Happy Diwali !!

Here is wishing one and all a very happy Diwali and a prosperous year ahead !!

The swine flu pandemic.

The following is a reproduction of FAQ and information dossier on swine flu issued by Indian Medical Association:

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the beginning it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.

This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing

* Bluish or gray skin colour

* Not drinking enough fluids

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Not waking up or not interacting

* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath

* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?

Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you.

* Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings.

* Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation.

* Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories

Video of the week: Mumbai's high tide - highest in 100 years.

The torture teacher.

We often talk about teachers being strict on students; to inculcate discipline or to make students excel and shine. But there have been incidents where the limits have been crossed and the teachers have gone overboard. I call them torture teachers or terror teachers or terrorist teachers. They might not at all be the majority, but some baddies spoil the name of the entire teacher's clout.

One such incident has happened in Delhi in one of the Municipal Corporation schools when a child was punished severely. On not doing her homework, Shanno Khan's head was banged over a bench and then asked to stand in sun for hours on before she became unconscious. Then she was shifted to a nearby hospital and kept under life support. But nothing could save her, as she succumbed to the corporal punishment.

I would consider it as a failure in the system. The government should provide counseling to teachers and parents on sensitivities involved and care to be taken while handling a child. The accused torture teacher should be treated as criminals by our legal system. It is the collective failure and thus collective responsibility of all of us belonging to the civilized society to ensure that incidents of such gravity should not happen. Only then this world would become a better place to live in for us and for our future (generations).

Sehwag - the sizzler !

That's true and when he starts, the opponent only wonders when the action is gonna end. He is the bowler's nightmare. He can be accused of inconsistencies but he has provided is with some moments to cherish with his tremendous shots. Well, if you are a bowler not from the Indian team, you would certainly not be happy with this. Here is a man who is a bowler's nightmare.

His stunning innings has led to India's historic victory over the New Zealanders in their own land. A win after 41 years is considered to be really a great moment for India. When such a batting is evident, even records are definitely destined to be broken. This was seen in Sehwag's ton in 60 balls which is the best knock ever by an Indian, thereby breaking the record of Mohammad Azharuddin with a 62 ball ton.

Hope this is carried on forever. India needs ro create many

The terrorising numbers

This is a shocking email I got recently. This might be in circulation, but still thought might be in the interest of the civilized society. Here it goes.

"Please take care.

If someone asks you to dial '#09' or '#90', please do not dial this when asked, please circulate urgently.

This is the new Trick of Jehadi Muslim Terrorists to Frame Innocent People!!

If you receive a phone call on your Mobile from any person saying that they are checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. Friends there is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your SIM card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as u can, to stop it.

This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia.

There are over 3 million affected mobile phones. You can check this news at CNN web site also."

Recovering Bapu's heritage.

Some of the most priced but yet priceless possessions of the father of Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi are all set to come back to India. These are the glasses he wore, the plate he used to eat, a tumbler and his blood count report from Lady Irwin hospital, New Delhi.

The items were under hammer as they were put on auction in the wee hours of today. Even after much protests from India and all across the world and the last minute pull out attempt by collector James Otis, the auction went on. There was also a Delhi High court stay on the auction. So, Indian g9vernment could not participate directly in the auction. It claims to have worked in close cooperation with Vijay Mallya, a leading industrialist and owner of the United Breweries group here. His was the highest bid of $ 1.8 million or Rs.9 crore. This has saved India's legacy. There are speculations that these will give donated free of cost to the Indian government.

There is a short waiting time for these items, for 1 week for the auctioneers to see whether there are any other claimants for these before they could be handed over to India.

My views: Why does the Indian government on the first place ignore such objects of national importance? Now that the legacy has been retrieved, they should try to declare these as items of national prode and heritage. The government should also try to make a list of all similar items that could have been looted from India in the past and make efforts to recover them.

We as people should see Gandhijis vision and the mission he accomplished to achieve his vision. It is not only through our thoughts, but also care for all the movable and immovable properties related to this great man, can we really claim really that we are following his footsteps.

Jai Hind !

The cricket carnage.

Now, this is too much. It was the civilian population which was targeted by the terrorist attacks. Sportsmen were fired upon by unidentified masked men in an area that is supposed to be high security. The road leading to Gaddafi stadium was in utter commotion this morning when such an incident hapened with the ill-fated Sri Lankan cricket team. But they were lucky enough to escape without casualties.

The bus in which they were traveling wasn't a bullet-proofed one. With so much of security presence this could have been avoided. Why was the Pakistan team's cavalry not attacked? Why did thye Sri lannkan team at the first place go to Pakistan when they knew the situation there? With all these questions unanswered, I leave it for the viewers of this blog to decipher what would have hapened.

Democracy's D Day.

The poll dates for the 15th Lok sabha (lower house) elections are announced and we will have the elections in 5 phases between April 16th to May 13th this year. With this announcement, the moral code of conduct of the Election Commission of India will be in place. The ruling party cannot use government machinery for their election campaigns as this would give them the undue edge over opposition. The latter would not have access to such a facility.

