Simple Dreams

Is Your Mobile Set Genuine?

2012-01-27T01:04:00.000+04:00

The news of banning fake mobiles was heard now and then so far. Now its real. UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is into action and are up against fake mobile phones being not only sold but being used as well. All the customers are required to check IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of their mobile devices.

As per TRA (which I often confuse with RTA - Road Transport Authority at times!):

* The fake phones pose dangers to users and are prone to battery leaks or explosions due to poisonous chemicals such instruments are likely to release.

* Radiation levels in such phones could be high

* Quality of reception could be poorer

* The batteries could drain out faster

Both Etisalat and Du - the local telecom providers are in action against these counterfeit products in coordination with TRA.

Those wishing to check genuinity of their mobiles need to do the following:

1. Dial *#06#

2. The IMEI number appears on your mobile screen (about 15 digits)

3. Text or SMS your IMEI number to 8877

4. You will receive a response from the service provider on the genuinity of the device.

Text (SMS) your mobile IMEI Number to 8877 (in U.A.E.)

Response from Service Provider

As per TRA, users of fake devices will be contacted by their service providers and unapproved phones will be disconnected from all telecom services, including calls, texts and internet.

The Christmas Photo Album - Dubai 2011

2011-12-26T06:54:00.005+04:00

Hi, here is a Christmas Album with pictures of Christmas Tree at St. Mary's Dubai this year (2011):

A Parishioner Standing At This Year's Christmas Tree at St. Marys

A Closure Look at the tree

Festive Theme Displayed Near Christmas Tree

A Crib at St. Mary's Church Dubai

Newly built Grotto cum Alter meant for Open Air Mass

A rare Christmas Tree at Festival City Shopping Mall

Why This Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Craze?

2011-12-07T00:41:00.003+04:00

While "Why This Kolaveri Di?" a Tamil song recorded for movie "3" went viral on the internet creating records, I thought of summing up what's so great about this song? Despite the criticism by music puritans, there is something about this song.... probably the simple lyrics, relaxing tune and moreover great combination of instruments have contributed to the success of the song.

1. Why This... is a less Tamil and more English song sung by Dhanush the hero (he is Superstar Rajanikant's son-in-law) of Tamil movie "3". Shruti Hasan (daughter of very accomplished actor Kamal Hasan) is the heroine in "3".

2. This movie is being directed by Aishwarya R. (daughter of Superstar Rajanikant)

3. Sony Music's release of the song digitally 20 days ago gave enough push

4. It's 21 year old composer Anirudh Ravichander's debut for a movie

5. According to him it took mere 5 minutes to come out with this simple tune

6. The situation in the song is about failure in love

7. Why This Kolaveri stands for "Why this murderous rage against me?" and 'Di' is colloquial slang for girl just as "Da" for boys

8. "Soup" is said to be a colloquial Tamil word used for guys who suffer failure in love.

9. Ancient Indian instruments used in the song like "Shehanai" and "Nadaswar" bring absolute delight for listeners

10. As per Anirudh, the song has the added flavour of Western instruments like Accoustic Jazz Guitar and Saxophone

11. The Indian folk rhythm makes the song more appealing

12. Composer Anirudh has learned western classical piano and carnatic music. He had been part of a Carnatic Western Fusion Band and had a Rock Band during his college days

13. The song was recorded at ace musician and composer A.R. Rehaman's studio

14. Anirudh has promised that rest of the songs being composed for the movie will be of pure lyrics and pure tunes

15. By the time this post goes online, there are ~~17.5~~ 28 Million + hits on youtube on this song that means quite a few thousand dollars!

