Sridhar's Blog

Farm near Kanva Dam in Ramanagaram

2014-01-02T02:50:00.000-08:00

Ramanagaram town is at a distance of 45 kms from Bangalore. Kengal Anjaneyaswamy temple is located about 6 kms from Ramnagaram on the Bangalore Mysore highway. Take a right turn next to the temple. The Kanva dam is located at a distance of 6 kms from this point. This is a picnic spot. Presently there is very little water in the Dam.

The farm is at a distance of 2.5 kms from the dam. The location is picturesque with greenery all-round. There are also several hillocks visible at a distance. A mud road of 1.5 kms leads to the farm.

The famous Abbur Raghavendraswamy Mutt is about 4 kms farm.

The farm has coco-nut, jackfruit and a few areca nut trees. There are several mango, banana, mulberry and coconut plantations in the area. The ground water level in this area is quite high. A bore well of about 350 feet depth can deliver about 6000 liters of water per hour.

Farm Photos

Farm

Mud Road leading to the farm

Kanva Dam

Mulberry crop next to the farm

Road Leading to the Farm

Hillocks in the Background

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Hypoglycemia

2012-03-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Blood glucose levels lower than normal is known as Hypoglycemia. It can occur due to certain illnesses like liver disease or certain types of tumors. The condition may require treatment or surgery. It also requires dieting.

Hypoglycemia can cause confusion or even fainting. In advanced cases it can lead to seizures, coma and even death. Symptoms of the disease are nervousness, hunger, sweatiness, sleepiness and weakness. Hyperglycemia

can also be caused by diabetes medication including oral medications and insulin.

Diabetes medications will have to taken in recommended dosages and time. Any change can result in Hypoglycemia. As the medication increases insulin levels even skipping a meal can result in hypoglycemia.

People with diabetes should have food as recommended by a dietician. Blood glucose levels will have to be checked before and after any sports activity. In case of extended physical activity, snacks will have eaten as required. People who experience Hypoglycemia regularly, will have to call on their healthcare provider.

If the blood glucose level becomes too low it can be overcome by consuming 3-4 glucose tablets, eating candy, drinking fruit juice or soft drink.

Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and life threatening. If a person passes out, immediate treatment would be to inject Glucagon which would bring the blood sugar levels to normal. Even though physical activity is good for people with diabetes it can cause the blood sugar levels to drop too low causing Hypoglycemia.

Gardening

2012-02-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

Gardening is the practice of growing flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees, herbs and shrubs in a plot. Gardening is an age old pastime. It needs interest and involvement to develop a garden. Flowers, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants can be grown in a garden. A wide variety of grass is available for the lawn, which an integral part of the garden. Gardens can be designed by a professional or the gardener himself.

Gardening takes place in areas like parks, offices, hotels and transportation corridors. Several large botanical gardens with a wide variety of plants and trees can be seen in different places across the world.

Any space near the house can be turned into a residential garden. Suitable plants have to be chosen according to the available space & climatic conditions of the area.

A wide variety of flowers can be grown in a garden. Flowers are grown generally for ornamental purposes. Roses of different varieties in a wide range of colors are grown. Bougainvillea, Dahlia, Orchids and Lotus are some of the perennials that can be grown. Aster, Carnation, Dahlia, Zinnia, Marigold and Balsam are some of the favorite annuals.

Ornamental plants are also grown in a garden. Some ornamental plants are grown for their colorful foliage and some for their bloom. Most of these plants and seeds are available in a plant nursery. Plants can be grown in a container (pot) or can be planted outside.
Some varieties of plants can be grown indoors. Water plants can be planted in a tub or in a pond. A wide range of vegetables like beans, cauliflower and carrots are also grown in a garden.

Shade Loving Plants

2012-02-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

Most plants require sunlight to grow and flower. But some plants can also grow in the shade without direct exposure to sunlight. Some gardens may have trees which limit the sunlight. In most gardens there will be some corner which is not exposed to sunlight. Shade loving plants can grow under the trees and dark corners of the gardens.

