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For all my myLot friends - I would like to share some advice that some of my friends on myLot told me about. I thought I'd share it with you, since it can really multiply your earnings on myLot. I have been informed that, when you post/reply to discussions, if you write at least six lines, you will be paid a higher amount for that, than if you were to just write one or two lines. If you can keep your sentences short, then six lines is not a lot ! So friends, try to keep this advice in mind for your future discussions and the money start to add up quicker than it was before.


Monday, February 28, 2011

The El Cheapo Travels Experiance

    It was a snowy day and the house was relatively quiet. Due to the extreme cold, I had been in my bed and really had no desire to get out to explore the outside world. Hunger pangs made me push my head from under the quilt and I saw that it had stopped snowing. Yet, one could feel another mighty blizzard building up outside waiting for it to barrel down towards the city and the biting winds to wind its way through the forests and shake the pine trees till all the snow on them had fallen down. The strong icy cold winds usually ended up shaking the house so hard that it felt like it might crumble any moment. Building a little courage, I managed to crawl out of the bed and walk up to the window to see what’s happening outside. The window offered a view of a clear winter day and the sun lit the snow covered city casting magical yellow light upon the land. The street and homes wore a deserted look even though it was just 11:00 AM.

    The few people who were seen on the sidewalks were rushing through the open spaces either trying to reach home after disembarking from the city bus or trying to clean out their driveway before they turned into a snowman. The snow plows with yellow flashing light were lazily plowing and salting the streets. The icy roads slowed down everyone’s journey and it was fun watching cars slip and slide as they drove by the house.


    The town had plunged into total darkness last night due to the heavy snowfall which had snapped the main power lines. With nothing better to do, I got up and had a bowl of cereal with a large helping of milk before it got spoiled and head off to town to wrap up some pending work instead of staying in a house which was turning into an ice cube. With stiffening hands and fingers, I hunted up the Happy Travels taxi service. HHI was pacing back and forth across the front door when the taxi arrived late. I was glad to see that it had actually arrived and didn’t bother to chew the driver out for making me wait in the freezing weather as it was my own choice to stand there in the first place. Looking back, I closed the door and briskly walked towards the waiting cab. Looking back, the warm yellow glow of the house beckoned me to come back yet I felt the urge to go and I turned around before I changed my mind.

    The streets and the shops wore a deserted look even though most of the shops were open waiting for the late evening weekend rush. The few people who were seen on the sidewalks were rushing through the open spaces either trying to catch a taxi or trying to figure out which pile of snow was theirs. The tow trucks were seen pulling the cars out of the ditches and the dead cars to the service centers. A few sirens were heard on the street and I guess someone needed some help. The snow plows were lazily plowing and salting the streets. The icy roads slowed down our journey and I was getting sick of the constant slipping and swaying of the taxi.

    The constant chatter of the taxi driver kept my mind away from the grim weather. Joey talked just about everything under the sun and I really seemed to enjoy the monologue which consisted of how awful the teams were, the food joints, who bashed whom last night at the bar and how his wife always gave him an ear full for coming home late. Pretty soon, the suffocating cluttered feeling turned into a comfortable one and I must have dozed off.

    The taxis horn and the jovial cheeky remarks woke me out of the slumber. The old post office loomed ahead and it seemed no different than the other building sitting next to it. Holding my hat firmly with the warm woolen gloves, I got out of the warm taxi and ran towards the steps. My body became stiff with the cold as soon as I stepped out. I was glad to see that the steps had been shoveled, salted and sanded. An old man cannot afford slipping on an ice patch no matter how young he feels inside.


    Off to one side, many panic stricken people could be seen trying to control their out of control vehicles while the policeman lurked behind a snow bank looking for someone to give a ticket to. Endless piles of snow stretched from one horizon to the next. I wondered how long it would take to cover this distance and what lies beyond. Someone opened a door as I heard the wind chimes twinkle and the sounds of little kids as they ran slipping and sliding down the sidewalk to help the people who were stuck in the snow and somewhere in the distance an old man was madly jingling the bells on his car so that someone could shovel him out of the snow drift he was stuck in.

    The remaining day was uneventful as I went window shopping and stopped by a fancy restaurant where I got to drive my own Dodge ‘em car and it was fun running into other cars and bouncing off walls. I arrived home many hours late yet I liked this experience the best. I had seen many new sights which are usually hidden from me and I absolutely loved this adventure. Read more...

      Promoting ones business

        Sometime back, one of my buddies decided to quit the company where he was working and get into his own business as he saw a lot of opportunity in this field and he also had acquired a lot of experience in the buying and selling business. No matter how hard he tried, he could not locate the right tools to make his business a total success as the right communication tools were missing which he needed to get in touch with the customers across a wide area. The web site which the company was using extensively to keep customers updated was not great as the quality was so poor that it ended up giving a really bad impression. Customers were not happy and they ended up not doing business with us. Going through all the options available to us, we discovered that the inefficient web site which had used to before was the bottleneck. Looking at the choices available, we discovered a solution to our problem.