Wanna add to the above statistics just click the url below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR12Z8f1Dh8

And the lyrics so simple like never before, Njoy:

yo boys i am singing song

soup song
flop song
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
rhythm correct
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
maintain this

why this kolaveri..di
distance la moon-u moon-u
moon-u color-u white-u
white background night-u nigth-u
night-u color-u black-u

why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di

white skin-u girl-u girl-u
girl-u heart-u black-u
eyes-u eyes-u meet-u meet-u
my future dark

why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di

maama notes eduthuko
apdiye kaila sax eduthuko

pa pa paan pa pa paan pa pa paa pa pa paan
sariya vaasi
super maama ready
ready 1 2 3 4
whaa wat a change over maama
ok maama now tune change-u

kaila glass
only english..
hand la glass
glass la scotch
eyes-u full-aa tear-u
empty life-u
girl-u come-u
life reverse gear-u

lovvu lovvu
oh my lovvu
you showed me bouv-u
cow-u cow-u holi cow-u
i want u hear now-u
god i m dying now-u
she is happy how-u
this song for soup boys-u
we dont have choice-u

why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di
why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di

flop song (I'm not saying so.... it's part of lyrics)

Lyrics Courtesy:www.laughingbug.com, picture and info. rediff.com and other sources

An International Feeling!

2011-10-24T00:01:00.002+04:00

"That's Truley An International Feeling!" is all I want to utter when I happen to drive along these beautiful streets of Dubai on my way to work place. Wanna know what are the international cities I at times pass through on some mornings? The pictures posted below are the proof for what I said above.

Here begins my international journey right from Kuwait Street in Bur Dubai:

↓↓

Then straight into the capital city of Egypt

↓↓

Then there is capital of Iraq

↓↓

Then I cross through Qatar

↓↓

And here comes Syria

↓↓

Still through Syria

↓↓

Then within a couple of seconds I'm in Lebanon

↓↓

And finally, wait a minute, its Jordan!

And thus the journey into international cities comes to an end giving me an International Feeling in a matter of few minutes! What more one can ask for?

A Gold Vending Machine - Gold ATM

2011-10-07T00:29:00.001+04:00

Hi, if you have visited Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the 828 Meter standing World's Tallest Tower, I am sure you have come accross this Gold Vending Machine on 124th deck, the deck kept open exclusively for visitors.

Only thing is you've got to have cash ready as this machine does not accept credit or debit cards. I waited for some time to witness someone to make a transaction, but during my visit none came to do so. Nonetheless its pretty impressive to find a Gold Vending Machine at that height. After all Dubai ofcourse is a CITY OF GOLD.

Christmas In The Air

2011-01-08T23:44:00.001+04:00

UAE is quite popular for its glittering shopping malls specially during Christmas season. Decorated Christmas trees can be found in almost all shopping malls during Christmas time a month in advance. It clearly looks as if there is a kind of competition, amongst Shopping Malls as to portray the festive season to their best.

This year UAE made a bigger news for having the most expensive Christmas Tree in the world. I remember during mid 2010, Emirates Palance Hotel, a luxury hotel in the capital city of Abu Dhabi had unveiled the Worlds First Gold Vending Machine. The same hotel this year came out with an unique idea of presenting the most expensive Christmas tree in the world. It is said that this Christmas tree was decorated with expensive ornaments totaling to 11 Million US Dollars.

Most Expensive Christmas Tree (Photo Courtesy - BBC)

I happened to visit Lulu Hypermarket in Al Qusais, Dubai and Festival City, Dubai during this festive season and could click few photographs of the uniquely displayed Christmas trees.

Christmas Tree At Lulu Hypermarket, Dubai

Unique Christmas Tree at Festival City, Ikea Dubai

In addition to the Christmas Trees displayed in shopping malls to attract shoppers, one must see the most colour Christmas Tree annually made by Filipino Christian Community at St. Marys Church Dubai. I clicked this photograph given below on this Christmas morning. In December, it purely Christmas in the air........

Most Colourful Christmas Tree at St. Marys Dubai

A Date With Dates

2010-07-20T23:24:00.001+04:00

It’s a pure co-incidence I say! As I prepare this blogpost, I came across a news that a week long annual “Date Festival” has begun at Liwa Oasis, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on 17^th July.