There are different varieties of shade loving plants. Some can grow in partial sunlight and the others cannot withstand any sunlight. Plants that grow in the shade have better foliage than the sun loving plants. The larger leaves of the plants helps them to make better use of the light they receive. Begonia is a very popular plant that can be grown in the shade. It can withstand humid conditions. It can be also grown in hanging baskets. Lady’s mantle is a perennial which has bluish green colored leaves. The plant grows 18 inches tall and the green colored flowers bloom in summer. Impatiens is another plants that grows in partial sunlight and produces flowers of various hues.

Some leafy vegetables can also be grown in the shade. Lettuce, spinach, radiccio and endive can grow very well in the shade. These plants are ideally suited for successive planting.

Some shrubs can also grow in the shade. Carolina allspice does not require much sunlight . It gives reddish purple flowers and emits a pleasant aroma. Viburnum shrubs give attractive fragrant flowers and are partial to shade.

The Power of Self-Hypnosis.

2010-11-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hypnosis is defined as a deep trance, which is akin to sleep. In the hypnotic state the subconscious mind accepts suggestions made to you. One person under hypnosis was suggested that he will read a certain passage from the bible on a particular day after six months. He did do so on that particular day. The person hypnotized was not conscious that the suggestion was made to him.

Hypnosis is used in getting rid of habits like smoking and alcoholism. It is also useful in getting rid of phobias. Under hypnosis a person can be made to reveal things that he does not remember in his conscious mind. If a person has a phobia, he might reveal under hypnosis the reason for that phobia. May be that was due to an incident in his childhood. It helps the doctor to treat him, as the reason for that phobia is revealed. Not every one can be hypnotized. The subject has to be willing to get hypnotized.

Self hypnosis is powerful tool achieve things you badly want to. If you can put yourself into a deep trance and suggest to yourself that you want quit smoking, your subconscious mind will try to prevent you from doing so. It you suggest that you weight has to be reduced; your subconscious mind will try to reduce your food intake and make you to exercise.

It might take quite a bit of practice and effort to achieve this. But it is definitely worth the effort. The power of soft and repeated suggestion cannot be overemphasized. Self hypnosis is some kind of daydreaming.

To perform self hypnosis, sit on a chair comfortably. Close your eyes. Concentrate deeply on an object in your mind’s eye. Relax and don’t let your thoughts wander. After some time you will feel totally relaxed. Then start repeating to yourself, I am calm and relaxed. After you attain some kind of a trance, you will feel that the world is slipping away from you. Then you can keep repeating what you want to very badly. It could be that “I will slim down fast”. or ” I will be successful and positive”.

Once such thoughts are registered in your mind, your subconscious mind will drive you relentlessly towards that goal. It is said that every thing is in the mind. If you want achieve something you should want it very badly. Your subconscious mind will make to want it badly. If used properly hypnosis is a very useful tool.

Effective Communications in the Workplace

2010-10-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Good communications are extremely important for the cordial atmosphere and good productivity in the workplace. Inability to communicate effectively with the colleagues and bosses might lead mistakes that that could lead to poor productivity and losses. Effective communications are an absolute must for building up trust, friendship or relationships in life.

Personal meetings

Meeting people personally and having discussions with them, is the best way to communicate. When you meet people and understand each other's body language, you would be able to build a rapport with each other. When a personal meeting is impossible it is good to keep in touch over the phone.

Networking

Building up a network in the different departments of your company and even outside, is of primary importance. A friend or contact well placed in the accounts department or transportation department could be very useful when the need arises. This applies to your day to day life too. We have seen that a doctor friend or a friend in a bank, come up with invaluable advice when we need it most.

Manners

Your manners and politeness in your communications goes a long way in creating a good impression of yourself. It would also help to forge a long term friendship. Don't ever try to show your superiority by ill treating other people. You are only belittling yourself in the eyes of the other person. If you treat others well it becomes impossible for others to treat you badly. Good manners and politeness is a habit. Make extra effort to cultivate this habit. This mutual trust and respect would help in the creation of a cordial atmosphere in the work place.

Flexibility

Willingness to compromise is the best way of avoiding and getting out conflicts. Always listen to the other person's point of view. Place yourself in his shoes and think what you would have done. If others can see that you are acting in the larger interests of the company, they would be willing to compromise.

