chawin' up the ground an' 'e's kickin' all around: For Gawd's sake, git the water, Gunga Din!"
'E carried me away To where a dooli lay, An' a bullet come an' drilled the beggar clean. 'E put me safe inside, An' just before 'e died: "I 'ope you liked your drink," sez Gunga Din. So I'll meet 'im later on In the place where 'e is gone— Where it's always double drill and no canteen; 'E'll be squattin' on the coals Givin' drink to pore damned souls, An' I'll get a swig in Hell from Gunga Din!
Din! Din! Din! You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din! Tho' I've belted you an' flayed you, By the livin' Gawd that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!
This post is a link to the blog boingboing.net where another blogger Xeni Jardin has given this heading to a post on same subject:
Katrina: whew, here comes India to save us, at last! Snip from a report in The Times of India, Sep. 4:
A careful reading of these posts ,to my mind, does indicate a Mindset full of sarcasm and racialism of their authors and they need to withdraw their offensive comments with apologies.I request all Indians to do whatever they can to ensure that this is done by the concerned without any delay.

What I do to make this world a better place?

2005-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

What am I doing to make the world a better place? I take small steps I guess.
I do my job involving public service honestly and efficiently.
I donot waste water,electricity and gas.
I criticize politicians,bureaucrats and media or any person entrusted with authority in trust when any of them abuses the trust reposed.
I never throw litter on the roads.
I pay my taxes and dues on time.
I consciously inculcate right values in myself,my children and others.

What do you do?

Pledge on Teacher's Day

2005-09-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

Kalam makes teachers take pledge
(IANS)

Kalam makes teachers take pledge Posted on 28 Hours,23 minutes Ago
New Delhi, Sep 5 : The didactic President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Monday took the occasion of teachers' day to administer a pledge to teachers on loving their job, committing their life to it and creating enlightened beings. As he presented the national awards to teachers for the year 2004, Kalam made a gathering of teachers repeat his 10-point pledge after him.
"I will love teaching. Teaching will be my soul. I will be fully committed to the great mission of teaching.
I will consider myself to be a great teacher only when I am capable of elevating the average student to a high performance. I will organise and conduct my life, in such a way that my life itself is a message for my students.
I will encourage the students and children to ask questions and develop the spirit of enquiry, so that they blossom into creative enlightened citizens. I will treat all students equally and will not support any differentiation on account of religion, community or language. I will constantly endeavour to fill my mind with great thoughts and spread nobility in thinking and action among my students.
I will always celebrate the success of my students. I will continuously build capacities in teaching for imparting quality education to students. I realize by being a teacher, I am making an important contribution to the efforts of national development."
Kalam also urged teachers to infuse the "beauty of science" into teaching, to draw from the freedom to think and imagine and encourage inquiry. "Eventually, the teacher has to create a life long autonomous learner who will blossom into an enlightened citizen," the president said, reminding the gathering that he himself was a teacher. The birth anniversary of former president and educationist Servapalli Radhakrishnan is celebrated as the teachers' day.

Deplorable Inaction on Japanese Encephalitis

2005-09-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

•
Deplorable Inaction

It is shocking to read about Nero fiddling when Rome is burning.It is difficult not to feel indignant at such a callous indifference and criminal neglect ,attempt to escape responsibility by the Chief Minister of UP when thousands of helpless and hapless children are dying of Japanese Encephalitis.
Posted by: Anandsharma, India, 05-09-2005 at 1826 hours IST

Right to information

2005-09-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

I like the following news from Indian Express of September4,2005.

> Front Page
Time running out, babus try to block your right to know
Explaining the new right to information law, Govt’s website says information you can get does not include ‘file notings.’ Law doesn’t say this at all
MANOJ MITTA

Posted online: Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 0151 hours IST
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 3: Aware that its days of hiding behind red tape are numbered, the bureaucracy is making a last-ditch attempt to subvert the Right to Information Act which comes into force from October 12.The Act, passed with over 100 amendments that strengthened it, thanks largely to the pressure exerted on the Government by UPA chairman Sonia Gandhi’s National Advisory Council, is not due to come into force till October 12.
Flagrantly violating the law, the Ministry of Personnel has issued guidelines, also posted on its official website, claiming that Section 2(f) of the RTI Act defines information in such a manner that it ‘‘does not include file notings.’’
Incidentally, Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2002, which has been repealed by the RTI Act 2005, did exempt file notings from disclosure. The misrepresentation of the new law indicates that the bureaucracy hasn’t still come to terms with the change.
File notings are invaluable information on the government’s decision-making process as these form the basis for executive decisions and policy formulations. These also help track responses of different departments and officials and identify who did what when and why.
Backdoor, because there is, in fact, no such exemption of file notings in Section 2(f) nor any other provision of the RTI Act.
On August 25, Shekhar Singh, convenor of the National Campaign For People’s Right to Information, along with Aruna Roy, member of the NAC, wrote to Suresh Pachauri, Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions pointing this out. ‘‘A lot of harm has already been done by this wrong statement on the DoPT web site,’’ they wrote, ‘‘and many officers are quoting it, the DoPT immediately needs to withdraw this wrong statement.’’
No reaction has come from the Ministry so far, the website hasn’t been changed. Pachauri, despite repeated attempts, was not available for comment.