Newly Planted Palms

Palms along the road side

Fresh dates, About to get ripe

A Palm Too Young To Give Fruits

The date palm culture has thousand years of history in United Arab Emirates. The date palm cultivation dates to 3000 B.C. in Iraq (Mesopotamia)

A Bumper Yield

Ripened Fruits Going Waste

Few facts on dates and date palms:

Ø      Before oil discovery, date palms were used for all purposes
Ø      There are 40 million date palms in U.A.E. of which 33 million palms are in Abu Dhabi Emirate alone
Ø      During the first week of August of each year, there is an annual Date Festival organized at Liwa, where date growers present their various products.
Ø      Date Palm trees supply an average of two thirds of income of people living in the Sahara.
Ø      Date Palm provides protection to under-crops from harsh climate (heat, wind and even cold weather)
Ø      For proper maturing of fruit, the date requires summer heat and low humidity during the ripening period.
Ø      Date fruits are pleasant in taste, natural and healthy; provide good digestive effect due to rich fiber content in them.
Ø      U.A.E. exports its dates to India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Ø      There are 150 date varieties
Ø      The date palm tree is also used extensively as an ornamental tree
Ø      To produce quality fruits, climate should be of very little rain and needs to be hot.
Ø      The date palms consume large amounts of water.
Ø      The date palms can even survive in subfreezing temperatures.

A Perfect Palm!

Telecom Antennas camouflage as Palm Tree

Another Perfect Palm in Ajman

Data Courtesy: www

Touring Down To God's Own Country

2010-06-21T00:31:00.001+04:00

It was indeed a feather on the cap of Kerala Tourism Industry when ‘Munnar’ hill station in South Indian state of Kerala was recently chosen as Asia's second best tourist destination in the TripAdvisor's 2010 Traveler’s Choice Destination awards. The first place had gone to Kyoto Japan.

The state of Kerala takes pride in calling itself as "God's Own Country". The name suits just right probably because of its green vegetation, hills with tea plantations, rubber trees, beautiful beaches, the houseboats, the snake boat races, the elephants, herbal treatments, classical dances, Temples, Churches, Masjids, Jewish Synagogues, Antique Shops, Museums, The Chinese Fishing Nets, Sea food, well maintained tourist spots and above all the unforgettable backwaters of Aleppy district.

Three years ago I had an opportunity to visit Kerala, all thanks to a friend of mine and his family because of whom the trip was made possible.

The vast backwaters

The backwater boys - born tough

I, my wife and daughter along with friend and his family started from Mangalore by train to Ernakulam city. A designated tour operator had arranged for our accommodation, transportation to various sites in and around port city Cochin.

Gavin, Melvyn, Natasha, Averyl & Vinitha

The experience of spending a whole day and a whole night on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kumarkkom turned out to be very memorable one. We enjoyed our stay in a tourist resort.

Houseboats on Backwaters

Though the houseboat had some glitches with power arrangements during our overnight stay, it were taken care by the crew. If you are visiting during the summer days, it may be advisable to hire an air-conditioned houseboat or else an ordinary one is fine.

These diesel driven Houseboats are equipped with two bedrooms, wash rooms, kitchen and a deck to enjoy the surrounding scenery while on cruise on the backwaters. These boats are made up of wood and bamboo roofs.

If only they knew that Salty Water Can't Quench The Thirst

There are paddy fields on both sides of the canals. Water is being pumped into canals in order to do the farming. We came across a huge herd of ducks crossing the creek in one area.

Chinese Fishing Nets at Cochin

Numerous houseboats were cruising in the waters carrying domestic as well are foreign tourists. There were stations were Coconut Toddy was being served with fried fish, Kari Meen (a spotted black fish) and prawns being the favourite.

We had a good cook by name Venu who cooked for us variety of Fish and Chicken dishes and local traditional vegetable “Avial”.

Cochin St. Francis Church

Indeed Kerala has numerous things to offer to any tourist who looks for a relaxing holiday. I am glad to share with you few of the photographs I had taken during the tour.

So, will you be visiting God's Own Country?

