http://shellie.blog.co.uk/The island of my dreams....en-USMokoFeed10http://shellie.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/9e/023e49b390c4f22e29eed478fc45f6_160x200.jpghttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/08/07/visit-to-sai-kripa-bal-kutir-6671777/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2009-08-07:/2009/08/07/visit-to-sai-kripa-bal-kutir-6671777/Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:33:47 +0200 <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In a period of over one and a half years with WNS, for the first time I practically got associated with the WNS CSR initiative. Though, I have been doing this in bits n pieces but this time it was different.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>I saw an email from WNS Corporate Communications team that they are organizing an Art & Craft workshop for the under privileged children adopted by WNS on Thursday at 1600hrs. I immediately knew that I was going to be a part of it. I replied to that email in just 3 words – “Count me in”.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>On Thursday, 30^th July 09 at 1500hrs, we left WNS for ‘Sai Kripa Bal Kutir’, Noida. There were 13 volunteers from WNS who came together to bring smile on the faces of those little kids who have every right to be happy. It was an hours’ drive from our office to their Sansthan.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The entry to their Sansthan was a small gate almost half the length of an average Indian male followed by a narrow lane surrounded with plants on both the sides. The narrow lane which didn’t last more than 100 mts. ended in the Sansthan’s garden cum playground. There was little grass on the ground but lot of trees along the edges of the garden. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>This was my first visit and thus I was looking forward to meet the kids. There I met 2 representatives of the NGO called ‘Joining Hands’ who facilitate such activities for WNS and Sai Kripa Bal Kutir. There were over 25 children, a mix of boys and girls, in the age group of 1 to 15 yrs with most of them around 5-10 years old (rather young). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>When we reached, the kids were already occupied in making creative stuff with balloons, tissue paper, ice cream sticks, colored paper, card board, etc. They wanted the glue to paste the round belly of their paper man on the ice cream stick. Some one shouted - I lost the cap of my paper man. So now it was our time to facilitate these kids to make that stuff. So what then, amongst the children I felt like I was back in my childhood. Cutting shapes with colored paper and pasting them on the ice cream sticks; helping them with coloring and cutting, it was so much fun. I painted my hands red and blue and black while using markers. The glue was all over my hands but there was no stopping.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="IMG_1445" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1445/3762935"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/935/3762935_19cf4cc4a1_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1445"></a><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Children made beautiful bowls, cups, photo frames with tissue papers soaked in glue. They painted them with beautiful colors in red and green and blue. Some of them made hand-fan, tied red ribbon around its handle made of hard paper. It was like our art & crafts class during the school time. I also made a flag before winding up the stuff.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="IMG_1463" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1463/3762936"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/936/3762936_921b31e847_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1463"></a></p> <p>Then it was time to make some noise with the children. That was the time I got to know that I am so bad at reciting nursery rhymes. The children and the other volunteers knew them so well and I remembered so little. We recited – Twinkle Twinkle, Johnny Johnny and Humpty Dumpty. Here I will tell you all those poems so you don’t have to cut a sorry figure like me <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="IMG_1476" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1476/3762941"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/941/3762941_8a418f0620_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1476"></a><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><strong><span>Twinkle Twinkle</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Twinkle, twinkle, little star,</span><span><br>How I wonder what you are!</span><span><br>Up above the world so high,<br>Like a diamond in the sky!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><strong><span>Humpty Dumpty</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span><a title="HumptyDumpty" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/humptydumpty/3762932"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/932/3762932_dc14ef9db6_s.jpeg" alt="HumptyDumpty"></a><br></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,<br>Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.<br>All the king's horses,<br>And all the king's men,<br>Couldn't put Humpty together again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><strong><span>Johnny Johnny</span></strong><span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Johnny, Johnny,<br>Yes, Papa,<br>Eating sugar?<br>No, Papa<br>Telling lies?<br>No, Papa<br>Open your mouth<br>O Ha! Ha! Ha!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> Now go and tell these to children around you and make them feel loved.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Before leaving we all danced to the tunes of some popular bollywood numbers with the children.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="IMG_1495" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1495/3762944"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/944/3762944_4754aa107e_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1495"></a><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In those 2 hours spent with kids, I realized that there is lot to be done at our end. We just can’t keep enjoying our lives and ignore these less fortunate children. They deserve our love and care.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="IMG_1510" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1510/3762946"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/946/3762946_d0dc8b83f3_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1510"></a><a title="IMG_1511" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img_1511/3762947"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/947/3762947_ca595e6225_s.jpeg" alt="IMG_1511"></a><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>I look forward to such activities more often.</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/08/07/visit-to-sai-kripa-bal-kutir-6671777/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wanna-bring-the-revolutionsai-kripa-bal-kutirsocial-causeshelly-sehrashellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/08/07/visit-to-sai-kripa-bal-kutir-6671777/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/my-longest-road-journey-6566048/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/my-longest-road-journey-6566048/Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:31 +0200 <p><span><span><span>Manali some 600 kms from Delhi is the farthest I have ever traveled by road. It takes almost 16 hours to reach Manali from Delhi via Chandigarh. I</span></span><span><span><span><span> </span></span>have been there at least 4 times outta which 3 times it’s been a road journey. Once I went flying to Kullu and from there again by road to Manali. </span></span></span><span><span>In this longest distance ever covered by me by-road, I got to see so much en-route that is just not easy to put into words. <br></span></span><span><span>My journey to Manali starts from Delhi. Since I stay quite close to the Delhi border from where we leave for Manali, I am just always lucky to skip the evening traffic rush in the city. Usually evening around 6 is the best time to start for manali so you will reach Manali by 10am. </span></span><span><span>Making ones way through the Delhi traffic and crossing Kundli en-route (which is now a hub for housing developers), one reaches the sub-urban city of Sonepat which is famous for its manufacturing plant of a bicycle major Atlas. You look around and everywhere you will get to see the Atlas advertisements displayed on the walls and on the billboards. <br></span></span><span><span>While on way to Sonepat, one also passes through a huge park (Tau Devi Lal) which is full of greenery and houses a small ‘haveli’ type structure which looks amazing in the night with lights all around. Tau Devi Lal after whom the park has been named is a famous freedom fighter and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. <br></span></span><span><span>Once you cross Sonepat, you reach ‘Murthal’ the hub of roadside Dhabas where the food is finger-licking good. At times we especially drive down to Murthal from Delhi (around 45km) just to have those ‘aaloo paranthas’ with ‘dahi’ (curd) ‘aachar’ (pickle) and lassi. You will find people driving in the best of cars just to relish the traditional Punjabi food at these roadside dhabas. For those on diet, this is not the place to be. </span></span><span> <br></span><span><span><a title="dhabas" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dhabas/3710803"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/803/3710803_cb991d1aff_s.jpg" alt="dhabas"></a><br>Murthal gives way to the city of Pachranga aachar (pickle) – Panipat. All around you see colorful advertisements of all kinds of pickles. There are over 100 varieties of pickles like amla, apple, mango, lemon, green chilly, carrot, ginger, beans, karonda, lotus stem, and what not. You name it, they have it. pachranga group was first formed in 1925 and claims to be the first to develop and boast Ayurvedic Conceptualization as the flavour of the upcoming market of health and eating. Further this city is another place en-route manali where traffic is at its best. Crossing this stretch is a travelers horror. At times it takes several hours to cross the 10km long stretch. But now, Haryana Government has made the traveler's life a little easier by constructing a flyover which skips the entire city of Panipat. But, yes, if you want the best of the pickles, there is not much option but to bear the Panipat traffic. <br></span></span><span><span>Next comes Karnal where the highway is packed with car showrooms of giants such as Chevrolet, Maruti, Toyota, Honda, Tata etc. You got to resist yourself if you are passionate about cars. You find them in a row and its not the right place to have a flat tyre. Another landmark that reminds of Karnal is the Namaste Chowk though there is nothing so special about it but I just peep out to have a look at the folded hands structure at this Chowk which greets you in the warmest way possible. <br></span></span><span><span>One reaches the beautiful city of Chandigarh after crossing Karnal and Ambala. Chandigarh is no doubt one of the best planned cities in India with so much greenery and well manicured circular crossings. Traffic there well managed and drivers are so well mannered that one ought to learn alot from this city. </span></span><span><span>Since most of the journey to Manali is covered during night so I don’t know much about other cities covered until I get up at dawn with the first ray of sunlight and find myself amidst the beautiful mountains and valleys of Himachal. Peeping out of the window at one end, one finds a blocked view because of the mountain ranges alongside. The opposite window will give you a lifetime view of a valley with a river flowing alongside till you reach Manali. The weather turn to its best if it rains a little. The air is so fresh and cool and the weather is so calm that you wish that you never had to return. </span></span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="manali" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/manali/3710758"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/758/3710758_271357184f_s.jpg" alt="manali"></a> <br><span>Tip: To cover the 600km long journey to Manali rom Delhi, the best time to start is around 6p.m. from Delhi and you are most likely to reach Manali by 12 noon including the time you stop over dinner, breakfast and and unavoidable “nature calls”. </span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/my-longest-road-journey-6566048/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelshellyshelly-sehrahttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/my-longest-road-journey-6566048/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/our-journey-to-top-100-in-mitsubishi-cedia-great-driving-challenge-6564067/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/our-journey-to-top-100-in-mitsubishi-cedia-great-driving-challenge-6564067/Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:02:10 +0200 <p class="MsoNormal">Mitsubishi Cedia Great Driving Challenge, the first ever contest/competition/challenge I ever participated outside my academics and culturals at academic institutions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I met a good friend at Costa in CP after almost a year and got to know about it. Dunno what hit me and suddenly I was so keen to participate. I took the details from my friend who himself was a participant and it was there I knew it was going to be real tough. My biggest challenge was to look for a partner who would be the perfect match. I have writer in me and I love photography. Now I needed someone who was an excellent driver and a good navigator. And then I thought of Rajat, my friend of 4 years. He is an exceptionally good driver and an amazing companion. When I shared this idea with Rajat, willing would be a wrong word, he was so much excited about this that he wanted us to register right away. Driving is his passion and anything like this would be a dream come true for both of us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a title="Mitsubishi-Cedia" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/mitsubishi_cedia/3709942"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/942/3709942_b5d774936f_s.jpeg" alt="Mitsubishi-Cedia"></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We registered ourselves when there was not more than a week left for the first round result. Profiles and voting was the major criteria for selection. Getting voting would normally wouldn’t have been a tough task for us as both of us have a huge social network but challenge here was the time. This gave us the right opportunity to get in touch with the old forgotten friends. We almost spoke to everyone we had ever known by getting their numbers from our mobile phonebooks, old phone diaries and even slam books that we used get filled in while we were at schools. We did all this just because we wanted to get through especially with contestants like my friend (who introduced me to this challenge), it was a tough battle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was so much into all this, that I at one point I felt as if I am going to screw up things at the office. And today I am so glad of almost screwing up with my boss for getting votes that I have actually landed up in the Mitsubishi Cedia Great Driving Challenge top 100 from amongst over 1000 couples.