Small things matter, shoud they?

Unarguably, we all get influenced by the small things that happen to us. Case in point... someone lets you get in the lane in peak traffic, a free coffee at starbucks, a thoughtful gift, a call from an old friend etc. are all small acts that would put you in a good/upbeat mood.

By the same token, a rude customer service associate or a curt e-mail or an expected-phone-call that never comes are things that would swing the pendulum the other way - make you, somewhat, upset/pissed.

The point is, you can either make yourself immune to both or none. Should you get immune and prohibit trivial acts to control your emotional juices? Or should you let them run?

While the above is a personal choice, the recognition of the fact is important for all. Because, each day, our small acts are knowingly or unknowingly making an impact on people around us... Net sum, are you making a positive impact?

Balance

'Madhyam marg' or the middle path advises balance. The key principle of Gautam Buddha's preachings, 'madhyam marg' applies to a wide range of life aspects - from diet to economic systems.

While nutritionists will clearly advice on the former, latter might be of lesser interest to many who are busy dealing with the mundane activities of daily life.

Capitalism and Socialism are two opposites. Neither is better over the other, but it requires a balance. Capitalism is important to motivate people to work and enjoy their acheivements while aspects of socialism are necessary keeping in mind the number of underpriviledged in the world. (850m suffer from hunger, 1.1b live in extreme poverty, a permanent state of emergency - 'The Economist').

Yet, the world is led toward higher propotions of capitalism. Here in the US, privatising social security would be a a drastic step toward this disbalance.

Fears: increasing income disparity and leaving fewer consumers with the wealth to buy the produces of capitalism. A considerable propotion of socialist values would lend compassion to a society motivated and energized by a capitalist system.

Lets follow the 'madhyam marg' and find a balanced diet for the economic system.

Taj Mahal

An architectural marvel, epitome of love - the Taj Mahal has a questionable history.

The claim of it being built by Shah Jahan is questioned by Professor P.N. Oak who puts forward some facts including one of carbon-dating a peice of wooden door from the marble building. http://spirituality.indiatimes.com/articleshow/846445.cms

The epitome of love was built by the king who was cruel enough to cut off the hands ofthe workers after the completion of the Taj Mahal so that no one would ever be able to build such a marvelous monument again.

“Until the lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” --African Proverb

Lets just admire the beautiful architectural marvel for what it is and not try to glorify it as anything like "The World's Greatest Love Story ". And to give credit where it is due: History books say the cheif architect of Taj Mahal was Isa Khan.

Animals sensed tsunami

There are reports from Sri Lanka and India that animals escaped the disaster caused by the recent tsunami. Could they have sensed it coming? Is there some hope for using them to aware us of such comings?

Cattle, dogs, elephants and more fled inlands before the seas roared. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4136485.stm

Its a mystery and not worth shrugging it off as a coincidence.

Aid for tsunami affected people

The recent tsunami accounted as one of the worlds top-10 natural disasters. You can make your own contribution to the relief work at:

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

A high school friend of mine, Anand Mahato, is aboard INS Sharda contributing to relief efforts in Sri Lanka. Anand, you do us proud.

Sports

I have aching knees and hurting shoulders. I skied for the first time yesterday. With good snowfall couple days ago, it was a perfect time for it. My buddies and I made the plan the previuos night and set off at 8:30 in the morning. Reached there, put on the ski gear and stumbled on the white to learn by falling. After a few skids and falls we knew how to fall. Then we had our hour-long training lesson. It was helpful. Picked up the basics - balance, wedge and edge. That followed by tougher slopes and more (worse) falls. A few friends gave up, couple tried harder and one pushed the envelope. With every descend from the slope I was getting better (or atleast I thought so). End of the day all the falls were worth the fun.

Well, whats the point? It highlights the beauty of sports. I believe that sports is the best teacher. Any sport - group or individual has the ability to better our skills and general attitude in life. Try hard, fall, learn and acheive. Team sports instills decision making ability, strategy-making skills, compassion, leadership and teamwork. All so important and yet so hard to teach. These are the elements that comes in most handy in life. Yet, sports is a miniscule part of most education systems around the world.

Respect and promote sports. Push kids to the playground and let them learn the essentials on their own. Kids of all ages can learn from sports.

Legal Battles

The whole world seems to be blogging so today I jumped on the bandwagon. Let me begin with a disclaimer -

"The view and contents of the blog are my personal. I have no interest or intention to represent any other's opinion but my own in this blog. I am not responsible and not liable in any form for the accuracy of information on this personal blog and for the use of such information in any way. ."

What a waste of 2 minutes to write that thing down - I share the same distaste for such clauses as all of you readers. But take a look at this - http://www.stellaawards.com/

It is insane, it is hillarious, it is ridiculous, but it is true.