Power Cut In Town - A Haiku Poetry

2010-06-01T00:07:00.000+04:00

Power cut at night

Children's wish fulfilled at last

Candle light dinner!

Forgive me if I sound sarcastic but I think there's nothing wrong if a given situation inspires an artist or triggers a poetry. There has been news of frequent power cuts in Dubai's neighbouring city Sharjah for the past few days and residents had been having hard time. It is difficult to live in this country without power even for few hours. No lifts will work, no lamps will burn and mainly no airconditioners that too during these hot summer days. Hope the normalcy will be restored soon.

Picture Courtesy: Gulf News

A Visit To White Tiger

2010-05-21T15:05:00.000+04:00

You must've read or heard about Booker Award Winner Aravinda Adiga's debut novel "White Tiger" haven't you? Here is a documentary (more of a graphic kind) on a visit to see the real White Tiger. These pics were taken during my last visit to Bangalore Bannerghatta National Park.

The White Tiger

Tigers Relaxing

Contrary to the usual experience of seeing cazed animals in zoos, this park lets wild animals roam around and the visitor will be cazed instead. The vehicles used for Safari are fully covered with metal bars in order to protect visitors in the unlikely event of an animal attack. One must experience by self.

Family Lunch for Elephants

Mother and Baby Hippo

A Lone Monkey

Time for Siesta

Volkswagen’s Foldable Electric Bicycle - Bik.e

2010-05-12T00:20:00.000+04:00

An eco-friendly electrical bicycle by German Car Maker Volkswagen! Interesting enough to dig through isn’t it?

Volkwagen's Foldable E-Bik.e

Being a satisfied user of a Volkswagen I have been driving for the past 5 years, there is a reason if this latest headline by VW has caught my attention!

VW is said to be rolling out highest number of automobile units worldwide, the distinction Toyota was enjoying traditionally so far. Interestingly, VW has spread its wings into India recently by launching its unique “beetle” with a high price tag of whopping 21 Lakh Rupees.

What makes me more keen is a car manufacturing giant like VW coming out with a bicycle design, that too an electrical one. Foldable bicycle is certainly not a new concept to the world. To that matter, Montague Bikes who boast that their bicycles can be folded in mere 20 seconds, are in the bicycle business for years. My daughter has a foldable bicycle which at times comes to my help too specially when I have to park my car bit away from the residence due to lack of vacant parking spaces in the vicinities.

Foldable Conventional Bicycle

This foldable “E-Bik.e” by VW is said to be easy to handle and can fit in the trunk of car in the place meant for spare tire. Only question is where to keep the spare tire then? You need not pedal this e-bike, but I wish they had incorporated this feature of pedaling too thus extending the usability.

The specs are as follows:

Name : VW bik.e

Features : Pedal-free, 2 wheeled & foldable

Power : Battery charges itself while driving car

Top cruising speed : 20KM (12.5 mph)

Picture Courtesy: www.greenmuze.com

Details: www.crunchgear.com

References: www.montaguebikes.com

Bloom Cycle of Bougainvillea (Bogan Villa)

2010-05-08T23:56:00.000+04:00

I had been seeing these bushy and thorny plants flaunting bunches of deep bright pink petals on the compounds of villas in the surroundings of my home town Udyavar, in Udupi, Manipal, Mangalore etc. but had never bothered to take a close look at them. To that matter, just recently learnt that these generously growing flower plants are called “Bougainvillea” or “Bogan Villa” as popularly referred.

Here in U.A.E. (Arabian Gulf) at my office, every time I had to visit the upper level, I would get to see this lonely little plant kept at the entrance door, planted in a pot. My curiosity gained momentum when the plant began to show what it is worth. I began to monitor the bloom cycle of this plant day by day. I was always under the opinion that these pink petals are the actual flowers of the plant. My belief turned false when I noticed tiny little bright white flowers popped out in between the pink petals.

Here is sequential monitoring of Bougainvillea bloom:

There is lot written on Bougainvillea or Bogan Villa in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainvillea.