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know the fight doesn’t end here, in fact this is where it actually starts. 9 to be selected outta 100. we really got to work hard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wish me luck.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/our-journey-to-top-100-in-mitsubishi-cedia-great-driving-challenge-6564067/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelmitsubishi-cedia-great-driving-challengeshelly-sehrashellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/our-journey-to-top-100-in-mitsubishi-cedia-great-driving-challenge-6564067/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/past-revisited-6562040/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2009-07-21:/2009/07/21/past-revisited-6562040/Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:20:34 +0200 <p class="MsoNormal">I am a travel freak and I love to write as well. Mitsubishi Cedia driving challenge gives me the right opportunity to follow my dreams and share my travels through my writing skills on a bigger platform with the people those who know me and those who do not know me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not many are lucky like me who get this platform to give away what you have and pave way for more which is soon to follow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now when I write, I write is because of this event that is happening to me but this is something I have always wanted to do. In fact, I have a list of 30 odd cities where I have visited in India which is waiting to be published on my blog with my experiences.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remembering some of them here:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>1. Agra<br><span> </span>How can I forget the train journey to Agra which inspired the poet in me and made me write one of my most favorite poetry which goes like:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>While looking through the window<br>vast stretch of land<br>looked so barren<br>till the end of sight<br>it started with nothing<br>to end no where.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> <a title="train-moon" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/train_moon/3708621"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/621/3708621_1863035c92_s.jpeg" alt="train-moon"></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. Ajmer<br><span> </span>Ajmer Dargah Sharif is what it is famous for.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3. Amritsar<br><span> </span>Everyone knows it – Gurudwara Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border. But for me it is also special because I also visited a replica of Mata Vaishno Devi and the beautiful garden in front of the hotel where we stayed. It wasn’t actually a hotel but a huge villa.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. Bangalore<br><span> </span>The hot afternoons and nice evenings, Bangalore is a place to be. Nice windy evening and a bike ride is something I can’t forget as it is amiss in Delhi.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5. Chandigarh<br><span> </span>Rock Garden, Rose Garden and Mango grooves is the place to go in Chandigarh but this is probably one of the most beautiful cities of our country. Well manicured gardens and parks on the roadside and roundabouts. Something I really miss in Delhi.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6. Chennai<br><span> </span>Very hot. Phew!! Reminds of the kellawalla (Banana seller) whom we could actually not explain what we wanted until we took some help of someone who understood little hindi/English. The museum out there, I can’t remember the name is what I liked there the most.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7. Jaipur<br><span> </span>Famously known as Pink City. This is so because of the old architecture and wall color which paints the city pink. This is the beauty of the city and off course how can I forget to mention the Aimer fort. My love for forts took me and my friends to Aimer in order to explore the darkest of places there. It was real fun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>8. Jammu<br><span> </span>Jai Mata Di<br><span> </span>I laugh when I recall of this. I was young and was quite scared to enter the cold waters in the cave. My dad had to carry me in his arms so that I could get across. And yes my act brought the human traffic to a stand still inside the cave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">9. Kanyakumari<br><span> </span>I am in love with this place. The beautiful waters of the three surrounding water bodies comes together at Triven Sangam and it is an amazing sight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a title="kanyakumari" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/kanyakumari/3708658"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/658/3708658_6db9632561_s.jpeg" alt="kanyakumari"><br></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">10. Kodaikanal<br><span> </span>The most beautiful hill station I have ever known/seen after Srinagar. It is covered with amazing greens. It is probably the greenest hill station I have ever visited in India. It has deep death valleys, lakes and hills. Simply a small beautiful little known place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">11. Madurai<span> <br> </span>The five towers of Meenakshi temple were so much visible from my hotel roof that all day long I wanted to sit there and cherish the beauty of the architecture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>12. Manali<br><span> </span>My most visited hill station. 4 times I have been there and I can go there for many times to come. I now remember the city lanes as if I was born there. I specially liked the Mahadevan temple which is a 4km uphill where one has to walk and when you are there, even the clouds are beneath you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">13. Manikaran<span><br> </span>The holy shrine for Sikhs – Manikaran famous for its hot spring and also for the cold waters of river vyas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">14. Mathura and Vridavan<br><span> </span>Famous for the temples of Sri Krishna, the God of love and his beloved Goddess Radha.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">15. Mount Abu<br><span> </span>Though Mt. Abu is famous for its sun set and sun rise but I particularly liked it for Bharamkumari’s ashram where I lost myself in the sound of ‘OM’ and for the first time I realized life is much more to what we see.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">16. Mumbai<span> <br> </span>People like the city for its weather, for its beaches, for its lifestyle, everything about Mumbai is so special but for me, it is a little different. I went to the Vasai fort, a kind of abandoned fort with little tourist but I liked it for it was next to the Vasai beach, for it is so called the haunted fort and for its ruins. It was just amazing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">17. Neemrana<br><span> </span>Another fort. I am telling you I am in love with forts. I have been there many times and every time I go, I feel there is more explore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p><span><a title="Neemrana" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/neemrana/3708649"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/649/3708649_58f7454cfe_s.jpeg" alt="Neemrana"></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">18. Pune<br><span> </span>Didn’t get much chance to visit Pune but I remember my day there as it rained when I was there so it was a pleasant weather and yes I also remember the simple food that was served in the conference where I had gone. The people of Pune are so simple and warm and that plain food was so much delicious that I couldn’t resist the food.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">19. Ranthambore<br><span> </span>Hmmm… the morning 5am safari to the Ranthambhore national park just to get a glimpse of tiger. We saw everything there but a tiger. And I still remember the two most special words “call aayi call aayi” of the safari guide to make us shut our mouths and wait for the tigers to appear. But they never did. <span><span>L</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">20. Rishikesh<br><span> </span>Ohho! The most heavenly place I have ever been. The hot afternoons and cold evenings, hot sand and cold Ganges. It is a mecca of adventurers. Rafting - nothing more to say.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">21. Simla<br><span> </span>Mall road, the church, an old cinema hall with rusty seats – nothing official about it but yes would definitely want to write a piece on this one. Check it out soon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">22. Srinagar<span> <br> </span>We got lost one night and couldn’t find our way back to our hotel. I was young and must have started crying for the reason that we got lost in an unknown city but my mom convinced me that we will soon find our hotel. She said “Chanda mama humein hamare ghar pahuncha denge” (Follow the moon and you will reach your hotel) and you know what He did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">23. Trivandrum<br><span> </span>Kovalam beach – ouuuuhhhh the most beautiful beach. Clear waters and soft sand, both are still afresh in my memories.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><br> <a title="kovalam" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/kovalam/3708645"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/645/3708645_295f096045_s.jpeg" alt="kovalam"></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24. Udaipur<br><span> </span>The city of beautiful palaces.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/past-revisited-6562040/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shelly-sehratravelshellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/past-revisited-6562040/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/31/summarising-2008-in-india-5302057/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-31:/2008/12/31/summarising-2008-in-india-5302057/Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:59:42 +0100 </p> <span><span>Wish you also a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.</span></span> <span><span><span>2008 hasn't <span>been</span> a good year for India not just because of the Mumbai attacks but also because several other cities in <br>India were bombed in the same year including Delhi and Bangalore.<br></span></span></span> <span><span>2008 has been a year of attacks.<br></span></span> <span><span>* Over 150 killed in Mumbai attacks<br></span></span><span><span>* 18 killed in Delhi blasts<br></span></span><span><span>* 69 dead in Jaipur blasts<br></span></span><span><span>* 56 people lost their lives in Ahmedabad blasts<br></span></span><span><span>* Over 600 people including 175 secutiry men have been killed in the naxal violence in the north eastern states<br></span></span> <span><span>Apart from the above terrrorist activities, India saw huge amoount of violence in the state of J&K (regional violence), Mumbai (some stupid politicians), Gurgaon & delhi (social unrest).</span></span> <p><span><span><span>On top of it the recession. 2008 took a toll on the common man.<br> <br></span></span></span><span><span>So it really hasn't been a good year.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>But India got some good news too in this year --</span></span></p> <p><span><span>* India emerged as the Cricketing world's new Superpower beating Australia and England.<br></span></span><span><span>* After a huge gap, Miss India was amongst the 3 finalists of Miss world crown.<br></span></span><span><span>* India reached out to Moon -- the Chandrayan mission<br></span></span><span><span>* India won 3 medals in the 2008 Olympics<br></span></span><span><br></span></p> <p><span><span>There is more but the memories of evil overpower our minds. Still I want, when i look back at 2008 I want to recall all the unforgettable memories of the year.</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/31/summarising-2008-in-india-5302057/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>2008delhiindiashellyshelly-sehrahttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/31/summarising-2008-in-india-5302057/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/my-friend-s-wedding-5231372/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-16:/2008/12/16/my-friend-s-wedding-5231372/Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:11:46 +0100 </p> <span> </span><span>Its been more than 4 years we passed out from our graduation college and the wedding season has come. All of us are turning 25 or 26 and it is the time for us to enter the wed lock. Though one of our dearest friends Bhawna fell victim to this social activity and went far far away from us to Nagpur from Delhi. Now she is a mother to a very beautiful and pretty baby girl who is darling to all the BACSians (Electronics) batch. Infact they say, she is even healthier than me.. :-P.. She is very happy in her family with her husband and her kid and is quite busy with them and hardly calls me up.. But whenever I call her up, she remembers to say sorry for not calling me for long.. but then i understand, I am still the same, single, that I used to be in my college days so call up my friends now and then.