Kick the Butt!

Every one knows that smoking is a Very bad habit and injurious to health too!

A smoker not only puts his life in danger but also drags other members of his family to the perils of smoking, especially the innocent young children, making them passive smokers, for no fault of theirs. Silently, the killer nicotine makes inroad to their young lungs and hearts without their knowledge, making them vulnerable to many sickness. However, I pity the poor spouses, who have no choice, but to smell and taste the nicotine, to keep the relationship intact. Otherwise, it may lead to add the bitterness to the happy family life.

Tobacco is just cloud of nicotine making a person Psychologically vulnerable and once it becomes an addiction, it is hard to come out. It is a silent killer and before it is too late, one should try to overcome this habit.

Knowingly or unknowingly, many young people falls prey to this killer habit. Some to show that they have grown-up whilst some as a symbol of prestige. Especially, the college goers are more prone to this, either due to bad company or out of curiosity.

It is my confession that, as a school boy, initially I was pulled by the gentle smell of roasted tobacco, emanating from the lighted Cigarette and for the heck of it, dragged few puffs out of curiosity, without the knowledge of my elders. Albeit, it was not for long. However, I left it once for all, when I met my would be, who was averse to the smell of Cigarette and gently expressed her dissatisfaction on this issue. Well, that's it, I kicked the butt then and there to win the heart of my love.

Of-late, as the campaign is becoming more stronger to ban the tobacco, even many celebrities, Hollywood & Bollywood hunks, too are kicking the butts, as they find the smoking does lot of damage to their health than good.

This is a very good sign, as the young generation is either have fan following culture or make the celebrities as their role models, they are more prone to fall prey to this killer habit.

If one is really conscious of his health, family well being and loving your family, wants to live a happy and healthy life, please "Kick the Butt" for ever.

Start right away by following these steps :
- Pick a date for quitting — birthday, anniversary, etc.
- Announce your decision to quit to everybody around for support.
- If you have kids, tell them that you have decided to quit. Often, it’s the greatest encouragement.
- Throw away all packets, match boxes, lighters, ash trays that may remind you of the habit.
- Remain surrounded by non-smokers for the next few days.
- Drink plenty of water, fruit juices.
- Chew a gum for few days
- Exercise, jog, swim to keep yourself occupied.
- Keep yourself extremely busy for the first week. Exhaust yourself so you collapse into bed.
- Avoid visiting bars, restaurants for a fortnight.
You may not always need a doctor or counsellor for quitting.
LEAD A HEALTHY & HAPPY LIFE! Karlo Duniya Muttie Main!!!

Where there is a Will there is a Way

A Teenager Plants 30,000 Sapling in a Day!

An Ecofriendly Crusader turns the desert state Green!

It's hard to believe and expect such great things from today's youth! when they are mostly engrossed with or rather I can say, enslaved by the Internet, X-Boxes and Playstations etc.

Well, here’s a 17-year old Mumbaikar who has spawned a movement for a greener and cleaner India. Annanya Agarwal, the good-humoured lad studying at United World College, Singapore, worked his words to bring about a change in the environment.

With the help of students in rural schools, he successfully planted 30,000 saplings—all in a day—in one of the arid regions of the country, thus becoming an earth warrior for Rajasthan. He named his project, ‘The Green Ambassadors’, and to make sure that each student participating in the project felt like one, he initiated an oath taking ceremony in each school.

The saplings were planted in Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan and students from 600 rural schools—200 in each district—were roped in. Annanya circulated about 8,000 booklets, of which 1,000 were in English, printed on recycled paper.

With growing concern over climate change and the environment ministry setting aside a huge budget for a cleaner environment, Annanya managed the entire project in Rs 3.5lakh.

He chose students from Stds VI to VIII aged six to 14, as he felt this was the most vulnerable age group. Asked about the response from the rural student community, he said, “It was overwhelming. The teachers as well as the students and their guardians were more than willing to be a part of such an initiative. The school authorities have shown full support.’’

Why Rajasthan? “There’s a personal charm attached to Rajasthan, as my father hails from that state. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but also the most arid. So, I thought why not here.’’

“I vowed that I wouldn’t leave unless all the saplings were planted,’’ said Annanya, whose efforts at social service have been recognised by his college. He plans to come back this December and spread awareness amongst the elderly on the importance of maintaining hygiene and keeping the city clean.

Coming from this firm-of purpose young Mumbaikar, this could well be his way of expressing patriotism, albeit of a different kind.


For a an example, one must have never thought Kim Clijsters will see the Tennis Court again, after her having a Baby. But she, proved every one wrong. She not only came back with a bang, but won a Grand Slam for herself, at the US Open this year.

The fact that Kim Clijsters could come back to tennis after nearly two years out and having a baby and then beat both the Williams sisters on her way to the US Open title after just a couple of weeks of competitive tennis is truly incredible.


