Honouring Swami Vivekananda

Chicago honour for Swami

The Indian government hopes to set up a Chair at the University of Chicago to spread the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, 117 years after the monk delivered his landmark address in the US city.

For more details:

http://www.rkmviol.blogspot.com/

or

http://www.telegraphindia.com//1101121/jsp/nation/story_13202229.jsp#

NARNIA - THE 3D WONDER

It was a great experience to watch

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

in I-Max 3D at Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, Hyderabad. I watched it on 5th December 2010 Sun along with my both sons.

I personally feel its a treat to the eyes. Being busy with other jobs I could not immediately express my views. Watch a Trailer, if you haven't seen it. but if you wish to see, then see it only in 3D I-Max.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRtfc8aPndE&feature=related

This opinion is purely personal. Thank you.

DECORATING TIPS FOR A CHRISTMAS TREE

This article appeared in The Times of India on 24^th DEC 2010 (Fri)

Tree Time

DECORATING TIPS TO A DAZZLING CHRISTMAS TREE TO KEEP YOUR TREE FRESH AND GREEN

Cut the stump of the tree and set it in water immediately. A fresh-cut tree will absorb several quarts of water right from the start. So it's important to check and refill the water level several times a day for the first week. You can cut down on frequency later. Be sure to place you Christmas tree in a stand that has a large water reservoir and keep it filled.
Christmas Tree Preservative
You can prolong the life of your Christmas tree by mixing up a concoction of 1 quart water, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon liquid bleach. You can also read information on caring for Christmas trees.
Putting Lights and Decorations on the Tree
When decorating your Christmas tree, put lights on first, then garlands, then the ornaments.
Work From the Inside Out
Start arranging Christmas tree lights on the branches near the base of the tree. Weave strings of lights along the branches "inside," then move to the outer edges of the branches.
Placement of Ornaments
Don't hang all your ornaments on the tips of the branches. Place ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree to add depth and interest. Start by arranging the "filler ornaments" evenly spaced around the tree. This would include basic solid colour balls that are easily found at discount stores in a wide range of colours to coordinate and enhance your decorating scheme. You'll need about 20 "filler ornaments" for every 2 feet of the Christmas tree.
Special Themed, Collectible Ornaments
Mix one-of-a-kind special ornaments between the basic ornaments. Plan to use at least 10 special themed ornaments for every 2 feet of your tree. As your collection grows, put the special ornaments closer together.

Enjoy X-MAS

This article appeared in The Times of India on 24th Dec 2010 (Fri)

NJOY YOUR FESTIVE SEASON WITH CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FUN-FILLED NEW YEAR

-Ami Somaiya

Christmas is a universal happy time of the year. With the New Year around the corner, it is a time of joy, love and hope for a brighter future. With the exuberant holiday mood, so much to organise and prepare for, let's not forget to be safe in order to ensure a fun festive season.
Consider these tips for Christmas safety as you are decorating the tree, doing up the lights and saying cheers this year.

CHRISTMAS TREE
When you prepare a real tree for Christmas bunting, ensure there are no loose needles. Give it a good shake before you start hanging up your decorations.
Check the limbs of your real or artificial tree before you start hanging up the stuff. Ensure that it has just enough bend to not give way leaving you in a puddle of glass or plastic.
Place your Christmas tree in an area away from walk paths in the house.
Ensure little children or pets understand that they cannot touch the tree.

LIGHTS
Ensure that you have proper earthing, safe plug-points and correct power phases before setting up your lights.
If you are going to have several lights, it would be best to get an electrician to set them up for you.
Christmas lights can be used both indoors and outdoors, but they aren't to be used interchangeably. There are lights specifically made to use indoors and these should never be used outside.
Always turn off the lights on a tree before going to bed at night.

FOOD AND DRINK
If you are going to be out partying and drinking, ensure you have someone to drive you home. This person should not have consumed alcohol at all - there is no such thing as, 'A small drink is okay.'
Even if you are drinking at home, drink responsibly. Children, however small, will later imitate what you do, so set the right examples.
Ensure that you are not over-drinking or over-eating. A terrible hang-over or an upset stomach takes the fun away from the festive mood.

CANDLES
Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the season. But, they are also dangerous if not handled with care. Always keep candles at a safe distance from other objects and surfaces, even walls.
Ensure kids and pets are always supervised around candles.
It is not advisable to use candles on or around your Christmas tree.
Freeze your candles before inserting them into candle-holders. This will eliminate extra wax drippings.
Always make sure you are using non-flammable candle-stands.

DECORATIONS
Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily such as glass or have sharp edges. Keep tree trimmings or decorations that are very small and can be swallowed out of the reach of your infant.