</span> <p></p> <span> </span><span>Okie.. I was talking about the wedding season. Sumit, the most handsome guy of our batch, is the second to fall prey to the wedding locks. Mr. Zumi has married his bestest friend's cousin sister Niti. She is no less pretty and stood tall and beautiful beside Sumit on the wedding day. Since Sumit's in-laws are form Ludhiana (Punjab), the wedding was to take place in Ludhiana on 7th September. Initially 8 of us had planned to join Sumit on his wedding to bless him and give him strength to go through very ritual but only 3 of us could make -- me, HeShe (Himanshi) and Chirkut (Shikar). 5 long hours of train journey and then finally at Ludhiana the place where we were to stay for 2 days during his wedding. We all were hungry so after we freshened up, we all had some gobi ke pakode.. yumz.. Before the lunch we had some time so we made ourselves familiar with Sumit's family members. His 3 paternal cousin sistes were of the same age group as us (though they were younger to us but chalta he).. So many small niece and nephews he had, i think i even forgot the count.. but his niece Iti was so cute and pretty that we all loved to talk to her (though she was too young to even talk properly).. It was lunch time and we all were again hungry.. The lunch had some nice Dal (i don't know which) with rice and chapati with Gobi ki sabaji (again).. guess Gobi is Ludhiana's fav vegetable.</span> <p></p> <span> </span><span>After lunch, it was the time to hang out, sleep, rest and chat.. we decided to go the market and feed ourselves with some golgappas.. only 3 of us agreed to go to the market..rest were too lazy to get up.. anyways.. we strolled for sometime in the market.. had golgappas and came back well in time before the rush for the washroom would begin for everyone would want to get ready for the evening engagement ceremony. As usual I was so humble to allow everyone use the washroom before me and by the time it was my turn, it was already 5:30pm. (we had to leave at 7pm for the function). anyways.. i gave my hair a wash and started getting ready for the ceremony. I couldn't get myself ready even till 7pm. I was amongst the last few peeps getting out of the dressing room. Thanks to HeShe.. she helped me alot by lending me her pocket sized mirror for the makeup stuff..</span> <p></p> <span>At the venue, the groom's party reached so mcuh well in time that the stage where the groom and the bride were to sit was still being decorated. I was like "hum log to decorate ho kar aa gaye but ye stage abhi tak decorate ho raha he". We recieved the girl's family (which is supposed to be the other way round) but it doesn't matter much when the boy's family is so sweet. Since the groom hadn't come yet, HeShe and I decided to keep ourselves busy with starters (food). Though she wasn't much interested but I kept feeding myself with manchurian and spring rolls. Finally the groom came and it was time for some rituals. In order to keep ourselves occupied, I decided to hit the dance floor with Zumi's cousin sisters. We all hit the dance floor. We were so occupied with the dance that we didn't realize that the bride had entered the hall and taken her hot seat. Well, we were called from the dance floor to participate in the engagement ceremony (exchange of wedding rings between the girl and boy). We didn't spare Zumi there and asked the DJ guy to play -- </span> <p></p> <span><span>Ek kunwaara, phir gaya maara <br>Phas gaya dekho, ye bechaara <br>Do din ki hai ye chaandni <br>Phir kaari kaari raat hai <br>Tu maan jaa dulhe raaja <br>Tak ser khaaji, tak ser khaaja <br>Kal teri shaadi tera baj gaya baaja </span><br></span> <p></p> <span>he played it and we sang on top of our melody-less coarse voices.</span> <p></p> <span>The two exchanged the rings and we got ourselves clicked with them and back we hit the DJ floor. I hardly remember doing anything after that. I not even had food. off course why would I have, the machurian and spring rolls were still playing there part.</span> <p></p> <span>We were back home around 1am in the morning and dhum.. on the bed .. get set go.. to sleep.. Too tired to do anything after that.</span> <p></p> <span>Finally the D-day.</span> <p></p> <span>I woke up around 9am in the morning after a very sound night's sleep. Taking a shower and getting ready was the biggest challenge in the morning. Why? 30 people and 1 bathroom.. isn't it? But by the time I woke up many had taken the shower and were ready so it wasn't much of fight and I was ready by around 11am for breakfast -- Gobi ke paranthe (by now i was sure Gobi is either their fav or was probably very inexpensive ha aha ha ha) and some more rituals which were over by 12:30pm. It was then we decided to explore Ludhiana and around 20 of us set off to hit the Ludhiana roads to buy some very famous woollen stuff from the city. But by the time we reached the market, we were already tired -- because of the long walk and the pollution levels of the city that were simply unbearable. On top of it the Sunday crowd of the market that made shopping all the more difficult and I decided to come back without buying anything. But i did not miss on fresh juice in the market. By the time we were back @ 2:30pm, the lunch was ready and we stuffed our stomachs with the delicious food. 3:30pm and all set for the Garhi Gharoli function where Zumi's Bhabhi carried a pot on her head, went to the temple and filled it with the holy temple water with which Zumi would later bath. (Its considered auspicious in Hindus) We again danced to the tunes of Dholwalas and shouted and what not. </span> <p></p> <span>we were ready to go to the Beautician to wrap ourselves in nice dresses and hide our ugly faces under the makeup. The trip to the beautician wasn't very pleasant and frutiful. Noone was satisfied with the services but since it was the D-day we had to be our best. HeShe was dressed in wonderful brown and coca-cola flowery printed saree with designer blouse which she designed herself. I wore a greyish silver lehenga with matching jewellery. Zumis bhabhi and cousins were looking beautiful too. By too I mean, the other 2 beautiful ladies were offcourse me and HeShe. By 7:30pm, yes after 3hrs and 30min, 5 of us were ready and we went back to the place where the Sehrabandi was to take place. Shikar was looking no less handsome that day, after all his best friend was getting married. Zumi, the groom, wore a smart pinkish purplish shirt with greyish suit and as usual he looked HANDSOME. It all started, one by one baraatis took their turn and finally at 9pm, we all set off for the assembling area from where Zumi would ride horse to take away his bride.</span> <p></p> <span>It was cold at the wedding area but hum fashion ke maare. .no sweater.. hee hee.. Shikhar did me a favour by getting me some wafers and biscuits from a nearby departmental store. After waiting almost 30 min, Zumi came and we fed his horse with Yellow Daal (that's horse's fav). and then.. po po po po po po po po po po.. it was the band walas and us.. US means -- HeShe, me, his 3 cousins and 6 MCA friends. At the wedding hall entrance, we din't let Zumi in until the entire baraatis danced as well as Zumi's brother in laws..what after this -- dance , dance , dance and dance. We danced till about 12midnight and then we were hungry. Then we had food and chatted with each other. By the time pheras were about to start, I and HeShe left for the place where we stayed to get rid of those hefty dresses. By the time we were back, half the rituals had already finished. What then -- 7 pheres, mangalsutra and sindur and YES YES YES.. Zumi was no longer a bachelor.. he is a married man now.. Niti being his life partner.</span> <p></p> <span>Zumi and Niti left for Niti's placed from where the doli was scheduled. We still wanted to throw our legs in the air and dance and chat so we went to Niti's place little later. Morning 5am, Doli started from Niti's place to Zumi's makeshift place. By 6am they went back, we packed our stuff for we had to leave at 7:30 for Delhi. HeShe and I hardly selpt for an hour and then at 8am we were at the station. Unfortunately our train got delayed by almost 2 hours. So we left Ludhiana at around 10:30pm. I slept during the entire journey back home. We reached Delhi @5pm and i was home at 5:30pm.</span> <p></p> <span>BUT all the way long from Delhi to Ludhiana and back, we all made many friends, met many good people, visited another city(atleast me) and brought back with us many wonderful memories of this wedding.</span> <p></p> <span>Thanks Zumi for arranging for such a wonderful time.</span> <p></p> <span>May God bless you and Niti. Wish you guys a wonderful life ahead.</span> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/my-friend-s-wedding-5231372/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shelly-sehrashellyweddingfriendhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/my-friend-s-wedding-5231372/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/11/arrested-terrorist-kasab-remanded-to-police-custody-till-dec-5202163/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-11:/2008/12/11/arrested-terrorist-kasab-remanded-to-police-custody-till-dec-5202163/Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:08:54 +0100 <p><span>It looks so wierd when we read the following:</span></p> <p><em><span>MUMBAI: Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the November 26 terror attacks, was on Thursday remanded in police custody  till December 24 by a court here for his alleged involvement in the killing of ATS chief Hemant Karkare and two other senior police officers. </span></em></p> <p><span>This terrorist is under custody for killing of ATS chief and 2 other senior police officers.. What about 100s of other people who were killed by him on the same day during the same attack. Charges on him should be much much beyond just a killing of a couple of police officers and the ATS chief.. He should be accused of the criminal charges of the highest order, of creating panic in the city of Mumbai and waging a  war against India.</span></p> <p><span><em>"When asked by the magistrate if he had any complaints against the police, Ajmal said he had none," Additional Public Prosecutor Eknath Dhumal said referring to the remand proceeedings.</em>  </span></p> <p><span>Nothing could be more humane that asking the one who killed 100s of people in your city that if he is well treated by the police. This is too much. After committing such a horrifying crime, our dear government is still concerned of his well being.</span></p> <p><span>To read the complete news item on the above, click </span><a title="Kasab (terrorist)" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Terrorist_Kasabs_police_custody_extended_till_Dec_24/articleshow/3821920.cms#write"><span>here</span></a><span> <br></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/11/arrested-terrorist-kasab-remanded-to-police-custody-till-dec-5202163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shellyterrorismwanna-bring-the-revolutionshelly-sehrahttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/11/arrested-terrorist-kasab-remanded-to-police-custody-till-dec-5202163/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/terrorism-an-attack-of-humanism-5118949/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-27:/2008/11/27/terrorism-an-attack-of-humanism-5118949/Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:16:23 +0100 <p> <span>Mumbai attack is undoubtedly the worst ever kind of attack on any city in the world, even worse than the WTC attack in the US. 19 hours, 21 blasts, 2 high profile hotels, ship & boats, several foreign hostages, more than 100 dead and more than 300 injured and still continuing. The only kind of terror attack where most of the defence forces including -- police, ATS, NSG commandoes, Navy and coast guard had to put in their efforts. Top ATS officials laid down their lives to save the lives of many innocent people. </span></p> <p><span><a title="terrorism" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/terrorism/3021301"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/301/3021301_736410a1db_s.jpg" alt="terrorism" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a>When we know that capturing terrorists and keeping them in jail would result in no good and consequently innocent people will be held hostages for their realease. why aren't they killed. They are accused of killing hundreds but we still let them live and be a reason another hundreds to be killed.</span></p> <p><span>Instead of playing the blame game, it is high time that every political party, every nation be one and fight the deadly diseasse of terrorism which is shaking the pillars of humanism.</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/terrorism-an-attack-of-humanism-5118949/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shellywanna-bring-the-revolutionshelly-sehraterrorismhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/terrorism-an-attack-of-humanism-5118949/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/what-steps-should-be-taken-to-address-the-parking-problem-in-hubli-and-dharwad-5118224/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-27:/2008/11/27/what-steps-should-be-taken-to-address-the-parking-problem-in-hubli-and-dharwad-5118224/Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:15:53 +0100 <span><span>PARKING SPACE is a problem not limited to Hubli or Dharwad, but it is prevalent in every developping city of the country. We need to take strict measures in order to deal with situation before it goes out of control. </span></span> <span><span>1. Ensure that all the commercial centres including offices, shopping complexes and cinema halls should have their own parking space.</span></span> <span><span>2. Residential areas should either have parking complex or residences should be created in a manner that they have their own parking space.