Why you need to access file notings

Bureaucrats argue that letting people see file notings may hamper frank exchanges. But right to know campaigners argue otherwise:• They show who said what, who did what, at what stage• Can be only defence for honest bureaucrats• Disclosure may show that some controversial decision was taken despite the objections of a conscientious bureaucrat.• Fixes accountability

The alleged exclusion of file notings is repeatedly highlighted on the website in the form of response to a fundamental question: ‘‘What is information?’’
The answer given is: ‘‘Information means any material in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices .... but does not include ‘‘file notings’’ [S.2(f)].’’
The entire answer is a verbatim reproduction of Section 2(f) except for the gratuitous disclaimer at the end that file notings are excluded from the definition of information.
One probable fallout is that public authorities at the Centre and states may, following the Personnel Ministry’s own misinterpretation of the law, refuse to disclose any file notings, thereby frustrating an important aspect of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The definition of information in Section 2(f) is all-encompassing and does not exclude any form of material.
The Act only exempts certain categories of information under Section 8 and certain intelligence and security organisations under Section 24.
Thus, contrary to the Personnel Ministry’s blanket disclaimer, a lot of the file notings that are made every day by bureaucrats and ministers are not exempted from disclosure by either Section 8 or Section 24 of the Act.

Japanese Encephalitis

2005-09-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

The toll due to Japanese Encephalitis rose to 360 in Gorakhpur on 3rd September while the figure for the entire state of UP has crossed 400.The majority of victims are children.The disease is spreading slowly in the entire Eastern UP. JE has taken epidemic proportions.There is shortage of medicines,beds and medical staff.There is laxity and apathy on the part of state government at all levels.There are only five nurses in the two wards of the concerned hospital of King George Medical University in Lucknow where over 100 patients are under treatment.Three children are accommodated on each bed.
The matter is in the knowledge of the Chief Minister of UP but despite this ,things and management have not improved.Perhaps the helpless dying children dont have any right to vote.

Personal mission statement writing-worthdoing

2005-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

I feel great after writing personal mission statement.It has given me self-direction,motivation and a clarity in day to day living.It is tremendously satisfying, believe me.

Make this world a better place

2005-08-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

I like this entry from 43things.com

Firefalcon
make the world a better place
Our World — 11 weeks ago
Our World
It is our children’s inheritance
But we are wasting it today
An uncaring society
And no-where left for them to play…
=
Indifference breeds indifference
What once shocked is now ignored
Caring only about me, me, me
And intolerant of those abroad.
=
Open your eyes, open your heart
There are many things you can do
A simple smile can lighten a soul
And takes but a moment, too…
=
Think before you act, for every action or inaction
Is like a ripple in a pool
How will it affect others
Should you do it at all?
=
Stop, read this and think
How can you help someone today?
Gavin (Firefalcon) 10/6/2005

My personal mission statement

2005-08-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

I started writing about my personal mission statement on 18th April,2005 and i could give shape to the first draft on 27th August,2005.It took about 4months and 10days.I had wriitten about 43 pages about my Self and related matters to know exactly what my mission in life is.I firmly believe that all human beings are born with a mission in life but we have to discover it as we growup.We cant really choose our mission.To some people ,this may sound fatalistic but free will comes into play when we make efforts to realize this mission and not in choosing the mission.
Here is my mission statement:
I am born to read all the great books of this world,to discover the hidden and indepth meaning of life ,and explain that meaning to others through my writings and speeches.For this ,language will not be a barrier for me.Movies and arts will be helpful in achieving this goal.
I intend to be an intellectual and influence the political and cultural situation of this country (India)and the world.In the process,I want to set the stage for reforms in society and fight injustice in all its forms.For this purpose.I will concentrate my physical,mental,emotional ,moral and spiritual powers, making use of philosophy,yoga and psychology.In doing so,I will endeavour to take the help of as many people as possible and to inspire them to reach high ideals and shall relentlessly practise the values of integrity and truth,compassion and non-violence,conscience,courage,communication,competence,zest and trust.
Please write any suggestions.