With all this happening, political parties in India have started their alliance game. We are all set to witness the elections to be held in one of the largest democracies in the world.

Reliving the moment.

I am still out of words for the great achievement by Slumdog and especially the three great Indians, A R Rahman, Resul Pookuty and Gulzar. So I am expressing it through the following videos:

A R Rahman and Gulzar (Oscar for Jai Ho).





(Courtesy: Youtube).


Gulzar interview (Oscar shared with Rahman for Jai Ho).




Resul Pookuty (For best original sound mixing)

Nano - The people's car.

The cheapest car in the world, Tata Motor's 'Nano' will be launched around March this year. Initially it will be made available to select customers, until bulk production starts by 2010. It was initially priced at Rs. 1 Lakh but was increased to around Rs. 1.34 Lacs beacuse of the Singur controversy due to which production was stopped.

Tata Nano:

It was then shifted to Gujarat. Initially only around 3000 cars will be produced every month befire mass production starts. It is believed that the car has been driven to various pilgrimage centres. Two things evolve now. This car would be rather test-driven to the pilgrimages, some of whom are atop hills proving its worthiness, as well as blessings sought. I am eagerly waiting to get one soon. So, come soon Nano !!!

Slumdog sweeps- Rules Oscars.

Its really ruling the roost in the Oscars. As the academy award function is underway, I am deeply pleased that Slumdog Millionaire has bagged 8. A R Rahman, the Indian international music director has become the first Indian to win two Oscars in a ceremony held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles and watched by the world. He is also the fourth Indian ever to make to it. He has bagged for best original score and for the song "Jai Ho".

Resul Pookutty is yet another Indian to win for best sound mixing. Danny Boyle won for best director and Simon Beautulay, for best adapted screenplay.

Sean Penn and Kate Winslet won for best actor and actress (for a different movie). It's just now coming in that Slumdog has won the best picture award too. I am speechless.

Mylapore Teppam festival !

Mylapore, a centrally located area in Chennai in south India, is always abuzz with events. Especially the tank of the temple of lord Kapaleeswara witnessed a lustrous event recently, The Teppam festival.

It is held during the Tamil month of Thai. The teppam is a type of boat or a water floating body on which considerable amount of artwork is done. On it the lord is usually seated. It is usually open on te four sides for people to watch any festive proceedings. On the serene and calm waters of the Mylapore tank were carried the main lord, Kapaleeswara on 9th February and on the next two days lord Singaravelar. There was a huge crowd to witness the event. Thanks to the police regulation and patrol, the event went through peacefully.

Here are some photos of this grand event:

The Oscar rumour !

This is really shocking ! There is a rumour going around in the internet as a document containing the list of Oscar awardees. Even more surprising was that Slumdog has only been selected under two categories including the best director's award for Danny Boyle.

There is no award for A R Rahman according to the document !!!!

The Slumdog juggernaut !

It does continue as Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire yet again sweeps the Brit awards with selections in seven categories including the award for best picture. This comes after the success in golden globe and the BAFTAS.

So, what's next? Oscars? Let's see.

Magic of the Marina.

For those who don't know, this is a beach in Chennai, south India. This beach acts as a good short getaway for the Chennai junta. The cool breeze and the view of the sea is in itself a treat to watch and stress busting.

The Marina beach, Chennai, India:

Light house at the beach:

It is frequented by couples- both single and married. The best time to visit this is evening or night when you can see the beauty of it being lighted. The luxury and charm of strolling around the place and viewing the sea, eating bajjis, bhel puris or chat items are very common is unmatchable. Working individuals come here after hectic office schedule, spend an hour or two and forget office tensions.

Expressions of the sea:

Whilst there are better known beaches like those in Goa, Gokarna, Puri, Kovalam etc., for Chennaites at least, the Marina beach is an integral part of their lifestyle.

Nagesh.

I am deeply shocked and saddened after hearing the news of the passing away of south Indian actor, Nagesh. He has always been known as a legendary comedian. Several of his films are still known and remembered by his fans. To name a few, Kadalikka Neramillai, Thillana Mohanambal, Server Sundaram, Pattanathil Bootham have been super duper hits.

His death was deeply mourned by all from Kollywood (Tamil film industry).

Chennai Metro Rail project.

The success of Delhi Metro rail project is known to all. It is acting as the lifeline to Delhi's commuters. Delhi is known for its heavy road traffic, overcrowded buses........ movement was very difficult. With the coming of the metro, people could save time on commuting, in fact it was reduced. Substantial crowd in the road also reduced. With the coming of buses running on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), air pollution also has been reduced to some extent.

Such a plan for Chennai was also indispensable. Chennai has rapidly grown, is expanding still. Most of the areas covered in the project would be those not so much covered otherwise. Connectivity between otherwise unconnected areas also increases.

It is a very good supplement to the already existing MRTC over-bridge rail between Chennai Beach and Perungudi. So, Chennai Metro is a great boon to Chennaites. In my opinion, it would enhance the lifestyle of Chennai.