<br></span></span> <span><span><br>The above is not very difficult to achieve but we do not understand why is that our government departments give the commercial hubs the liberty to create complexes without enough parking space.<br></span></span> <span><span><br>For eg. There is a commercial complex opposite my colony. They created a parking area in the basement of their complex but very soon it turned into a huge retail house. The plan possible contained the parking space but it no more exists. Such things have to be taken care.</span></span> <span><span>One very important thing is that the people should also be encouraged to park their vehicles in the parking lot and not on the road side which adds to the traffic vows as well.<br></span></span> <strong><span><br>(Times of India My Times My Voice)</span></strong> <span><a href="http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/26/4949445.aspx"><span><a href="http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/26/4949445.aspx">http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/26/4949445.aspx</a></span></a></span> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/what-steps-should-be-taken-to-address-the-parking-problem-in-hubli-and-dharwad-5118224/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shellywanna-bring-the-revolutionsocial-causemy-voiceshelly-sehrahttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/what-steps-should-be-taken-to-address-the-parking-problem-in-hubli-and-dharwad-5118224/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/should-there-be-dedicated-tracks-for-cyclists-on-ahmedabad-roads-5118179/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-27:/2008/11/27/should-there-be-dedicated-tracks-for-cyclists-on-ahmedabad-roads-5118179/Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:08:07 +0100 <p><span>YES.. There definitely should be dedicated tracks for cyclists on city roads.. Looking at the growth at which the city traffic is increasing, it calls for a serious thought of using the NON-POLLUTING modes of transport..  bicycles on road add to 3 advantages -- 1. Less pollution 2. Less Traffic 3. Health Benefits </span></p> <p><span>Unlike western countries where bicycle culture is prevelant, it is not that easy for a country like India to develop and promote this culture because of the extreme weather conditions in most part of the country BUT wherever possible and to whatever extent, WE and GOVERNMENT must promote ciitzens to use the bicycles for smaller distances..</span></p> <p><strong><span>(Times of India My Times My Voice) <a href="http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/26/4949445.aspx"><br><a href="http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/24/4949301.aspx">http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2008/11/24/4949301.aspx</a></a></span></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/should-there-be-dedicated-tracks-for-cyclists-on-ahmedabad-roads-5118179/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wanna-bring-the-revolutionshellyshelly-sehrasocial-causemy-voicehttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/27/should-there-be-dedicated-tracks-for-cyclists-on-ahmedabad-roads-5118179/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/who-cares-5024345/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-12:/2008/11/12/who-cares-5024345/Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:31:36 +0100 <p>Maharashtra ki Jai</p> <p>choro BHARAT MATA<br>choro JAI HIND</p> <p>Bolo Jai Maharashtra</p> <p>This is the scenario in the republican India, the democratic India where we speak in 500 different languages and dialects.</p> <p>This is the country of mahatma Gandhi where Mother Teresa served through out her life. Buddha and Sai Baba died preaching love. This is the country we are proud of where a lady of catholic origin left the chair of prime minister for a sikh who took oath from a muslim president to serve a country of 80% hindus. This is the same country whose national anthem is the best world over and is composed by a person of bengali origin.</p> <p>The world scenario is that every country including the world powerful United States is fighting a war against terrorism but India is traumatized by terror attacks. Every state in the country is under the threat of terrorists. Every city, every citizen, every minute prays that we be saved from this.</p> <p>But who cares?</p> <p>At a time when the country needs to be united to fight the battle against terrorism, every state is struck with its own battle be it Jammu, Maharashtra or Delhi. Our own people are digging on the roots of the country in the name of religion, casteiesm and if this was not enough, they have invented Stateism. We are our own enemies. We do not need terrorists to kill our people and ruin our economy, we are doing it ourselves. whether the reason be the pilgrims of Jammu or the Maharashtrians. We are wasting our energies, time, money, people and mind on things that have no values and are unimportant. I feel that why is that such dynamic people of the likes of Raj Thackeray do not think for the good of the society. They are the people who are blindly followed. Why not they chanelise their works/deeds it in the right direction.</p> <p>not feeling like writing more on it...</p> <p>unke bheje mein yeh baat kaise ghusegi...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/who-cares-5024345/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>social-causeshelly-sehrapoliticalwanna-bring-the-revolutionshellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/who-cares-5024345/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/teach-indiaand-me-4697911/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-09-08:/2008/09/08/teach-indiaand-me-4697911/Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:47:42 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/children/2794698" title="children"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/698/2794698_4e17e69319_s.jpg" alt="children" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><br> I have always been keen of doing my bit towards the society. Every now and then, I try and associate myself with stuff that give me satisfaction of doing my share of work towards the community.</p> <p>Lately, I joined the Teach India initiative by Times of India and got to get associated with an NGO that works in the field of primary education. So this time I got a chance to teach.. Wow it sounds so good.. I can now follow my dreams of being part of the teaching fraternity.</p> <p>I was given a MCD school in a locality near my house. I was all set to turn my dream into a reality. The beforehand instructions were as follows:<br> Do not expect the school staff to be cooperative.<br> Students may be filthily dressed.<br> Don't give students any homework because they will NOT do it.<br> Do not enter the school premises without the NGO representative. You might be thrown out.<br> I was all set for my first day in the school with the above set of instructions of learnt by heart. We were told to contact the NGO Representative of our area who would then introduce me to the school, the Principal, the Teachers and offcourse lovely students. Since we could go the school only once a week, I chose Friday to be the D-day.</p> <p>My first Friday... I just realized after a long formal week, now it is the time for the funky Friday at the office so no formals.. time to wear jeans and skirts and dazzling tops and cool t-shirts... I chose to wear jeans with a white hanky-panky shirt... When it was time to go to school, i was uneasy... Boy's school.. government school... conservative teachers.. and me dressed like this.. tough decision.. I thought -- Go Ahead Shelly.. this time go ahead.. we will see next week.</p> <p>Okay.. 10'O clock was the time to reach the school where I was to meet the NGO Representative. and it all happened that i waited for 25 min before coming face to face with her. I was tired.. both physically and mentally. It was 10:25 and i was almost about to move as I had to catch my office bus at 11:15. Just then that female came and I dropped the idea the leaving. I went inside the school with her. For the first time over in my life I had been to a government school and that too a boys' school. I was surprised to see children all over the playground as if a bee hive has just been hit by a bullet. I was wondering how come I would be able to teach here. Cool.. I met the Principal. His room was just a like a community park. Teachers, Parents and students all could be found at one time. Anyways I was introduced to the Principal and to the other NGO Teachers. Since I did want to go the school on a Friday, I finalised Thursday as my visiting day to the school as a NGO Volunteer.</p> <p>My First Thursday... This time the school seemed much organised and better. Then I understood that it must have been the lunch time when i came last time. I met the Pratham teacher and she asked me to teach hindi to some weak students of class III and IV. It was such fun to teach them. Some of them were extraordinary good. Though most of them were not fit to be in the class in which they were in but this is why I was there to make them fir in the class that suits there age. </p> <p>I am very hopeful that my experience with them would teach me things and help me become a better person in life. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/teach-indiaand-me-4697911/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>teach-indiasocial-causeshellyshelly-sehrawanna-bring-the-revolutionhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/teach-indiaand-me-4697911/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/indianyouth-what-you-think-4661215/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-08-31:/2008/08/31/indianyouth-what-you-think-4661215/Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:14:20 +0200 <p>I read a blog that a good friend of mine had put together regarding the youth of India. I respect his opinion about the Indian youth but at the same time I am wondered that he himself is a part of the same youth community which he just criticized in his blog.</p> <p>Many of us would say that Indian youth is not focused and is misled but at the same time many of us would also agree to the fact that the current youth is also responsible enough to take up the charge of the future. </p> <p>At the time of Indian Freedom Struggle, not everyone was a part of it. There were many youth who just had nothing to do with the struggle around them. They just enjoyed the life the way it was coming to them. If this would not have been the case, don’t you think we would have had millions of stories of such Bhagat Singh’s and Chandra Shekhar’s. </p> <p>Why do we always blame the generation X for the way they want to spend their life. Today’s youth is conscious about their career, their lifestyle and their livelihood. I do not see anything wrong about it. It is because of them India is making progress at all time high. Today youth knows its responsibilities and is an active part of the society in socio-economic development.</p> <p>Today when you sit in a classroom, it does not matter to you if the person sitting next to you is from a lower caste/background. Is it not progress?</p> <p>Today when Times of India starts a campaign – Teach India, a large part of the youth community becomes a part of it. Don’t they understand their role in the society?</p> <p>Today when long pending cases are fought inside the court rooms, it is the youth that raises its voice against the criminals and ensures that the criminals are punished. Is it not what we want them to do?</p> <p>Why is it that just because some portion of the youth is not as responsible as we expect them to be, we blame them?</p> <p>Today the Indian politics is dominated by the oldies. What is it that we get from them? No youth from a respectable Indian family or a family that does not a have a political background wants to be a part of it. Why? Not because they are not responsible but because our elders have made it a profession and not a service. So if you have to chose a profession you will chose some respectable profession rather going for politics which is at its all time dirty.</p> <p>Give it a time to think and all of us will realize that we have a responsible Gen X citizen within all of us; it just needs to come out.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/indianyouth-what-you-think-4661215/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wanna-bring-the-revolutionshelly-sehrai-think-a-little-wierdyouthhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/indianyouth-what-you-think-4661215/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-adreampart-4661209/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-08-31:/2008/08/31/is-it-adreampart-4661209/Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:13:25 +0200 <p>I lost all my sleep with a sudden thud which as it seemed came by banging a hammer of a size of an airbus on the hardest metal available on earth. My sleep was gone and I had woke up to meet the reality. The reality was no less than a dream. This meant I haven’t been dreaming all this while but what I though was a dream, was all real and then everything came back to me in a flash of a second. I was a part of an experiment on a Time Machine and Oh! Here I am, do not know in which part of the world and in what era. I remember the instrument had malfunctioned and I was accidentally transported.</p> <p>By now I had started feeling a strange sensation. It wasn’t the hot weather nor was it the cold wind. There were no signs of rain, neither were there any signs of scenic beauty so it wasn’t spring. There were no Christmas bells or sow around so for sure Christmas season was out of question. I could not understand what season it is. Have I lost my sensation of feeling or it was something new to me. I had never felt this before Just then I raised my had above my body and I was horrified. My hand had a layer of tiny particles that were some kind of a metal which covered my hand. I stood up just to be more horrified to see my entire body layered with the similar tiny particles all over.