Well, anything is possible and nothing is impossible in this world! One should be determined for the cause, so, if there is a Will There is a Way, always.

POP KING MICHAEL JACKSON

It is hard to believe that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson (MJ) is no more.

M J's death is still an unresolved mystery. According to reliable sources, just few days back only he was rehearsing for his forthcoming Big Concert at the UK, when he danced for nearly two hours and his friends have the video footage of his last action. Then how come all of a sudden the King of Pop fell sick and passed away without alerting anybody. That too with so many complications, which is baffling his fans all over the world.

New T20 Champions

Srilankan's were over confident, as they were the unbeaten Team till the Finals, played against Pakistan. Winning all the games, the lankans were on Cloud 9 and were hopeful of beating Pakistan too and clinch the trophy. But their dreams were shattered, when Dilshan was dismissed by the 1st ball for a duck and Jaya Surya too got out cheaply. It was the turning point for the downfall of the Lankans. However, the Capt. Kumar Sangakkara carried the mantle alone on his shoulder, but in vain. Pakistan won half the battle when they whipped the cream of Lankan batting line up.



Pakistanis were well prepared and have now shown the world that they are the true Champions of ICC T20 World Cup. All the credit goes to Shaid Afridi, who single handedly achieved it for Pakistan, eventually becoming the Man of the Match.

The Glory would have been twice for them, but all beause of a silly mistake of Misbah Ul Haq, who scoped the last ball only to be caught by Bajji, at the deep squre elg and ultimately, they lost it to India, at the inaugural T20.

India's young and energetic brigade was very much hungry that time and were eager to Clinch the first ever & prestigious T20 World Cup, that too beating the Arch Rivals, Pakistan, with their quest for the coveted Trophy.

India winning the League matches comfortably, stumbled as the Super Eight started. They merely became the Paper Tigers with no killing instinct. To certain extent Capt. Dhoni could be blamed for his illogical game plan. Well, now it has become a history.

Well,Dhoni sab,ZIDD Itna Karo Ki koye hua Gaurav wapas ayen!

Shiney became Smudgy

A blotch will not take much time to distort any image. So, as, the once shining Shiney Ahuja, now carry a black smudge all over. Whose fault is, anyway?

The hungry Media surrounding Shiney, leaving no stone unturned to make their story sensational!



Well, as this poet has rightly written;

"Dil Ko Deko, Chehara Na Deko, Chehara Ne Lakon Ko Loota,
Dil Sachha Aur Chehara Jhoota!".

One cannot judge a person by his face - So, don't be fooled by one's face.

A small mistake can push anybody's happy life to a living hell. Shiney must not have thought in his wildest dreams, that one day he will be entangled in such a mess that will rob the happiness of his life.

"Gar Ka Murgi Daal Barabar" - so for some, the home food is not as tasty as hotel food, it seems. So, Shiney has tried a dish out side his home, but out of mind, which became a costly affair!

Now, being a Bollywood celebrity and looking at his persona, no one is ready to believe that, Shiney will stoop to that level. As per his wife, he has been framed and she is not ready to accept that her hubby will commit such a dastardly act. But, Alas! the forensic reports goes all against her claims. What has really happened between the duo, only Shiney and Maid knows well.

The morale of the story is : Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife"

Me in GOA

GOA, a tiny state in the western coast of Indian peninsula, once ruled by the Portuguese, untill it was liberated in 1961 and it was part of union territory till May 30, 1987.

Goa has obtained the statehood now from union territory status. It is the 25th State in the Union of States of Indian. It is beautiful with full of greenery and pristine beaches from one end to the other. Most famous beaches are Anjuna beach, Calangute beach, Baga beach, Miramar beach, Majorda beach, Colva beach & Palolem beach, etc.

Goa, is a calm place with friendly people. Its just 594 Kms away from Mumbai City (Bombay), well connected by Road, Rail, Sea & Air. A good place for holding conferences, relaxing, lazying and no doubt, for boozing, that goes without saying!

The long Beaches invites you to swim, sit or lay lazily under the shade of coconut trees, or take shelter from the scorching sun in a shack with a tin of cold beer or beverage. Nobody to bother you.

Goa, a city - King of Good Times! – aha! …… Ooo Laalala Leo……, Yeah, you said it rightly, it’s “King Fisher” (KF)! flowing like Mandovi & Zuari river that meets at the Arabian Sea (You can observe this at the high point of Fort Aguada).

All the main cities close to the beaches of Goa have been literally painted with King Fisher billboards, wherever your eyes goes, you will notice the “KF” sign boards. Here Alcohol beverages are being sold from Super Markets to Wine Shop to Restaurant & Bars – everywhere one can find the Lager Beer flowing out of the tall mugs!

