Wish You all a Happy and prosperous new year 2006

Happy New Year

A Happy New Year to all the members and bloggers. May the new year be a new beginning and bring forth happiness in everyone's lives. Pray for world peace and an end to war and racism.

Squatter Cities

The current global approach to squatters, the poorest among us, is to destroy their homes and what little they have in the name of progress. However, this is not progress in the least.

Today, on Chicago Public Radio I heard that if the approach isn't severely altered, one third of the world's population will live in squatter cities by the year 2050.

Considering the title and vision of this blog I thought it appropriate to post this.

Links:

Worldview
Squattercity Blog

Our vision for the future and our journey from the present must include the least among us. As of now, it does not.

Bonne Année

Hi Ya!!!
How is life? Life is great out here.

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Answer the following Question and Win an exciting New Year Wish from Me:) The following question might look pretty simple, but it's a very very tricky one.

Question :) When is New Year's Eve celebrated?
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Ok here's a clue.
HINT: An evening between Dec 30th of every year and Jan 1st of the next year.
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Answer :) Evening of 31st of December every year.
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For all those who have got the answer right, scroll down for your special wish.
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Hi,

Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures. A pat on the back. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Meeting an old friend. The first rain. And of course a wish from me-:)

Salut Mon Amis,

Bonne Année

Bon Ami,
Pal

A New Year Wish in one of my previous blogs

Rigid Thinking can stifle innovation.

In a research to prove the above statement, the professors of a university in the west selected 2 batches of 5 students from the same class for an experiment. The experiment is to take out the ping pong or table tennis balls which were inside a long pipe positioned vertically on the floor. The pipe was long enough and thin enough that no one can use their hands to take the balls out of the pipe. They have to use any one of the tools given to them.

The first batch of students were sent into one room, the tools given to them are almost all the hardware equipments like cutter, blades, spanners, rods etc, and water in a old rusty bucket. It’s obvious the students poured the water into the pipe, the ping pong balls floated up and they took the ping pong balls out of the pipe.

The other batch of students were sent into another room, the tools given to them are the same as in previous case except for one thing. Instead of bucket of water they were given bottles of fruit juices and champagne. Now you know what happened? The students used all the hardware to cut the pipe down and took the ping pong balls out. When they got tired they drank the fruit juices and champagne. The students could have as well used the juices and champagne as the first batch of students used the water. But they didn’t.

This is why someone said “Rigid thinking can stifle innovation”.

Why did the dog cross the road?

It’s a known fact that only human’s have the ability to think. That’s why while crossing a road we prefer the junctions, crossroads rather than the middle of the two way road. ‘Cause that’s the place where Traffic signal’s work. Obviously dogs don’t know how these signals work; they prefer to cross the road in the middle of the two way road rather than junctions or crossroads. Dogs get habituated to this way after trying to cross the road few times. This is a common trait amongst most of the dogs. Now the question arises why this? It’s not because dogs don’t believe in the credibility of the working of traffic signals but the reason is pretty interesting. By crossing in the middle of the road it does not have deal with cars turning left or right as is the case with the junctions. All it has to deal with cars coming one way or the other. Just in case if the traffic signals don’t work; we can try whether it is easier to cross the road in the middle than at the crossroads.

Disclaimer: The author is not responsible if any untoward things happen while you try to cross the road from now on.

Always Remembered.

You wish to remember,
You wish to touch,
Suddenly a thousand lights went blind,
and everythings lost,
But the Human spirit always survives...

26th December 2004 Tsunami Victims. Always Remembered.

The Beauty of Science

The beauty of science is that it does not belong to any one person or group. Anyone can participate in the process. Darwin’s theory concerning evolution doesn’t “belong” to him. Indeed, he gave us a direction to explore, a direction that had not been explored before, and since him many, many pioneers have journeyed into new territories of knowledge. Those who remain stuck on criticizing evolution by statements made by Darwin or his contemporaries deny themselves the true beauty and power of science. Instead of tearing apart the past you should focus on furthering our understanding by adding new knowledge. Together we can move forward, learning more, and enriching humanity at large with new knowledge.