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-adreampart-4661209/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shellyi-think-a-little-wierddreamshelly-sehrahttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/is-it-adreampart-4661209/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/is-it-a-dream-4069921/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-04-20:/2008/04/20/is-it-a-dream-4069921/Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:28:57 +0200 <p>Krrrrrrrrrr………shouuuuuuuuuuuu………..pichook……pichook………..krrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr………. Oh! My head feels so heavy. My eyes are aching. My body feels tighten as if someone just shrunk it to a billionth and then tried giving it a new shape. “What’s happening?” I asked myself expecting an answer. “And yes what was that sound? Am I dreamig?” I think I have slept more than usual after 2 long tiring days of work. “But then why everything around me seems different as if I am in a new world.” I jerked my head hard expecting a miracle to happen. I am not able to connect my surroundings to myself. Ghhrrrrrrrrrrrrrr……… ghrrrrrrrrr………. I was startled by the sudden sound of some strange machine opening and closing and then a voice came out of no where as if someone has switched on radio in my ear while I am asleep. The voice seemed mechanical. Was it because I had slept too much or was it some alien had come for my help. Oh God!! I desperately need a medicine or two and sleep a couple of more hours. The sound came again and this time it seemed as if it was trying to clear its throat. Now this is strange, probably some good matter for tomorrow’s newspaper --- ALIEN CAUGHT COLD n COUGH. Anyways I had to concentrate on what it is. Is it something to do with my ache? Am I getting mad with work? Is it everything to do with what I am feeling? The world seems so strange and with these thoughts coming and going, my head feels even more heavy…</p> <p>Guess what this is all about... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/is-it-a-dream-4069921/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shelly-sehrai-think-a-little-wierdshellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/is-it-a-dream-4069921/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/03/21/road-sense-delhi-3915876/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-03-21:/2008/03/21/road-sense-delhi-3915876/Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:18:02 +0100 <p><span>Give me one industry and I will ask for transport. Traveling in </span><span>Delhi</span> is one of the most frustrating experiences one can ever have. Especially with loads of cars on the road and educated illiterate drivers, one can do nothing but bang one&rsquo;s head against the wind screen.<br><br> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> In </span><span>Delhi</span><span>, drivers desperately need to be taught not just how to drive but also how to behave. Make them wait for over 5 seconds and they will force you to deafness by continuous honking. They will damn look for every possible option to get across a red signal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> Most of the traffic jams in the city are not because of more number of cars on the road but it is majorly because of the person at the driver&rsquo;s seat and his immature behavior. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> Let&rsquo;s take an instance that happened with me. </span><span>Delhi</span><span> was under an attack of over 6000 plus weddings on a single day. Off course this took toll on our </span><span>Delhi</span><span> roads and the worst hit were the daily commuters. The shaadi traffic in addition to the routine heavy traffic of </span><span>delhi</span><span> left people crippled at various jam junctions. </span><span>Delhi</span><span> was packed with two- and four-wheelers all across. Now no one wants to wait, so the easiest option one could find when stuck in the traffic is to use the opposite side road and WOW.. BRAVO he made it. And then since he could, why couldn&rsquo;t I.. Let me also take this opportunity and then one after the other drivers use the opposite road to</span><span> avoid the traffic on their side and THEN.. Obviously the traffic on the other side of the road is also blocked and there is nowhere to go.. everyone is stuck&hellip; we got stuck for hours in the traffic just because some crackpots wanted to pass through no matter using unfair means/routes&hellip;</span><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/traffic_jam/2421449" title="Traffic Jam"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/449/2421449_47aff74c2c_s.jpeg" alt="Traffic Jam" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> This is a story that happen\s every now and then. Drivers on </span><span>Delhi</span><span> roads have no sense of driving.. and thus I called them educated illiterate people because they are people like you like me who do such nonsense and create havoc on roads..</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span>Delhi</span><span> has got our country&rsquo;s best road infrastructure so let&rsquo;s feel proud about it and make proper utilization of the available resources.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> People lets be more civilized &hellip; Lets educate ourselves..</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> JAI HIND</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/03/21/road-sense-delhi-3915876/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>traffictraffic-jamwanna-bring-the-revolutionshelly-sehrashellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/03/21/road-sense-delhi-3915876/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/02/01/the_much_awaited~3664862/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-02-01:/2008/02/01/the_much_awaited~3664862/Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:04:12 +0100 <p><strong>This blog is with due respect to the conceptualiser and manufacturer of the world's most affordable car.<br></strong><br>The much awaited rs 1lakh car is soon to hit Indian roads. India -- one of the fastest developing nation in the world and the first to get the Rs 1 lakh car.</p> <p>                                                                                                    <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/1lakh_car/2315281" title="1lakh car"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/281/2315281_a4668a7ad5_s.jpg" alt="1lakh car" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="139" height="105"></a></p> <p>Now lets see the mixed reactions that have come out of the masses after the announcement of the car, especially after it was displayed at the Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.</p> <p>Some of the people are really happy and awaiting the launch of the car. In India half the urban population still drives two-wheeler. Many of them still do not have vehicle at their disposal so they have to be content with the Public Transport system. So the Rs 1 lakh car has really come as a good news to them who have till date been traveling in the 2-wheeler. They definitely look forward to upgrading to a 4-wheeler without investing too much money into it. So for them it is a boon. IT REALLY IS A...</p> <p>Now, a set of people who already have cars at their disposal and have all the comfort in the world to travel without being hit by rain or sun directly have another say in this. They find this car not a good omen. According to them it will cause havoc on the roads. THE TRAFFIC JAM offcourse. Now my dear friends.. what the existing cars are doing on roads.. Causing havoc.. so actually these cars will do nothing more than just adding to the worse.</p> <p>Another version of some very intellectual people. More affordable cars means more number of cars which means more use of oil/petrol which in turn will result in POLLUTION thereby adding to global warming. But what about the existing ways by which we create huge amount of pollution be it by using diesel vehicles or emitting hazardeaous waste through extremely polluting industries.</p> <p>Now last but not the least, some of us even think that why did the car company come out with an extremely low-cost passenger car, why can't they think of making a cheaper transport vehicle which would help improving the transport system of the country. </p> <p>Looking at the above I can only say that different people can only have different versions.</p> <p>So lets hear my version:</p> <p>I STRONGLY believe, instead of pointing fingers at each other, we really need to educate the masses. Lets understand our responsibility. Lets look at the brighter side of it, obviously not forgetting the darker side as well and this is where we all need to work in unison. </p> <p><strong>Discipline ourselves. Try and help Mother Nature. <br></strong><br>Lets be pro-active and take it on us rather telling others to do.</p> <p>JAI HIND </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/02/01/the_much_awaited~3664862/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>1-lakhshellyshelly-sehracarshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/02/01/the_much_awaited~3664862/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/30/global_warming~3655084/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-01-30:/2008/01/30/global_warming~3655084/Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:34:20 +0100 <p><strong>Global Warming</strong> an issue very close to hearts of the millions. But it is more than just being an issue. What is it? Is it just a scientific warning to mend our ways or is it what we call 'The Time Has Come' for 'PRALAY'.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/global_warming/2315191" title="Global_Warming"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/191/2315191_be01c3c497_s.gif" alt="Global_Warming" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>Will we really perish if we do not think of ways to take care of Global Warming. What is 'Global Warming'? For many of us it is just a couple of words too much used by scientists and media these days. Who is to be affected by it. Media, scientists, You or is it me? Naah! It is the entire earth which will be affected. By saying so I really mean, if there is little truth in Global Warming then yes, we all -- human race, animals, birds, reptiles, and plants will be affected. And if this is not enough for you, then let me tell you my dear friends, it will also affect the land, rivers, environment, weather, ocean, everything that constitutes earth. Will then We be happy? The DESTRUCTION -- the much awaited destruction is on its way. It will soon HIT you, HIT me.</p> <p>How do we know that IT is on its way? </p> <p>Have you noticed the strange climatic variations around the globe? Delhi has. Long summers, reduced rainfall and wierd winters (very hot afternoons and very cold nights), it is all because of us. </p> <p>Melting Poles. Increasing Sea Level. Warming oceans. Drying Rivers. This all is the result of the Global Warming.</p> <p>Hurricane. Tornado. Tsunami. Flood. Again results of Global Warming.</p> <p>Enough!! We know what gonna happen we do not mend our ways but what is contributing to it -- <strong>THE GLOBAL WARMING:<br></strong><br>We have been contributing alot to the Global Warming. Vehicle emission, Industrial pollution, use of plastics, burning of coals to produce electricity, atomic and nuclear tests, space missions, use of high end electronic gadgets... Everything.. Everything we do is contributing to Global Warming. But, Does that mean we should stop all this.. NAAH! If we mend our ways in time, we can do alot to prevent the future harm.</p> <p>Lets see what and how an individual like you and me can contribute:<br><br> <ol> <li> Replace frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. </li> <li> Keep the tires on your car adequately inflated. Check them monthly. </li> <li> Check your car's air filter monthly. </li> <li> Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled paper. (The paper industry is the third greatest contributor to global warming emissions.) </li> <li> Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer. </li> <li> Regular air conditioner check. (Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended.) </li> <li> Take shorter showers. (Showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs! Using less water in your shower means using less energy to heat the water which means less pollution.) </li> <li> Install a low-flow showerhead to use less hot water. (Showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs! Using less water in your shower means using less energy to heat the water which means less pollution.) </li> <li> Buy minimally packaged goods and reduce your garbage by 10%. (Choose reusable products over disposable ones; don't buy individual serving sizes.) </li> <li> Buy a Hybrid Car. </li> <li> Buy a more fuel efficient Car. </li> <li> Carpool with friends and co-workers. </li> <li> Reduce garbage. (By simply buying products with less packaging and being sure to recycle your paper, plastics and glass, you can make a big difference. Reducing your trash by 25% is an easy and realistic goal.) </li> <li> Plant a tree native to your region.  (Trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breath.) </li> <li> Keep your water heater insulated. </li> <li> Replace old inefficient appliances. </li> <li> Turn off un-used electronic devices. (Your electronic devices use a lot of energy. When your not using them, turn them off. Also, even when they are 'off' and plugged in, you electronic devices still use energy. So, be sure to unplug those devices!) </li> <li> Instead of turning up the heat in your home, put on a sweater. </li> <li> Make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated. </li> <li> Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. </li> <li> Switch to a tankless water heater. (This way, your water is heated as you use it rather than keeping a large tank of water hot. This is more efficient and gives you an 'unlimited' supply of hot water.) </li> <li> Choose organic food. (Organic farming does not use chemicals that damage the environment.) </li> <li> Print and make copies on both sides of the paper to save trees and ink. </li> <li> Grow plants instead of buying fake ones. (They look better and improve the air.) </li> <li> Buy products with recycled content and increase your recycling at home by 10%. </li> <li> Buy clothes made from organic cotton and support brands that don't use harmful chemicals. </li> <li> Re-think your take-out habit. (Take-out food waste, like containers and plastic bags, is usually non-recyclable and has increased significantly over the recent decades.) </li> <li> Choose library books over buying new ones and share your own books with friends. (You'll save money and trees.) </li> <li> Sign up for renewable energy! (Check with your utility provider to see if they have a renewable energy, or green power program.) </li> <li> Choose re-usable cleaning products like sponges instead of paper towels that cause excess waste. </li> </ol> <strong>There is lots you can do to it... BUT LETS BEGIN SOMEWHERE..