Personality

Make yourself attractive and interesting. Pay special attention to your clothes. It should always be sober, pleasing and attractive. Read the local news paper and keep yourself updated with the latest information. Keep up with the information on the latest advances in your business. Never keep talking about yourself and your exploits. This is sure to make people avoid you like plague.

Listening Skills

Listen to what others have to say with patience. You empathize with them. This empathetic active listening will gain you a lot of respect and win you quite a few friends. Listening skills are very important to understand the work at hand. It is also essential to understand and resolve problems of the customers. It is also necessary to build rapport with the bosses and colleagues. It is only when you listen carefully that underlying problems can be understood. You should always listen to the suggestions of employees. This would help clear any misunderstanding. The suggestions and ideas may lead to increased productivity.

Effective communications are essential for personal growth and overall growth of the company.

Blood Clot - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2010-10-11T07:25:00.001-07:00

Blood clot causes are several. They are generally caused by long periods of inactivity. Long stays in the hospital, sitting for very long periods and birth control pills are some of the other causes. When we cut our skin, blood oozes out and if we press and hold it for a while it coagulates and stops. But blood flowing through the body should always in liquid form. Without the uninterrupted flow of blood in the body, tissues and cells will die out. Blood clot symptoms include swelling and aching of the affected part. People who are obese or have heart problems are in the high risk category. Varicose veins also induce the clotting of blood. When clots do happen they cut off blood supply to the brain resulting in a stroke. Clots can also induce heart attacks. A clot formed in any part of the body can travel through the veins to the lungs. Such a clot is called a thrombus. Clots formed in different parts of the body are known by different names. Some people inherit the tendency of greater blood coagulation. This condition is known as hyper coagulation and is extremely dangerous. Reasons Travelling in a plane or car, sitting for long periods may induce a clot. Stretching legs, moving around in the plane or getting down from the car to move around are important to prevent it from doing so. Stretching exercises are also very helpful. Cancer patients are more prone to clots. Symptoms include swelling and pain. Chest pain and shortness of breath are indicators of the blood clot moving to the lungs. Treatment Some of the important drugs used to prevent clots are heparin and warfarin. People going on long distance journey can take a shot of heparin as a preventive measure. It is commonly used blood clot treatment. Heparin acts much faster than the other drugs. Men have a greater chance of having a clot than women. Doctors still are not too sure about medication and dosage. But immediate treatment increases the chances of recovery. Patients with different types of cancer who are treated with statins show reduction in clotting. Prevention People who are prone to blood clots should keep their legs at a higher level on a pillow when they sleep or raise the lower end bed posts by a few inches. Compression stockings are also very useful in preventing the clots. As with most other diseases healthy food, exercises and weight control are important in the prevention of clots. Blood clot symptoms also need medication and a change in lifestyle.

Here's the corrected version of the text:

Blood clot causes are varied. They are generally triggered by prolonged periods of inactivity. Extended hospital stays, prolonged sitting, and the use of birth control pills are some of the other contributing factors. When we cut our skin, blood oozes out, and if we apply pressure for a while, it coagulates and stops. However, blood circulating throughout the body should always remain in liquid form. Without the continuous flow of blood, tissues and cells will deteriorate. Blood clot symptoms include swelling and aching in the affected area. Individuals who are obese or have heart problems are at a higher risk. Varicose veins can also lead to blood clot formation.

When clots do occur, they can obstruct blood supply to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Clots can also trigger heart attacks. A clot formed in any part of the body can travel through the veins to the lungs; such a clot is referred to as a thrombus. Clots formed in different parts of the body are known by various names. Some people inherit a tendency toward increased blood coagulation. This condition is known as hypercoagulation and is extremely dangerous.

Causes

Traveling in a plane or car and prolonged sitting can induce clot formation. Engaging in leg stretches, moving around during flights, or taking breaks while driving are important to prevent this. Stretching exercises are also highly beneficial.

Cancer patients are more susceptible to clots. Symptoms include swelling and pain. Chest pain and shortness of breath are indicators that a blood clot might have moved to the lungs.