Yellow Is Thy Name - A Photo Shoot

2010-03-25T11:26:00.005+04:00

And last one with a Faiku (Picture Haiku)

Fresh Breakfast

Spider thanks Lilly

Weaves its web while sun comes up

Fresh breakfast to fall

When "Current Affairs" Becomes An Inspiration for Poetry!

2010-03-02T12:34:00.000+04:00

Bill Gates’ gave Windows to world

Facebook Twitter rocks

Hawkings wrote the history of time

Jackson’s goodbye shocks

Tigerwood’s spicy love life

Roger is the Champion

Sachin keeps breaking records

In Cricket on his own

Wallstreet guru Buffet’s Berkshire

Branson’s virgin empire

Mittal rules the metal kingdom

Mallya thrives on Beer

Leonardo keeps stealing hearts

Cameroon won awards

Adams tops on cloud number nine

Beyonce bags rewards

Obama is here to bring change

But Afghan curbs the thrills

Bin Laden is said to be lost

In Torabora hills

Recession taught pricey lessons

Making nations wise

Economies do take a break at times

Now I realize

Lots of tales to tell you

But I wonder who really cares?

So I fold this simple poem

Penned on current affairs!

Picture Courtesy: google -images

Bloom Energy’s Power Plant In A Box – What Is So Great About?

2010-02-24T16:38:00.002+04:00

Large power plants spread over acres of land and needing huge infrastructural investment would be things of past if what Indian Born scientist Dr. K. R. Sridhar of Bloom Energy, USA is to be believed.

K.R. Sridhar, a former NASA Advisor and a Rocket Scientist, must have taken eight years to come out with this "box" that generates power wirelessly through a combination of oxygen and a fossil fuel - say natural gas, bio-gas, etc. but his invention is already being tested by giants such as Google, WalMart, FedEx and eBay. Just imagine a fridge sized box kept in a corner of the building providing complete environment friendly and cost effective power solutions for the entire building that too without making noise, no vibrations and no smell!

As per K.R. Sridhar, every household will be able to afford a Bloom Box within a decade for as less as 3000 US Dollars which could supply non-stop power 24 Hours x 365 days of the year. "We would like to be in every home in five to ten years" said K.R. Sridhar in CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday night. Interestingly the name “Bloom Energy” was given by his nine year old son.

Bloom Box uses thin ceramic wafers resembling floppy discs made from sand. These ceramic wafers are painted with green ink in one side that acts as Anode and black ink on the other side that acts as Cathode. What material is used to make the ink? This is an undisclosed secret. Hydrocarbons in the form of Natural gas are passed over the stacked cells and the chemical reaction that takes place when oxygen mixes generates electricity.

Though there are reservations about durability of the devise and the maintenance costs, K.R. Sridhar says with reasonable maintenance, the devise will last for a life span of 10 years.

If mass utilization of this energy alternative becomes reality, all the power plants and associated Energy firms in this business may have to think of alternative business!

Welcome new invention and good luck Dr. Sridhar's Bloom Box.

Sources :

http://www.timesofindia.com

http://www.freshdialogues.com

To contact Bloom Energy click on:

http://www.bloomenergy.com

Don't Abandon Your Dream!

2010-02-13T14:38:00.000+04:00

Important note to note: This article and picture both are certainly not from my pocket. It is an emailed one or probably taken out and stored by me from yahoo features, I don't remember. I reproduce this article since it has a lot to do with "Dreams" something relevant to "Simple Dreams". I am thankful to the unknown author of this article. Read and ponder on.. you will find it inspirational.

There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. On coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they have to climb the stairs home.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed on. When they have struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they have only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open the door.

And they realized that the key was in their bags which were left on the 20th floor.

This story is reflecting on our life...many of us live under the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like and love and are under so much pressure and stress so that by the age of 20, we get tired and decide to dump this load.

Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and dream ambitious wishes.

But by the time we reach 40 years old, we start to lose our vision and dreams. We begin to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live life as a misery as we are never satisfied. Reaching 60, we realize that we have little left for complaining anymore, and we begin to walk the final episode in peace and calmness.