</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/30/global_warming~3655084/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>global-warmingshellyshelly-sehrawanna-bring-the-revolutionsocial-causehttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/30/global_warming~3655084/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/16/mission_warmth~3584605/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2008-01-16:/2008/01/16/mission_warmth~3584605/Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:50:36 +0100 <p><strong>Dear Readers,</strong></p> <p>We all know how our little effort can help make many lives better. So here is our little effort that might help someone fight the Delhi winter.</p> <p>We have taken an initiative to help people who are living along the road-sides in Delhi and NCR Region. In order to achieve our objective, we are collecting clothes amongst ourselves.</p> <p><strong>IMP: No money involved.</strong></p> <p>If you think you are sensitive enough to contribute to a cause that may give WARMTH to someone so please spare 1 minute and go through the below mentioned information. </p> <p>Those who are willing to contribute (clothes) can send us an email on <a href="mailto:volunteer@freeminds.in">volunteer@freeminds.in</a> with the kind of contribution you would like to give <strong>(No monetary contribution please). </strong>We will get back to you and give you more information on the activity. </p> MISSION WARMTH<br><strong>An Effort to Endure the Winter Together</strong></p> <p><strong>Objective: To distribute clothes to the needy<br>Where: Delhi and Gurgaon<br>To Whom: Pavement Dwellers<br>When: 20th January 2008<br>Time: 10 am onwards<br></strong><br><strong>We can make a difference.<br>All we need to do is to take a step forward</strong> <p>JAI HIND<br>Team MISSION WARMTH </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/16/mission_warmth~3584605/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>social-causeshellyshelly-sehrawanna-bring-the-revolutionhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2008/01/16/mission_warmth~3584605/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/11/08/title~3266550/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-11-08:/2007/11/08/title~3266550/Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:23:49 +0100 <p>To some it is a picnic spot and to some it is a tourist place <a title="School Students at Lotus Temple" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/school_students_at_lotus_temple/2130391"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/391/2130391_bbebb56209_s.jpeg" alt="School Students at Lotus Temple" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a> Some people come to this place to pray and some come here to meditate.. For some it is a wishing well and for some it is a place where they can be at leisure <a title="the Wishing Well" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/the_wishing_well/2130399"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/399/2130399_9697d15f66_s.jpeg" alt="the Wishing Well" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a> But to me it was... a place where I could feel closer to God a place where I could talk to myself a place where I could be myself a place where no one knew me yet I felt so comfortable a place where I could discover myself Friends, I am talking about what is called a temple but it does not have a diety. A temple without a diety is something that's so difficult for us to accept. But this famous temple is for sure without a diety yet you can feel the presence of God everywhere. So now some facts about it: I never knew something called Baha'i faith existed until I visited this temple and got to read about it. I must say they are good at what they are doing or what they want to do. And Lotus Temple is not the only temple without God.. they have others too but undoubetedly this onez the best of all their creations. It took more than 6 years to complete this beautiful temple. This is the only one of its kinds the architecture of which is in the form of a lotus and thus it is called Lotus Temple. With 9 (the auspicious, the holy, the spiritual number 9) is all around the temple. The temple has 9 inner petals, 9 outer petals and 9 water bodies surrounding the temple giving it a feel that the lotus has sprung out of water. The central roof of the temple is designed in a manner which filters the sunlight through its alignment of criss cross that gives a soothing effect. I am also amazed by the colour of the water in the surrounding water bodies and the reflection of the lotus petals in it. Everything about the temple is so good that I want to write it all here but if I write it all here than who would pay for Google search and wikipedia.. Ha ha .. just kidding... Check my flicker for more photographs of Lotus Temple : www(dot)flickr(dot)com(slash)photos(slash)shellysehra(slash)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/11/08/title~3266550/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shelly-sehratravellotus-templespiritualshellyhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/11/08/title~3266550/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/09/11/title~2959721/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-09-11:/2007/09/11/title~2959721/Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:02:46 +0200 <p><strong>There were two things that my <em>Daddu</em> kept teasing me – The month he got retired and his first wrist watch.</strong></p> <p>A loving and absolutely caring grand pa. My <em>Daddu</em> lived his life on his own terms. He loved all his grand children but I was his favorite not only because I was the first child in the family but also because of two more things that my <em>Daddu</em> kept teasing me – first because<br> He got retired only a month before I was born.<br> and second because<br> He lost his first and favorite wrist watch while I was in his arms.</p> <p>Even at 80s he was a very active man. He used to wake up early and go for his morning walk. After his daily cup of tea accompanied with some biscuits he used to go for his routine satsang at Nirankari Satsang Bhawan. He used to return home just in time to have breakfast prepared by my mom before she leaves for office. He used to watch news with so much interest and concentration that we bought him a dedicated television set for his room. And he was such a die-hard cricket fan that he almost jerked his body every time the ball hit the bat. He used to have his usual two meals (lunch + dinner) with a milk break in between. He was also a sweets-lover because of which my grand parents often argued with each other.</p> <p>He was loved by one and all and was popularly known as <em>'Pyare Lal'</em> in the community. He was a Pakistan locale and had migrated to India during partition. He often used to tell us tales of the undivided India which we all grand children listened with interest and enjoyed.</p> <p>Although he was a big time smoker but by God's grace he lived a healthy life. Though he tried to quit smoking many a times but resumed it every time he quit. There was one thing in his life that my grand pa disliked most and that was bathing. My <em>Daddu</em> used to skip his daily bath and my granny used to give him a good one for this. But he always made sure to get scolded by grand ma atleast once in a week. (Isn't that a good way to tease?) They always had one or the other reason to argue. Another one being one of their most deadliest issues for argument. My daddi is allergic to fast moving fans whereas my <em>Daddu</em> is a fan lover. So here they again fight over the speed over the fan. Despite all odds my grand parents were a very happy couple.</p> <p>Until May 1998, when my granny left us all of a sudden for her heavenly abode, we never knew my <em>Daddu</em> loved her so much. He had almost left his desire to live. Since then, he started preparing for his final journey. He got a photograph framed for him similar to the one that was used for my grand ma.</p> <p>Time flew and his life changed. He stopped having his last meal of the day followed by cutting down his lunch chappatis. He then stopped going for his morning walk and Satsang. No friends, no get togethers, no visits and no relatives for him. He wanted none but to be with my grand ma. (I know he never told any one that he wants to be with my grand ma but ....)</p> <p>With years passing by, he confined himself within his room and as months passed by he stopped talking to us. We felt the ache. He was not talking, he did nothing but sleep or eat (that too little). I told you na.. he lived life on his own terms. </p> <p>Year 2007 was the toughest in his life. His health started deteriorating. His skin was reduced to bones. Though his diet increased in his last days but it did him no good.</p> <p>It happened that he lost his sight followed by hearing and ultimately his sense of feeling.</p> <p>His last 10 days of life:<br> He could not speak.<br> He could not hear.<br> He could not eat.<br> He could not drink.<br> He could not walk.<br> He could not feel.</p> <p>He was in his bed and had left behind all desires of life as if he was all prepare for his final journey.</p> <p>And on the very auspicious day – the day of the birth of Lord Krishna called Janamashtmi, my <em>Daddu</em> took his final breath and left all of us in grief. I am sure he went in peace because what could be a better occasion for this than the birth date of Lord Krishna and the two people he loved most by his side. Yes, My mom and dad were by his side when he left for his heavenly abode.</p> <p>I pray to God for his soul rest in peace.</p> <p>I am happy that my grand parents are united again and I am sure my <em>Daddu</em> is as happy as he was years ago.</p> <p>There is so much to write about him but I will restrict because not MY Grand Father can be described in words.</p> <p>We miss you <em>Daddu</em> and we love you too.</p> <p>With Love<br> Your Grand Daugther<br> and every one else in the family </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/09/11/title~2959721/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>familylovehttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/09/11/title~2959721/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/08/29/we_the_responsible_citizens_of_india~2887406/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-08-29:/2007/08/29/we_the_responsible_citizens_of_india~2887406/Wed, 29 Aug 2007 05:16:26 +0200 <p>A 25-year old rather young female, working with a reputed MNC mobile service provider, who claims to be a well educated citizen of the country, well dressed in blue kurta and white pyajami wearing an expensive ESPIRIT watch on her left wrist and an expensive ray Ban sun glasses over her head is a master piece in herself.</p> <p>This Delhi University graduate is so hygienic and disciplined that she ensures to keep herself, her belongings and her carry bag so clean that she does not mind throwing any unwanted tissue paper out of the bus she is travelling in.</p> <p>I literally dug my nails into my palms when i saw this supposed-to-be responsible citizen of India liker her throwing away packet of biscuits outside the window of that mini bus that was carrying 25 passengers instead of its approved capacity of 18.</p> <p>Flaunting a Nokia N70, this gentle lady is so nice to talk that you can hardly imagine that she could behave so irresponsibly.</p> <p>My friends and acquaintances usually laugh at me when I stop them from littering on roads. Some of them say ' Arre yaar itna gand he sadak par thora meine phenk diya to kya farak pad jaega'. [cm'on yaar, there is already enough garbage on the roads, my minor littering won't make much of a difference]</p> <p>I ask myself-- will it not make a difference if everyone starts thinking like him/her. Wouldn't there not be garbage everywhere on roads.</p> <p>Other common excuses are 'Yaar meine to side par hi fenka he, kal safai hogi to saaf ho jaega' [I have thrown the garbage packet at the roadside, it will be removed the next day during the daily cleaning exercise.]</p> <p>How can people even think in such a way. Do you litter your homes for the reason they will be cleaned the next day.</p> <p>we all know how efficient is our Municipality department , then why don't we all become responsible and keep our surroundings clean.</p> <p>It is so saddening when educated people like us behave so irresponsibly. I just wonder is this the way India become a developed country with its educated youth behaving so selfishly.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/08/29/we_the_responsible_citizens_of_india~2887406/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wanna-bring-the-revolutioni-think-a-little-wierdhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/08/29/we_the_responsible_citizens_of_india~2887406/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/health~2730335/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-07-31:/2007/07/31/health~2730335/Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:42:47 +0200 <p><strong>India Today -- July 30th 2007 Edition</p> <p>Theme -- Health and Healthcare</p> <p>Cover Story -- The Good Health Guide</strong></p> <p>I liked the issue alot and though to pick up some information ans share it with you all.</p> <p>India is a land of many religions, castes that are divided in 28 states. It is a country that boasts of a mix of various cultures that coincide in some or the other way at the boundaries. With different ways of dressing and mouth watering variety of delicacies, India stands out on the world map. A common man's food in South India is an occasional delicacy for the North Indian commanes.