Treatment

Some of the essential drugs used to prevent clots are heparin and warfarin. People embarking on long-distance journeys can take a shot of heparin as a preventive measure. It is a commonly used treatment for blood clots. Heparin acts more rapidly than other drugs. Men have a higher likelihood of experiencing clot formation than women.

Doctors are still uncertain about the appropriate medication and dosage. Nevertheless, immediate treatment enhances the chances of recovery. Patients with various types of cancer who are treated with statins exhibit reduced clotting.

Prevention

Individuals prone to blood clots should elevate their legs using a pillow while sleeping or raise the foot of the bed a few inches. Compression stockings are also highly effective in preventing clots. As with most other medical conditions, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and controlling weight play pivotal roles in preventing clots. Blood clot symptoms also require medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Garlic- Health Benefits and Uses

2010-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Garlic’s health benefits have been known for a long time. It was widely used in ancient Egypt. It is an extensively used herbal medicine. In its natural form, it contains an antibiotic called allicin. It also contains sulfides. It is said to fight against certain types of cancers. It can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also fight plaque formation in the arteries. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis.

Garlic is used in the treatment of asthma. It is said to reduce the intensity of attacks. As it has a pungent smell and bad odor, the best way to consume garlic would be to cut the cloves into pieces and swallow it like tablets. Consuming it like this, you can escape from the foul smelling breath. It can prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the chances of a stroke. It is also used as a mild antibiotic, and an antibacterial agent.

Fresh garlic can be used as an anti-fungal herb. It has been used to fight the some of the most dangerous bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. Only fresh raw garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. When cooked it loses most of its properties. Garlic extracts, as they are not fresh also tend to lose their medicinal value.

It has been used as preventive and cure for colds, cough and asthma for ages. It is also said to boost metabolism. Consuming garlic has very little side effects. Topical application of garlic is also prevalent. It can also be used as a mosquito repellent. Cut it into half and keep it in a room. It will drive away the mosquitoes.

Top Architecture Programs in the USA

2009-08-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

An architect has to be creative as well as technically proficient. He has to be an expert in design, construction and renovation of buildings. He should have an intimate knowledge the climates, soils and the landscape. He will have to learn computer aided design as well. Here is a list of the top architecture programs in US and what they have to offer.

College of Architecture and Urban Studies of the Virginia tech is one of top schools of architecture in the country. It is located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The School of Architecture + Design offers a cross disciplinary program. It offers both Bachelor and Master's degree courses in architecture. The courses help students to think independently and critically. Students learn to develop new strategies and new products. It arms them with all the knowledge and experience to go into private or public practice. This is rated among the top architecture programs.

Another top rated school is The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) of the Cornell University. It has a 130 year old history of teaching architecture. As a top school, it attracts exceptionally talented students. It offers both under graduate (B.Arch), which is a five year program and graduate (M.Arch I/II) programs. Some of its students have become leading architects over the years. It educates students to meet the present as well as future challenges. AAP has career services wing which counsels students on the resources and assists them in getting internships with employers.

School of Architecture, Syracuse University, New York has long history of teaching architecture. It aims educate its students on the history of ideas, so that they can design buildings that are relevant to the place and time. It teaches students to see the complexity of our future cities and design accordingly. As a part of their curriculum, lectures, symposiums and exhibitions are arranged. It offers some of the top architecture programs for both graduate and postgraduate students. Syracuse University offers scholarships to gifted students. About 80% of the students receive scholarships

Some top architecture programs are offered by College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), University of Cincinnati. The college is located in the main campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is one of the most prestigious design schools in the world. It teaches the students to look at the overall requirements of a building taking into consideration, the traditions, interiors and exterior. The program tries to enhance the ability, insight and sensitivity to aesthetics in each student. It exposes students to a broad range of creative activities. And students come into contact with top academic and industry leaders within their classrooms.

Harvard University Graduate School of Design offers top architecture programs for students with a bachelor's degree in architecture. Series of intensive design courses are specially formulated to let students acquire mastery over design. To aid students to make smooth transition from graduate school to professional practice they are asked prepare a thesis on design.