Blog of Nandita Das

2005-08-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I liked this post from the blog IntentBlog .It is bog of Nandita Das::
« SEE NUDE GIRLS Main
A few words more...
posted by Nandita Das on August 25, 2005 at 10:48 PM
I have been seeing a battle of words and thoughts on various posts in the last few days and strangely it has stirred many thoughts in my mind. I don’t think I have the skill to articulate them adequately.
God sent was an email that came with many quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., whom I so admire. He has said it all. And it’s amazing how relevant it is to the times we are living in. His wisdom comes from deep compassion and understanding of the human condition. I quote him:
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent aboutthings that matter.” “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional lovewill have the final word in reality. That is whyright, temporarily defeated, is stronger than eviltriumphant.”“In the end, we will remember not the words of ourenemies, but the silence of our friends.”“Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political andmoral questions of our time; the need for mankind toovercome oppression and violence without resorting tooppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for allhuman conflict a method which rejects revenge,aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such amethod is love.”“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”“I submit to you that if a man hasn't discoveredsomething he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous thansincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he standsin moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Political reservation for women in India

2005-08-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

My views on the above subject are as follows:
Reservation may not be an ideal way to empower women but very few practical alternatives seem to be available.Political power with women representatives may help in creating awareness among women in general.It is worth giving a try in India. Anand
I have posted these comments to DesiPundit>Governance also

Free markets and bleeding hearts

2005-08-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have posted the following comment on the post regarding bleeding heartson the blog'Octane is in the air'
Talk to a landless farmer about Empowering him and he will look aghast at you.And what is empowerment in any case?Who is to empower whom?How do free markets and liberalization empower a poor, landless ,illiterate,scheduled caste man (worse if she is a woman)?Who are these We in your post who you say have to empower individuals to create a growing pie which will be cut by automatic mechanism called free market?They would be another class of bleeding hearts from whom we need to attain freedomCertain interventions are essential if we have a faith in the inviolable dignity of every humanbeing.I do agree that present politco-bureaucratic nexus in our country is incapable of any meaningful intervention in our lives.
3:37 PM

Let us stop this corruption

2005-08-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

On 18th August,TV channel Aaj Tak flashed a news story saying that Lucknow Development Authority allotted 28 plots to certain powerful politicians and their kins and some bureaucrats throwing all the norms and procedures to winds.I would not have bothered about it and treated this another case of ordinary corruption ,had I not noticed some extraordinary features.
Most of the applicants had chosen not to reveal the names of their father and in the column provided for it,they had written father or Pita.Some of the applicants got the allotment letter one day earlier than the date of their application for allotment.The landuse of the plots had been converted from institutional to residential to facilitate allotments.
What intrigued me was that in the press conference held by the Vice chairman of the Authority,Secretary to the Chief Minister was present.Both are IAS officers.
They justified it on the ground that similar out of the way allotments have been done earlier also.What was intiguing more was the release of a list in their press note containing the name of 47 officers and journalists whom plot had been allotted earlier in a similar manner.
What floored me completely was the press conference addressed by the Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav saying that it is an attempt to malign him because the newschannel focussed on showiong the photograph of the special secretary to the CM,an IAS officer Anita Singh.
One expects from a Chief Minister in a democracy to come with clean hands,so that a common citizen may retain her faith in democracy.Incidents and coduct of senior administrative and political functionaries in this and similar cases has lowered my faith in democracy.

my comment on coutesies and sacrifices

2005-08-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

I posted the following comment today on the above subject to a bloa Bhartie:
You seem to have written at two different planes.One is at the level of day to day interactions which Daniel Goleman describes as emotional intelligence.Little things count,little courtesies like saying thankyou or sorry matter and often bring some material success.The other plane touches the holy ground where maryrs and heroes made supreme sacrifices for certain ideals.They didnot do it out of any emotional intelligence.Such actions raised the whole countries and sometimes the entire humanity a few inches higher.I often wonder when writers like Ayn Rand say that all human actions arise out of selfishness.I think of Bhagat Singh and reflect.No,all actions cant be inspired by selfishness.Some actions are selfless.Whether they enable us to win,I hope so. .i am not sure. . .but maybe they dont.Thank you for writing earnestly on such a wonderful subject. Anand

Movie called Mangal Pandey

2005-08-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today I am going with my daughter to see Mengal Pandey,the Rising.A demand from Mangal pandey's village in Ballia district of UP,India has been voiced to ban this movie on the ground that the movie doesnt mention the name of Ballia or native village of Pandey.This ,to my mind ,is utterly parochial.Others like Stardust have published a story about Amir's two years old illegitimate son .This again seems to have no relation with the movie.A third objection has been raised in Britain about the movie being anti-British as it has shown certain officials of East India Company in bad light.Again I dont believe it.
Any movie is an an artistic piece and should be judged on that touchstone alone.Other extraneous factors should not be allowed to come between the movie and its viewers.

Mera Bharat

2005-08-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

I often wonder whether Bharat,that is India, is really a great country today.In any case what makes a country great?Is it the average person on the street?Or is it some of those people whom we call great,who make a nation great?I hesitate to answer this question especially when i see poverty,pollution,garbage,corruption,laziness and weak consciences all around me.No amount of slogans like Mera Bharat Mahaan or Jis desh mein Ganga bahti hai, inspires me.Not that i always felt this way.As a child i often thought that when i grow up ,i will find some truth in these slogans or songs.But not any longer.
Many many years back ,i read a book by Kamla Markandaya.:Nectar in a sieve.I read it again recently.It quotes Coleridge in the beginning:Work without hope draws nectar in a sieve,and hope without an object cannot live.
What hope do we have to make this country great?