</p> <p>The most famous traditional Indian thalis are the most sougth after delicacies of all time. These thalis are not just delicacies but are nutritious enough to fulfill body's requirement of necessary intake of vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates.</p> <p>With all the similarities in terms of nutritional content, still each of these is different from each other. North Indian Thali is considered to have the right mix of protein, vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates and iron whereas in a typical Bangla Ramman (Bengali Thali) is prepared in mustard oil which - according to a study - is considered as one of the best cooking material. In addition to this, it includes fish, which is required by the body for growth of lean muscle tissues. On other hand, a Gujarati Thali is rich in protein due to the meal that includes pulses, green leafy vegetables, yoghurt and dairy products. No less is a Marathi Thali which includes yoghurt that contains calcium and protein.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1850724" title="Thali"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/724/1850724_675bfadde5_t.jpg" alt="Thali" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>So does that mean -- A Thali a day, keeps the doctor Away. Ha Ha Ha</strong></p> <p>Anyways below are some more tips towards healthy living ---</p> <p><strong>Berries</strong> -- From Amla to Kalajamun, they all help the aging brain to stay sharp. So if you are tired of forgetting where did you last keep of glasses better start eating some berries.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848335" title="Berries"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/335/1848335_d1a4d83403_s.jpg" alt="Berries" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Prevent -- Cancer and Heart Diseases</strong></p> <p><strong>Chocolate</strong> -- Wow.. Chocolates in the healthy food list. I am impressed. 100 gms of Dark Chocolate a day can also help keep the doctor away. Isn't that a great news. Yes, researchers say dark chocolates release endorphins (body's natural painkillers) into the brain that can lift your mood.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848338" title="Dark chocolate"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/338/1848338_9dd6a04386_s.jpg" alt="Dark chocolate" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Beware -- Excess of everything is bad. But this could be worse resulting in high cholesterol levels, increase in body weight and skin problems.</strong></p> <p><strong>Eggs</strong> -- Loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins and Choline (for effective nerve muscle communication).<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848339" title="eggs"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/339/1848339_2d3b60a15a_s.jpg" alt="eggs" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip -- One hard-boiled egg a day, keeps you healthy</strong></p> <p><strong>Friends</strong> -- Make friends wherever you go because thats the healthy way of life. Except some exceptions like me, they are sure to help keep your Blood pressure under control.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1850694" title="friends"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/694/1850694_d99a36fad8_s.jpg" alt="friends" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip -- Make Friends, Have Fun.</strong></p> <p><strong>Ginger </strong>-- Here's a perfect reason for scoffing a packet a packet of ginger biscuits.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848358" title="ginger"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/358/1848358_da900d4411_s.jpg" alt="ginger" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Reason: Antioxidant properties which help prevent cancer, diabetes and heart attacks. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat arthritis.</strong></p> <p><strong>Herbal Tea</strong> -- Now don't miss your daily cup of herbal tea to boost your immune system and ease digestive disorders.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848367" title="herbal tea"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/367/1848367_1300807580_s.jpg" alt="herbal tea" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Suggestion -- Now tell your bosses to replace those old coffee-vending machines with some herbal tea vendors.</strong></p> <p><strong>Juicing</strong> -- Pulverised raw materials taste good and may encourage you to consume more fruits and vegetables thereby attributing to health-enhancing qualities -- detoxification and weight loss.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848369" title="juice"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/369/1848369_32500ea7de_s.jpg" alt="juice" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip -- If you hate to eat your greens, drink up.</strong></p> <p><strong>K Vitamin</strong> -- Great for building bones and promoting a healthy heart found in green leafy vegetables and cooking oils.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1850727" title="vitaminK"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/727/1850727_0c5ba8d5af_t.jpg" alt="vitaminK" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Laughter </strong>-- A perfect excuse for a half-day leave to watch that Munna Bhai or Hera Pheri. It stilmulates movement of blood to the heart and lungs. It also enhances antibodies that help fight sickness and release stress-fighting hormones.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848375" title="laughter"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/375/1848375_7096d7a41c_s.jpg" alt="laughter" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Money</strong> -- Money can't buy happiness but it can buy a good diet, access to gyms, spas and health-care. And they all help you live longer.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848376" title="money"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/376/1848376_dc0921e4fa_s.jpg" alt="money" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Be rich, live longer.</strong></p> <p><strong>Nuts</strong> -- Prevent heart diseases, help lose weight and also hep fight cholesterol and cancer.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848383" title="nuts"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/383/1848383_cffe0fb512_s.jpg" alt="nuts" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Beware: Don't overdose.</strong></p> <p><strong>Olive Oil</strong> -- Extra-virgin olive oil is the best for increasing good HDL cholesterol.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848385" title="olive oil"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/385/1848385_4c9e1abbb0_s.jpg" alt="olive oil" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Beware: Don't go overboard, its both expensive and caloric.</strong></p> <p><strong>Pomegranate</strong> -- A cancer fighting fruit rich in anti-oxidants, has healing and health boosting popertiess.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848393" title="pomegranate"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/393/1848393_5b05042efe_s.jpg" alt="pomegranate" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Squeeze it into a liquid to reap more benefits.</strong></p> <p><strong>Quiet Time</strong> -- The hugely underestimated lot. It is one of the best anti-stressing activity.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848407" title="times"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/407/1848407_bf0c955309_s.jpg" alt="times" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Sleep well, look though old photographs and listen to music.</strong></p> <p><strong>Red Wine</strong> -- Helps starve off heart disease and cancer. What better excuse to raise a glass of bordeaux every day.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848400" title="red wine"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/400/1848400_636a7e27b9_s.jpg" alt="red wine" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Beware: 3-4 glasses for men and 2-3 glasses for women. More could be dangerous.</strong></p> <p><strong>Sex</strong> -- Nothing unofficial about it. It helps you live longer by slowing down the aging process, reduces flab by burning up loads of calories, boosts immune system, strengthens the bones and increases circulation.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1850723" title="sex"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/723/1850723_0ce48c71a6_t.jpg" alt="sex" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Perfect excuse for a second honeymoon.</strong></p> <p><strong>Unsaturated Fat</strong> -- Maintain supple joints, healthy skin, hair, teeth and bones.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1850731" title="unsaturated fat"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/731/1850731_31ab3b593e_t.jpg" alt="unsaturated fat" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Next time you go fishing, catch an oily fish for better health results.</strong></p> <p><strong>Work out</strong> -- Moderate activity or walking 30 minutes a day can add upto 4 years to your lifespan.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848409" title="work out"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/409/1848409_f0df6877a8_s.jpg" alt="work out" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: Now stop reading any further and go out for a brisk walk.</strong></p> <p><strong>Yoga</strong> -- It can reverse the build up of plaque in coronary arteries, lower lactic acid levels and restore balance in psychitric disturbances.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1848415" title="yoga"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/415/1848415_496d94d30a_s.jpg" alt="yoga" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>Tip: OM is the magic word. Just say 'om' and feel the magic.</strong></p> <p>Let me know if the above helped you in some way or the other. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/health~2730335/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/health~2730335/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/26/mumbai_floods_26_july~2702538/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-07-26:/2007/07/26/mumbai_floods_26_july~2702538/Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:18:30 +0200 <p>A huge cloud of more than 20 km in radius was hovering over Mumbai. No one realised till 3:30 pm that this vast sheet of water-clad rain cloud would bring to Mumbai lots of destruction. Time was not right on 26th July 2005 when weather department issued a warning. But by then it was too late for many. Students had left their schools. Thousands of other people unaware of the expected heavy rains had come out of their offices, homes, shops. Mumbai was buzzling with life as always.</p> <p>It started raining at 2:30 pm. Nothing unusual for the Mumbaikars. The usual monsoon rains. Oh everyone was enjoying the rain. No one knew but the weather department that there was something unusual about the cloud that hovered over. </p> <p>A usual monsoon cloud is at a height 6-8 km above the sea level but this was unusually high at a height of 15 km that too covering almost entire Mumbai. And thus the this rain was unusually strong, heavy and poured continuously.</p> <p>At 3:30 pm, many low lying areas got water logged. Traffic everywhere was affected. Thousands of people got stuck in the water-logged roads. But no one yet imagined the destruction that was to soon follow. There were people stuck everywhere. At homes, at offices, in schools, on roads, in buses, in trains, at airports, at stations, in cars, everywhere. No one could move. By 6:30 pm, entire Mumbai was drowned. There was water water everywhere, nor a drop to drink. Everyone wanted to be safe but no one could. For hours it rained and every hour that rained it claimed more and more lives. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/036/1830036_f527a7479c_s.jpeg" alt="Mumbai Floods" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The financial capital of the country by now had realised that the vast stretch of black cover above them will show no mercy.</p> <p>Continuous downpour was claiming lives. Mumbai electricity board decided to cut-off electricity from the entire city. Mumbai was engulfed in the darkest of all nights. The Bollywood of the world that never sleeps was under a silent attack today. Road, rail and air link were affected. Mobile lines were jammed. Mumbai was cut-off from rest part of the world. It had become an island of small islands that day, unaware of what's happening in the neighbourhood. Because of no connectivity Mumbai could not reach itself. There was no help from anywhere. Amidst all this Mumbaikars were fighting the rain God for their lives and it happened so that many lost their lives. There was no rescue from it.</p> <p>26th July 2005 rains in Mumbai had brought to those thousands of people every colour of life from dark to bright. But to those who got killed in the fatal rains, there were no more colours. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/26/mumbai_floods_26_july~2702538/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/07/26/mumbai_floods_26_july~2702538/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/before_i_lay_down~2048496/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/before_i_lay_down~2048496/Sat, 07 Apr 2007 10:49:17 +0200 <p>Before I lay down<br> before I awake<br> would I make it through the night<br> and cherish the love I have<br> and cherish the life I live</p> <p>Will you be my side<br> o lord!<br> please don't let me be misunderstood<br> life has got its problems<br> and I have got my share.</p> <p>Do that to me one more time<br> kiss me<br> do that to me once again<br> tell that to me one more time<br> and I will reach eternity.</p> <p>You will be forever young<br> heaven can wait<br> we don't have the power<br> but don't say never<br> say<br> but don't say never.</p> <p>Do u really wanna live forever<br> I don't want to perish like the priest<br> I want to live like diamonds<br> I can see it in your smile<br> I want to tell u so much<br> I love u<br> and tell you time and again....<br> that I care<br> hello did you hear that.