Merry Christmas

Here I dedicate this song in the spirit of Christmas...

Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

[-] 2050 wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and a great great New Year. Always remember the less fortunate and bring happiness and joy to the world.

A Global Disaster

Water is one of the most precious elements on the planet. A human being may survive without food for several days but water deprivation can kill a person in a matter of hours. Life is, therefore, tied to water, as it is tied to air and food is indeed tied to water.

Water could well be the only natural resources to touch all aspects of human civilization. No single measure would do more to reduce disease and save lives in the developing world than bringing safe water and adequate sanitation (Kofi Annan).

While water sustains life, it can also cause death if contaminated. Some of the deadliest diseases, which kill millions every year, are carried in unclean water. About 120 crore people (20% of the global population) across 40 countries do not have access to safe water 240 crores of people lack adequate sanitation services. There is no more fresh water on earth today than there was 2000 years ago when population was 3% of its current size! Women in Africa and Asia walk an average distance of 6km a day to collect water.

Fresh water fishing, a key livelihood activity around the world, is under threat. More than 20% of the world’s known 10,000 fresh water fish species have become extinct, been threatened or endangered in recent decades. Water may be the cause of another global war. Over the next 20 years, the world’s population will increase from the present 6.4 billion to an estimated 7.2 billion whereas the average supply of water per person is expected to fall by one-third. The hardest hit will be the poorest.

Save every drop of water today, because water shortage could well lead to the next world war. Unless appropriate measure are taken immediately, the world would soon face threats to global water supply; further environmental damage and ongoing health risks for millions of people lacking access to clean water. Fierce national competition over water resources has prompted fears that water issues contain the seed of vident conflict. (Kofi Annan). There are 215 trans-boundary rivers whose basins cover 50% of all land areas; 2% of the national boundaries are formed by water. Consequently, the UN has identified 300 potential water conflict zones.

Water covers 70% of the planet but more than 97.5% of the surface water is ocean, which, obviously, is not useable in industry, agriculture or as drinking water. (Desalination is far too expensive for widespread adoption). The fresh water on which the world depends is a mere 2.5% of available water. But then, three quarter of this fresh water is trapped in the form of snow and ice. So all that is available water are the principal cause of the crisis.

In plain terms, as far as fresh water is concerned, the world has been living way beyond its means. Conserving water or using water more efficiently, polluting less, prudently managing supply and demand and slowing population growth collectively represent the answer to the problem.

What I've learnt

The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.When you're in love, it shows.Just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.Having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. Being kind is more important than being right. You should never say "no" to a gift from a child. I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs afriend to act goofy with.

Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.Simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when Iwas a child did wonders for me as an adult. Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. We should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. Money doesn't buy class.Under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciatedand loved. The Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?Ignore the facts does not change the facts. When you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.Love, not time, heals all wounds.The easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myselfwith people smarter than I am. Everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

There's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks. No one is perfect until you fall in love with them. Life is tough, but I'm tougher. Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.One should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow hemay have to eat them. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

When your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happinessand growth occurs while you're climbing it. It is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation. The less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.-from external source

-from external source

ASIMO

[+] HONDA has debut the latest ASIMO android model. Check the site; [ASIMO] and don't forget to view the videos. The latest ASIMO features more degrees of movement and fluidity. It can also run! at 6 km/h.

[+] Also do check out AMD's 50*15 innitiative here;[AMD]

Rang De Basanti.