We think that there is nothing left to disappoint us, only to realize that we could not rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream ...... a dream we abandoned 60 years ago.

So what is your dream?

Don’t abandon but live a life of your dreams.

May your dreams come true.

Due thanks to the unknown author, please refer the note above.

Story of A Tortoise and a Tortoise - A Haiku

2010-02-10T14:35:00.001+04:00

On a sunny noon

Story of a tortoise and

A tortoise retold

Srilankan Baila Song - Surangani

2010-01-30T16:03:00.004+04:00

Malu malu malu

Suranganita malu

Suranganita malu genawaa (kanevaa)

Surangani Surangani

Suranganita malu genawaa

(malu = fish in Sinhalese)

This popular Baila beat song usually played during parties in Mangalore, Goa and Bombay is often misunderstood as originated in India, but its not so. Years ago when TV had not invaded Indian homes, people were happy listening to local "All India Radio" stations, Vividh Bharati and mainly Srilankan Radio. It is probably during those days, people of southern India came across this Srilankan song, liked it verymuch and made it a part of their party singings. It is dubbed in different Indian languages.

The lyrics of the whole song are available here on Wikipedia.

The picture given above taken at Dubai Fish Market has nothings to do with the song but with "Malu" (fish) which is available in large varieties and in abundance. One must visit this market and especially the area where hundreds are engaged in fish cutting to earn their living.

Mistaken Identity - A Haiku

2010-01-25T11:18:00.002+04:00

Morning mist descends

Will one mistake me for moon?

Fears rising Sun

Train Track's Talk - A Love Haiku

2010-01-21T11:43:00.004+04:00

In sun snow or rain

Will walk along side by side
With you forever

Picture : Konkan Railway tracks passing through my village - Udyavar, Udupi, India.

Haiku is a popular Japanese form of poetry written in 5 / 7 / 5 syllables always comprising the season (kigo). Any feedback by experienced readers to improve upon is welcome, I'm a learner still. Thanks.

A rainbow in Dubai Skies and days of cattle grazing….

2010-01-12T16:32:00.004+04:00

Got it … finally got it! A colourful (colorful) rainbow in Dubai skies!

So, what’s great about it? you may ask!

During my decade long stay in Dubai and in surrounding cities, I had never witnessed sighting of rainbows, not either at homeland for the past 20 odd years.

There were thundershowers on Sunday night in Dubai and on the next morning it drizzled a bit giving people like me rare sighting of a colourful rainbow, while I drove to my workplace. Took a quick picture using cell phone.

Thought I will convey this good news to my eight year old daughter when I see her in the evening, imagining how excited she will be to see the picture of rainbow taken afresh. Before I could tell her of the rainbow, she was ready with her say "Tell you something, I saw a rainbow today, a rainbow for the first time in my life”! She said holding her breath as if a record has been broken. Indeed it was so for her.

She had always been asking me “Dada when will I see a rainbow?” I would reply her saying “I have not seen one either for long time. Wait dear, we’ve got to be home to see one. I’m sure, we will get to see one when we will be on holidays”. I had tried to satisfy her by showing googled images of rainbow, but had never thought she will get to see one here in Dubai.

Memory lane goes back to 80’s, to the simple village life in the coastal district of Udupi, India. It was during my high school days, mostly in the evenings, I would take a book or two in hand and sit on the narrow path-ways of paddy fields, yards away from home. At times I would be a village cowboy (without a horse) grazing cattle which were then just 2 in numbers (guys, I am very proud of my upbringing in the village atmosphere). It was exactly during those times, I would get to see bright and colourful rainbows.

While the paddy fields were filled with ripe yellowed rice-corns awaiting harvest, it was fun to watch the birds mostly crows and flamingos flying home after their days work. In a distant, I could see people returning from evening market, mostly carrying fish, vegetables and daily groceries.