</p> <p>Tell me how to win your heart<br> for I haven't got a clue<br> but let me start by saying<br> I love u<br> by saying I love you<br> from all my heart.</p> <p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------</p> <p>Oh Lord!<br> I could hardly believe it<br> when I heard it today<br> had it come straight from you<br> they say you are leaving<br> is that true<br> is that true<br> someone just said<br> you swept my heart away<br> you swept my heart away.</p> <p>I will never want to love again<br> O lord!<br> someone just swept my heart away.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/before_i_lay_down~2048496/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>poetryhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/before_i_lay_down~2048496/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/02/25/it_s_been_so_long~1802838/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2007-02-25:/2007/02/25/it_s_been_so_long~1802838/Sun, 25 Feb 2007 16:46:57 +0100 <p>dear frends... </p> <p>I know its been long i wrote anything.. but i am sure very soon i will come up with a nice piece (hopefully you ll like it)</p> <p>thanks for all your appreciations and your support/.....</p> <p>love<br> She </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/02/25/it_s_been_so_long~1802838/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2007/02/25/it_s_been_so_long~1802838/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/09/12/its_the_time_for_disaster~1118122/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2006-09-12:/2006/09/12/its_the_time_for_disaster~1118122/Tue, 12 Sep 2006 08:01:27 +0200 <p>Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf invites Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh for talks. </p> <p>India has in her blood. PM will meet the president and why shouldn’t he? </p> <p>But I know nothing is gonna change. They will meet, talk and will become the highlights of all the channels, and then it will die out. The talks will be killed like our brothers and sisters were killed in various attacks in delhi, Mumbai, srinagar and Malegaon. Nothing will change.</p> <p>President is ready to provide all his support to curb terrorism but in Pakistan itself, just under his nose, all the terrorist camps are functioning. And one must know that this terror is not just affecting India or the US but it is killing people all over the world including Pakistan itself. </p> <p>Osama attacks the US. The US attacks Iraq. What is the difference between the two? Both the attacks killed thousands of people, crippled many men, widowed many women, orphaned many children but the result today is – More killings, even more killings and more.</p> <p>The world has now learned to live with terrorism. Our children today are taught to grow with terror. Terror and terrorism have become part of life and school curriculum. The kashmiri children (India) wake up to the reality to find out that they have lost their parents in some blast last night.</p> <p>It seems that there is nothing that can save the world. Even the God has agreed to the fate of these inhumane creatures. In fact God is giving his helping hand to men to spread disaster, increase the killing and finally destroy the world. Don’t you agree with me? </p> <p>Twin Tower Blast<br> Pentagon Blast<br> London Blast<br> Mumbai, Srinagar, Delhi and Malegaon Blasts<br> Bali Blasts<br> Blasts in Iraq and the story goes on and on and on…</p> <p>Now similarly..<br> Tsunami<br> Katrina<br> Rita<br> Earthquake in Pakistan, India, Gulf<br> Flood in India, Vietnam<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=812798"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/798/812798_65b9cda878_s.jpeg" alt="tears from disaster" title="tears from disaster" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The situations are getting worse.. Global warming, destruction of Ozone layer, we are paving the road to our won destruction. And now there is no one to stop man. In his quest to conquer this Universe, the man has forgotten the existence of the super natural power who is the creator of all this.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=812796"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/796/812796_4a71f42c92_s.jpeg" alt="games disaster logo" title="games disaster logo" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>So now it is the time to enjoy life to its fullest because man has fallen to such an extent from where it is impossible to even think of rising, and now you can do nothing but wait and wait for a BING BANG Theory to happen again. The Earth will reborn… but this time even God will think a hundred times before creating a creature like humans…..</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=812795"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/795/812795_0fc35b2db6_s.jpeg" alt="" title="" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/09/12/its_the_time_for_disaster~1118122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/09/12/its_the_time_for_disaster~1118122/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/29/oh_dear_pluto_these_cruel_people_how_can~1079305/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2006-08-29:/2006/08/29/oh_dear_pluto_these_cruel_people_how_can~1079305/Tue, 29 Aug 2006 13:26:47 +0200 <p>Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus… Thank God none is from Pluto…</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=784635"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/635/784635_2946054119_s.jpeg" alt="Pluto Cries" title="Pluto Cries" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>IMAGINE the pain Pluto will have to undergo after it comes to know that it has lost its status of being a planet. It is similar to the blow which Laloo received after the elections. It was hard for him to swallow the fact that he is no more the chief minister of Bihar. Pluto is blown up with a similar shock. </p> <p>It came as a surprise to millions when Pluto lost its status of being a planet. The Ex-Planet now is nothing more than just a piece of congregated matter circling around the Sun like million others. </p> <p>Oh No! Pluto is no more a planet. Now I will have to learn again the number of planets in the universe. “There are 8 planets in the Universe”, “There are 8 planets in the Universe”, “There are 8 planets in the Universe”. But ufff.. Where has the ninth planet vanished? So how would you now explain to your kids where has the ninth planet disappeared? </p> <p>I was also wondering if there are not nine but eight planets in the Universe then perhaps the importance of number 9 no more stands valid. What about the nine GRAHAS of astrology. Ab meri Kundli ka kya hoga??? (What will happen to my Kundli now??) Disappearance of a grah would for sure bring evil to me.</p> <p>Now on some serious note.. This discovery takes us back to the Era of scientists and astronomers like Galileo, Einstein, Newton and Copernicus when they used to argue over various theories. The time has come when we contradict theories and findings of our ancestors like they did because this is the rule of the Universe <strong>“Everything is constant, Even change”</strong>. Many theories were rejected, many came and went, some stayed for a longer duration but they all had the same fate. Now with Pluto being dismissed from the planetary position, it is very likely that some more changes in the Universe including some more inclusions and deletions will occur. </p> <p>Pluto was debarred from the Planet position as it doesn't qualify the parameter that a planet should revolve round the Sun, without interfering with the orbit of other planets, while Pluto crosses Neptune's orbit. Pluto now belongs to a new category, called dwarf planets. </p> <p>Now with this demotion some feel that our Indian ancestors were well known of the fact that there are not nine but less planets and thus they devised the concept of Navgrahs which includes Sun and Moon and thereby the only 7 planetary positions are left.( So whoz gonnu be the next??) So this means that there is one more planet which is not a planet. Interesting na.. I don’t say this, our Hindu Mythology does.</p> <p>But you know friends I always knew Pluto is not a planet.. How can it be?? It can walk, it can talk, it can think, it can dance.. he is too sweet to be a planet.. No way it is not a planet.. it is my sweet sweet plutooooooooooooooo</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=784642"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/642/784642_6a80d9e11a_m.jpeg" alt="Pluto" title="Pluto" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Oh Dear Pluto -- I will miss you as a Planet But I am happy I will have to learn less at least till these cruel people discover some more planets. </p> <p>And my dear Pluto I simply Love you… You Rock!!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/29/oh_dear_pluto_these_cruel_people_how_can~1079305/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>i-think-a-little-wierdplutohttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/29/oh_dear_pluto_these_cruel_people_how_can~1079305/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/23/the_other_side_of_me~1062373/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2006-08-23:/2006/08/23/the_other_side_of_me~1062373/Wed, 23 Aug 2006 13:34:31 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=770280"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/280/770280_a1f9054e24_m.jpeg" alt="images4" title="images4" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Hee hEE</p> <p>U muz have thot that I am talking about the other side of Shelly... No guys it is yet not the time to reveal the other side of ME.. Here I am talking about SIdney Sheldon's autobiography...</p> <p>I am impressed by the kind of hardwork he has done to attain such a position in his life... A dedicated and a sincerae man to his work.... the best part of hif life so far i think must have been his wife Jorja, who stood next to him during all his tough times and his mother Natalie…. </p> <p>He went thru things in his life including an incident where he tries to commit suicide.. All the hardships he had to go thru… brilliant.. with all that he is SIDNEY SHELDON now…. The famous Novelist.. </p> <p>But now I think… I never had to go thru any hardships… I was born in a family where I had all the comforts… a house, a vehicle, money to spend on frends, and everything that a human beings wants in life…. My mom and dad love me a lot, my sis and brother have been too great… my family and my frends all have been thr always.. so I have actually never gone thru a hardship.. for me breaking from a relationship, failing in exam is a hardship and that’s it… oh God!!! This means I would never be able to write a novel as intriguing as this or as popular as this coz I have done nothing in my life except going to school for 14 yrs, to college for another 3 yrs n then some more studies and now I m doing a job.. HOW BORING!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>Ahhh!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/23/the_other_side_of_me~1062373/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>i-think-a-little-wierdreviewhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/08/23/the_other_side_of_me~1062373/#commentshttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/i_think_this_way_do_you~996513/tag:shellie.blog.co.uk,2006-07-28:/2006/07/28/i_think_this_way_do_you~996513/Fri, 28 Jul 2006 19:16:10 +0200 <p>I finished reading the following three novels in a matter of three months and guess what I am reading the fourth one...Thats sounds good to me..what about you...</p> <p><strong>Timeline by Michael Crichton<br> The Da Vince Code by Dan Brown<br> Angels and Demons by Dan Brown</strong></p> <p>Oh...My God what a hard work and research is associated with all these novels </p> <p>What a plot this man Crichton has made to write <strong>Timeline</strong> and how much hard work he put into it...but one thingz for sure ..i did twice his hard work to finish this intellectual’s novel..</p> <p>Jokes apart ..Seriously...this is a great novel ...though I didn’t find it very addicting but without doubt it is an amazing novel....This onez for those who are historians or history freaks...no doubt I scored well in history in 10th standard but that was all because I was good at cramming..and that cramming did me no good to understand this novel the way this novel deserved.</p> <p>The plot is really impressive and worth appreciation ... I do not understand how these writers manage to elaborate 24 hours or so in a 450 page or so drama..</p> <p>Look at <strong>The Da Vince Code</strong> by Dan Brown...awesome piece (my fav novel)..he wrote that 490 page plot which was just a matter of one or more day... I am simply bowled over this novel and its protagonist...Hats off to you sir</p> <p>Next comes <strong>Angels and Demons</strong>.....a drama centred around the Vatican City....This time Robert langdon caught my eye and I think I’m lovin it....and this became intense when i watched Vince Code starring Tom Hanks ..... 50 hours that again were elaborate to be a 500 page novel (Angels and Demons)...... The concept of Illuminati and the six markers is still embedded .....</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=716606"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/606/716606_4a664dad97_s.gif" align="" alt="Angels & Demons" title="Angels & Demons" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://public.web.cern.ch/public/Content/Chapters/Spotlight/SpotlightAandD-en.html">Here are some realities about CERN, the organisation, where the whole plot of Angels & Demons started.</a></p> <p>I think after reading the two novels I have actually started thinking of visiting Rome and Paris...</p> <p>The best things that I learnt from Brown’s novels are anagram and ambigram...I would never had known the words can be written in such a manner so that they can be read upside down and this is an art...Such words are called ambigrams.</p> <p>Will get more next time... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/i_think_this_way_do_you~996513/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>i-think-a-little-wierdreviewhttp://shellie.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/i_think_this_way_do_you~996513/#comments