India's shame.

I am proud of my country for various reasons. Its varied culture, variety of languages, dialects and still unity for what it is known. But why the hesitation in welcoming new culture or a new thought.

I am a hindu Brahmin and a vaishnavaite. I believe in god Vishnu one of whose incarnations is god Ram. Sri Ram is known for his trueness to his wife, virtousness and honesty. And some people are creating havoc in the name of the same Ram. They have terribly misused his name.

The sequence of incidents that have happened in Mangalore in Karnataka, India have brought a huge shame for India. A group of girls were attacked and molested by a group of men from a Hindu organization called Sri Ram Sena. Its vice-president has been arrested after three days of the incident and the delay owing to his political connections.

First in first, violence of any sort is not welcome for any reason whatsoever. Further it is no one's business to go and stop anybody from going to pub or doing anything until it affects someone. It is up to the family of girls to question them or deal with the matter. And all pub goers do not consume alcohol or drugs. Men also visit pubs. In fact men can be much more devastating to the general public. Most (almost all) of the drunken driving culprits are men. So, infact men should first be stopped from this.

I am a teetotaller and am aware of the illeffects of alcohol and drugs. But moral policing is not the solution for the current problem. Late or no legal actions against the accused, and gimmicky remarks even from the so called secular political parties have only worsened the matter. The head of the group behind all these is feeling proud of whatever has hapened. He went on to say that girls are like his sisters. And this is the way he treats his sisters. He aleady has a large number of legal cases against him. So he is no angel.

I think India must get rid of these "internal terrorists" first. This will give us a lot of confort an concentration in tacling the main issue of cross-border terrorism. I dont want to post videos of this incident. I am deeply saddened, shocked. If this is the way we respect our women, then there is no way our soeciety can flourish. We need to change this.

I only remember Obama's speech when he took oath - "One is only known by what he /she creates, not what he/she destroys...." and "Change - Yes we can....". I think that more pressure on the administration and appeals to them would help in bringing the perpetrators of this heineous act to justice and would create a better place to live in for now and forever.

Indian cricket - the redefining.

The haunting ghost called loss:

The pain of consecutive losses by Indian cricket in the past used to haunt on me like anything. I avoided seeing many matches. It was not my expectation of the team to deliver and be victorious in each and every match they play, but the feeling of oneness and patriotism And added to all that was match fixing by some which tainted the image of the game. India had many legendary players even at that time.

I, for some time had literally stopped watching this game.

The relief:
Some relief though came in the form of some youngsters who had athletic capabilities apart from being good cricketers.

Yuvraj Singh

Mohammad Kaif

Virender Sehwag

Some of them are still hanging on to the team with consistent performance.

Then came the man who is known for probably his most successful captaincy. Saurav Ganguly or Bengal Tiger or Dada as he was known, was also in controversy for several reasons like alleged absense from practice sessions, alleged irregularity in attandance or alleged attitude problem and what not. But according to me, he is one of the most spectacular player India has ever produced. And we do have a living legend in the form of Sachin Tendulkar. He has been in the helm of affairs for a very long time.

The renaissance:
But the person who has brought change into the game in Indian perspective is this man.......



Yes, Mahendra Singh Dhoni or shortly MS. These are his merits (my viewpoints):

• Tactical- He is the captain with capabilities of forming tactics or carving out clear cut for taciling any kind of situation in the game. And most of them have been executed, and have worked well.
• Consistent- He has been very consistent with his performance. Has never mixed and messed up with captaining and his personal performance.
• Youth development- He is believed to be a person who constantly motivates everyone, espacially the youth. In fact, he is a role model for them. He himself is a youth for that matter.
  
• Minimal controversies- I haven't heard of much controversies about this captain of India. Have anyone?
• Calm and composure- He is "cool as a cucumber(sidhusim)" in any situation- normal or extreme. His unusual calm, usually is calm before the storm.
  
• Out of the box- His thinking is simply out of the box. May it be bringing the last powerplay in the fag end (slog overs) of the game or banking on the power of youth or anything I might have left out.

This calm and composure and the habit of not panicking has dawned upon the entire Indian team. It is the calm and composed mind and self that makes correct decisions and does everythong right. I think this is one of the most important reasons of the winning habits of the team.

This was seen in today's game with Sri Lanka. The calmness was evident , with the team not giving away too many wickets even during demanding situations (just 4 till the end). The storm was the final powerplay during the slog overs and ofcourse the subsequrent victory for India.

Dhoni's performance in any format of the game, be it one-day, test or 20-20 is impeccable.

Is he the "Obama" of Indian cricket or world cricket for that matter? Or is it vice-versa?

Hmm.... Ok.... Let's hope that the juggernaut continues !!

About, as usual

This blog aims to capture events in our life and lifestyle- my observations on them. I want to present it in this form, through this medium. I would like to cover various topics ranging from what's latest, movies, music, travel, tragedies, sports....... literally anything which appeals to me, which affects me, which influences me, my thoughts, my actions etc.