The hoardings makes, every beer drinker stop and get a pint of cold stuff and proceed further, esp the summer season, when the mercury rises upward, it’s a thriving business for the Shop Keepers to Bar owners.

Wait now, hold on, you do not come to the conclusion, that I am a marketing man for the King Fisher Lager Beer! Mind it! Well, one thing is sure that the marketing people of KF have really conquered the Goan market, like the late Vasco Da Gama had conquered Goa, some hundred years’ back. Well, I confess here that, I too love to take a swig of Beer, whenever I feel like doing so.

Well, now let us talk about Goa and what I saw in Goa.

Sight seeing in Goa, esp in summer season is bit uncomfortable, as your sweat glands will not listen to you, as they are controlled by the blazing sun on top of your head.

Goa has been divided into two districts – North & South Goa with Head Quarters in Panaji & Margao respectively, with 11 talukas in total.

The tour operators will cover this in 2 - 3 days outings. One/two days for South and next day or so, for North Goa. It all depends on the tour packages! Whilst there are some places to see in the South, North does not offer much for the eyes to catch, but you will have plenty of beaches with golden sand for fun and frolic plus some water sport and dophin watch. If you have your own transport you can enjoy more, as the beaches are best during the evening time.

South Goa :

Miramar beach in PANAJI – A short and sweet beach. Also here lies the Samadhi of Goa’s first Chief Minister – Late Dayananda Bhanodkar.

Dona Paula - From its highest point one can see the confluence of River Zuari and Mandovi with Arabian Sea. It is famous as there are history of 2 lovers have given up their lives. Whilst the 1st one was historical and the second one - a British couple who came to honey moon, as the husband drowned and there was no trace of him for a couple of days, wife being new to the city and no where to go, she also jumped into the sea and joined her husband in heaven. In memory of this, their statues had been erected on the edge of the hill.



Old Goa Churches: Bom Jesus Basilica : wherein lies the incorruptible remains of St.Francis Xavier.

Se Cathedral : The largest of its kind in the East.

Temples : Mangueshi is dedicated to Lord Shiva (built in the 17th Century), Shantadurga temple; the Goddess of Peace and also famous for golden palanquin.

Colva Beach : Famous as the longest beach in Goa, only rival to Calangute in popularity.

North Goa :
Fort Aguada; a famous 17th century fort, with new 5 Star Hotel complexes.

Saligao Church : Unique in its architectural design and is being illuminated throughout the tourist season.

Famous temple of the Lord Bodgeshwar, is also in this vicinity.

Mapusa City – Capital of Bardez and is famous for its Friday bazaar, where lime to live stock is being sold.

Vagator Beach – A secluded beach with imposing backdrop of Chapora Fort.
Anjuna Beach – A very popular beach among the foreigners and is a beautiful picnic spot.



Calangute Beach : Widely known as Queen of Goa’s beaches, picnic and musical groups draw hundreds of people.

Baga Beach – connected with backwater gives a picturesque scene.

Besides the above, there are Dudhsagar Water Falls, Tiger & Elephant Trails, Crocodile & Dolphin Trips, Boat Cruises etc., and visits to these places makes your trip complete. Water sports, Paragliding, Dolphin trip etc. will be seasonal and one cannot expect through out the year. One has to check with tour operators, before undertaking the trip.

Few minus points one can observe that, even on the busy roads there are hardly any Traffic Signals (except some traffic police in certain areas), which makes difficult for the pedestrians to cross the roads, due to constant flow of vehicles. Also I have never seen any Police on patrol in the crowded places, where some incidents of gambling and cheating have been noticed. Otherwise, Goa is a peaceful with friendly people and environment.

Australia & Racism!

Has Australia become a Nightmare for Higher Education seeking Indian students?

The attacks on Indian Students by the Australian teenagers are going on unabated, esp in Melbourne. So far more than 5 incidents of attacks have taken place. It is not clear whether it relates to racism or something else. And the latest one, the burning of the car belonging to an Indian student, is a matter of concern.

When Australia was concerned about its Tennis players, it has cancelled its round of Davis Cup Tennis tournament to be played in India, citing the security threat for its players, from terrorism. It looks like that; OZ is only concerned about its own citizens and not bothered about the security of other nationals.

Australia alone cannot be blamed for today’s situation. It is our own fault and we (India) are equally responsible for this. As India is not serious about providing enough world class Institutions for higher education within the country, the students have no other alternative, but to seek admissions from other countries. Under these circumstances, we are pushing our own students to the brink of danger and making them vulnerable.

Even after the parents shelling their entire life time savings on their children’s higher education, they cannot sit back and relax or look forward to their children to come back with the required Degrees.

Under the present circumstances, they will be more anxious and tense, till their children return after completing their studies.

Last year few students from Andhra Pradesh were killed mysteriously in the US.

Now, it’s big a question comes to parents' minds; should they send their children for further studies, to countries where there is no security for their children's lives?