        The kind of situation that usually drove customers away was not receiving the correct information or being able to interact with the customer support service in a timely manner and nothing seemed to go right as something or other was going wrong. You see, the one major event which made us realize that we needed an overhaul was when last year we had to consolidate all the different records, total up our profit and loss and finally print out a lot of reports. Initially everything seemed to work just right until the customer complaints brought it to our notice. It was a high stress time and everyone panicked. So, we made a frantic phone call to the company which took care of all the website design solutions.

        The crisis management guys arrived just in time to see what crisis was brewing in our office at this time. Upon checking, it was found out that there was not any major defect with the existing system we were using. We put the decision to replace it and moved on to the next generation web site system. The whole system was overhauled in a jiffy and at an affordable price also. Read more...

          Sunday, February 27, 2011

          The house around the bend

            As the door opened, an ice cold wind hit me and left me breathless. I had second thoughts about leaving the warm confines of my home, yet this matter was too urgent to pass up. Shutting the door once more, I headed back towards the closet. Taking the coat out, I bundled up and put my cap and gloves on also. No more discussions were done as the taxi had arrived and I left quickly.

            Getting inside the dimly lit taxi, I gave directions and went back to my thoughts. I told the taxi driver to hurry even though I knew he was driving as fast as the icy roads would permit. I told the taxi driver to hurry even though I knew he was driving as fast as the icy roads would permit.

            My mind was troubled by the phone call which I had received just a short while back. A country music station was on blaring Jonny cash song and my mind drifted to the past events in what seemed like another bygone age.

            Jimmy and I grew up together and even though we were so close to each other that we seemed inseparable. I never had any siblings and Jimmy not only became my best friend but also acted like a protective elder brother. He was always one of those type of kids who was always ready to lend a hand to others when the need arose.
            He never had an easy life as his father always used to hit the bottle and there was hardly anything left of the Friday’s paycheck. They made do with what they had and he desperately wanted out of this grimy blue collar town. People were born here, worked in the factory a few miles down, hit the pubs, came home and the cycle was repeated till they passed away. The only way out was education yet he did not even have the basic skill set to pass the small quizzes that the teacher gave out on a weekly basis.

            He never quiet fitted in the class since he always stood out like a sore thumb. Black leather jacket, boots and greased back hair was what he came in on a daily basis. This was who he was and others had to accept him as he was or leave him be was his attitude. One fine day, he came to school and he seemed like a changed person. No more laid back attitude. The grit, determination and the desire to succeed where others had failed which was missing before was shining in him like a light house beacon on a dark stormy light. He stayed up all night correcting his deficiencies. He mugged up the math tables and relearned English the right way. Somehow he passed each and every quiz that the teacher gave to the class and eventually graduated the local college with a decent grade.
            Things began to look up for him and it seemed like we had to go our separate ways. We kept in touch with each other whenever our paths crossed. The town was never the same and it seemed to have been drained of its essence. The same crowd was seen plying the single road town, going through the same routine yet it had changed overnight for me. I moved on myself and shifted to a different town. Life moved on, got a good job and I finally settled down. With the passage of time, I had all but forgotten my previous life until this fateful morning.

            The taxi cab horn woke me up from the sleep that I had drifted off to and I realized that the taxi driver gesturing that we had reached the destination. The house was still there yet it was an abandoned house now. The windows were broken and all boarded up. A pile of old steel trunks were sitting in a pile outside the house. Pigeons, bats and other creatures had made what was once a sprawling mansion their dwelling.

            A man emerged from the shadows and introduced himself as the family lawyer. He apologized for calling me in such a short notice yet the matter required urgency. It seemed that even though time had flown by, Jims inner self had not changed at all even though he had become quiet wealthy. He still retained the same need to help out the ones who were in trouble without paying any heed to his own safety. It seemed that he had gone to a local deli to buy some sandwiches and a bottle of Pepsi, when he walked into a store where a hold up was in progress. The man threaten to shoot all if the cash box wasn’t handed over while the cashier tried to explain in vain that it was way past closing time and the manager had already taken it away some time back. Trying to reason with the gunman, Jim suffered gunshot wounds and died on the spot.
            The formalities were completed and I headed home later on in the evening. The emptiness never got filled even with the passage of time. The world seemed even emptier now at this news. Even though I had a family to call my own, I felt like there was no one else to walk besides me and the one who lent his support was gone. Those bygone days will never come back and the only things which I can hold on to are the memories. Read more...

              Saturday, February 26, 2011

              The unexpected space adventure

                I am an old man now and many countless years have flown by, yet the Antediluvian era was so different from the one I lived now. Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I realized that many years have passed and I felt more alone with each passing year. What was once whole now lies forgotten in the corner left to waste away till the very end. An old shell is all that remains behind yet the fires burn bright inside. I find myself walking up to the window of the space port which faces the space city. The hardened plate glass clears a bit as I approach it and the view is as bleak as my inner self. The numerous suns and the distant stars blink and shine as they cast their dim light which gently finds its way into the room.