A.R.Rahman simply ROCKS, in the Music of Aamir Khan’s next movie “Rang De Basanti” which hit the music stands yesterday. The Music is a real treat for someone who loves contemporary music. The album starts with a very slow number; this is just the silence before the oncoming musical storm. Then comes the Bhangra number, “Rang De Basanti” sung by Daler Mehndi. Unquestionably he is one of the best in singing a Bhangra. Then comes the catchy number of the album “Lose Control” sung by Naresh Iyer and Mohamed Aslam. This number would go very well with the generation next. The part of the song goes like this…

Lose Control, Lose Control,
I am a rebel
Talli ho kar girne se
Samjhi hamne gravity
Ishq ka practical kiya
Tab aayee clarity
Na Koi Padhnevala, na koi sikhnevala
Apni to paathshala, masti ki paathshala

To keep up with the current trend there is a remixed version of this track later in the album, with Blaaze joining the lead singers. Amidst all this, there is a soothing musical number by Lata Mangeshkar & A.R.Rahman.

Luka chuppi bahut huyi saamne aa ja naa
Kahan kahan dhoondha tujhe
Thak gayi hai ab teri maa
Aaja saanjh hui mujhe teri fikar
Dhundhla gayi dekh meri nazar aa ja na.

This is my most favorite one of this album. Amognst all the voices, we get to listen to Aamir Khan in more of a recital number. The album ends with some Goan style music. The one thing which stands out in the album is the string & voice arrangement. The fantastic guitar interludes throughout keeps the listener interested. This one would get into the collectibles of any contemporary music lover.

CAUTION & WARNING: - This is not an album for anyone who always felt A.R.Rahman music sounds the same always just because some random film critic wrote it that way.

New ocean forming in Ethiopia

OK, this story goes a bit beyond the scope of 2050...by a few million years. But it started in our time!

Check out the story here.

December Season

You see a lot of photo's daily, but there can be only a few greats. I discovered Jim Brandenburg's story while going through back issues of the Graphis Journal. He's a legendary photographer who worked with the National Geographics Society and his collections and projects are simply stunning. His two amazing collections; 'Chased By the Light' and 'Looking for Summer- Chased by the Light II' which showcases natural imagery of the passing season. The first 'Chased by the Light Project' was published in the Dec 1997 National Geographics magazine carrying the most photo's ever in a feature. The project details Jim's effort in snapping only one frame per day for 90 days and relied heavily on his expertise to highlight the best images. Jim also founded the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation to promote the conservation of the Southwest Minnesota Prairies. Do visit his site, just click the image on top. (Image sourced from Jim's site and copyrighted by Jim Brandenburg)

-gP2005-

[-] Thank you for all the bloggers who have been contributing to this blog. Welcome to the team; Nayan and Jeevan.

[-] The book 'Passions of the Tongue; Language Devotion in Tamil India, 1891–1970' by Sumathi Ramaswamy (University of Calif. Press) is available online for free here;[Tamil]

[-] If anyone has any comments or questions regarding the 2050 blog, please email them to earth2050@gmail.com. If you believe you can be a serious contributor to the blog, drop a message at the same email and I'll send you an invite. Thank you.

À la carte Menu

In 1541, at a banquet, Duke Henry of Brunswick was seen occasionally refering to a sheet of paper. When an inquisitive guest wanted to know what he was upto, he replied that it was a list of food being served & that he was reserving his appetite for those dishes he liked most.

The Idea was so novel & generally admired that it became a practice & was christened "Menu" which has origins in the French Language which meant "Minute details".

Bon appétit!

Sing on ice

An iceberg can cause a lot of trouble (remember the Titanic?) but did you know it could also sing. Researchers in the Antarctic found that an iceberg emits sound waves that are too low to be heard by the human ear but when the sounds are recorded and played back at higher speeds it sounds like .a swarm of bees or an orchestra warming up. The study, by the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, will be published in Science. The study dates back to 2002 when scientists were recording seismic signals and tectonic movements on an ice shelf in Antarctic. Tracking acoustic signals of immense clarity they found that there had been a collision between an iceberg and an underwater peninsula. The sounds were the result of water pushing its way through the crevices and tunnels in the iceberg. .The tune even goes up and down, just like a real song.