Though I would carry books with the intentions of reading, I could never do that. Time was not enough to watch the kite flyings, birds flying by, sun turning red, growing bigger yet playing hide and seek behind the scattered clouds. It was satisfying to watch the cattle enjoying fresh green grass. How will a wandering and dreaming mind concentrate on reading at the serene and precious moments of the day? By the time the sun has taken a dip in the sea, I would fold the books and return home with a sense of unknown fulfillment with a wish to come back again yet another day.

As I conclude this post now, Tom Jones country hit plays in the back of my mind “Its good to touch the green green grass of home”!

Going Green - A Photo Shoot

2010-01-07T16:56:00.005+04:00

Nature's Own Art - Cochin India

Can anybody tell me the name of this tree?

Palm Grove and July Rains in Udupi, India

Toddy Tapping (from Coconut Tree) - Spot the Clay Pot

On a Dubai Summer

Its Burj Khalifa (Burj Dubai) - Dubai Creates History

2010-01-04T21:24:00.007+04:00

Just as:

Taj Mahal is for India

Big Ben for London

Leaning Tower of Pisa for Italy

Effil Tower for Paris
Great Wall for China
Petronas Twin Towers for Malasia
Taipei 101 for Taiwan

Its Burj Khalifa for Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The above picture is by Kelios Mathew

Dubai created history as Burj Khalifa (previsouly called as Burj Dubai) was inaugurated this evening by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed (Vise President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai). The tallest tower in world by Emaar stands 828 Meters tall.

Burj Khalifa will play a significant roll in rejuvenating the brand Dubai which had been in news due to global downturns.

Important Statistics:
Name: Burj Khalifa (Burj Dubai)
Height: 828 Meters (half a mile)
Speed of the Elevator: 10 Meters per second
Cost: 1.5 Billion US Dollars
No. of workers at peak: 12000
Google search results on Burj Dubai: 2.5 Millions
Estimated viewers worldwide of the inauguration: 2 Billions

Why Worry? There Should Be Sunshine After Rain!

2010-01-03T00:11:00.003+04:00

Unexpected rains on New Years day must've spoiled few Barbeque outings but the mighty showers seems to have cleansed the atmosphere as a welcome gesture to mark the beginning of the New Year 2010.

One of my favourite singers Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits sings this way:

Why worry?

There should be laughter after pain

There should be sunshine after rain

These things have always been the same

So why worry now?

Here are few pics taken by me justifying "sunshine after rain".

Talking About New Year Resolutions

2010-01-01T23:58:00.001+04:00

A big Hi to you all.

Years come fast and years go

Here's my New Year wish for you

May you have a Blessed New Year

Full of love, laughter and cheer!

I take this opportunity to thank all those who gave me encouragement and support on my little journey towards materializing (virtual) "Simple Dreams".

Just as promises are made to be broken, I think resolutions are too........ :) Experts suggest that instead of making resolutions it's better to directly get into action right away...... If at all I'll have to make something called as resolution in this new year it will be nothing but "to keep the blog updated regularly...".

And if at all you too have made new year resolutions, I suggest you to write them down, read out loud and then by the end of every month take an appraisal of your performance without fail.... that too till the end of the year, till your resolutions are accomplished to some extent. This will help you out against tendencies to break resolutions made on New Year's day.

Funniest Thing Happened The Year Before:

Well I'm not going to narrate something funniest happened to me last year but I've got something interesting rather funny to share with you. Few years ago when I attended a new year's house party in Dubai, we were all asked to share the "funniest thing happened to us in the previous year". Everybody shared an incident they found humourous happened to them during the year. One incident told by a friend is still afresh in my mind which is as follows. I'd like to put it in his own words:

"Quote"

I do not have a funniest or humourous incident to share with you but let me try. My wife has gone home (to India) along with my children on Christmas Holidays and I'm bachelor again. Every time my wife calls me from home, she keeps worrying what diffculty I must be facing in her absence particularly when it comes to food. This is indeed a funniest thing for me because she does not know that fact that ever since she's gone, I have been having good time trying out variety of restaurants of this city, one after another.....

"Unquote".

Funny enough isn't it?