                The space lanes and the cluster of shops which sat on the numerous rocks wears a deserted look even though most of the shops were open waiting for the late evening weekend rush. The few aliens who were seen on the sidewalks were rushing through the open spaces either trying to catch a passing by space taxi or trying to figure out which pile of debris was theirs. The Quintessential magnetic tow trucks seemed to be hovering everywhere and were seen using their tractor beams pulling the ships out of the craters and the dead ones to the nearest black hole. The giant plows were lazily moving down the space lanes using their magnetic beams to push the debris off to the side.
                As a meteorite belt circles a giant gaseous planet down below and this space port sits on a barren rock floats in space following the other rocks around the planet. It seems so out of place. The building shakes and shudders as it is buffeted by the solar storms and it sends a shudder down my spine wakes me out of the deep thoughts that I had fallen into dreaming the dreams that I always ended up dreaming. Shuttling between planets even if it was work related always wore me out and I never knew where I would end up while exiting this place and in what condition. With some effort, I headed off to the cafeteria. Grabbing the coffee jar, I pour some coffee into my mug to banish the cobwebs from my mind and to see if I can pick up the threads of the dreams I was having once more.

                Being an Epicurean, I dug deep into my pocket to find a bag of salted peanuts and a partially smoked cigarette. Looking out the window once more while I munched on the nuts and finished off my smokes, I wondered if this was the worst solar storm of the millennium. It won’t be safe commuting in such condition as I really didn’t want my atoms scattered all over the multiple universes.

                Time and age which might have dulled my memory yet I remember some events like it was yesterday. Some of them remain buried for what seems like many long years, yet flood the mind when something happens to release the memory. While I sit here near the window as the world outside passes me by, I will write down my story of how certain events changed the course of my life.
                One fine day, we boarded Nugatory interplanetary ship to keep our home fires burning. While sitting in the lounge and sipping a lit Molotov cocktail without singing my whiskers, I noticed a really strange sight. There was a huge crowd gathered in one corner of the entertainment lounge. The crowd slowly parted and I saw a strange sight. There was a piano floating on top of a fire pit while an alien started to recite a mind numbing poem while beckoning me while another one at the opposite end gestured for me to go there. My intuition told me that this person will not let go of me so easily and my feet started to plod mechanically forward.

                Quizzically, I followed her to realize that I had succumbed to the hypnotic songs while playing pocket pool as I was jogging like a hamster stuck in a spinning wheel which was chasing an ambulance. Adamant about getting out of this situation, I started to give water balloons to Pugnacious aliens from Mars who were leaning out the window and screaming at the passerby’s. Someone from the crowd threw an axe which signaled that good times had finally started.


                Time flew by and days turned into weeks as my space travels ate miles upon miles of space lanes. Yet, I never found another journey so exciting as this one in any of my travels. It seemed like the mischievous imp which creates chaos had disappeared from the face of the earth. One day, the dispatcher called to tell me that it was rumored that Loki the God of mischief who was always fascinated by tormenting me had joined politics as it was more lucrative and no one ever saw him again. The heart grew heavy, yet I knew that I had let go of the past and move on with my life. Promising never to forget the adventures he had offered, I moved on in life and headed around the bend. Read more...

                  Wednesday, February 23, 2011

                  Resting under the tree shade

                    My first stop was the hand pump located at the edge of the village. It took some effort to bring the water up and I wondered how silly I looked pumping the handle. After quenching my thirst with the ice cold water, I headed off to the temple just around the bend. Its boundary gate was still open and I wandered in looking to see if I could find some solace for my stressed out life. It was a small one with just one deity inside, yet the Peepal tree inside the temple compound offered me the shade to relax and meditate/reflect on the past events. The old temple priest was fast asleep on a cot under the same tree unmindful of the crows which was going caw caw on a tree branch on top of him.

                    The shrill cry of the encircling hawks far above was probably the reason why the crows were acting the way they were. They were on the hunt for some prey and kept going round and round for a great length of time. Time flew by and it was getting late. The priest had woken up from his slumber and went off to take a bath and a change of clothes. The evening prayers were due shortly, so he’ll be back shortly. I took my leave shortly after and went back to my car to see what the situation was. The traffic mess had cleared up to a great extent and the fruit/vegetable vendors were starting to set up road side stall on each side of the road. It was time to move before I got blocked in. Read more...

                      Tuesday, February 22, 2011

                      The great tile hunt

                        When one of my close family friends shifted to another house recently, the first thing she did was call up the people who will redecorate the house since it looked dull and lifeless. After filling it up with all types of items, it started to look just right. We went through once more through all the rooms with all types different combinations and went through all types of ideas and finally everything seemed to click. But after giving it some thought we realized that everything was just right.

                        After spending many days going to different places and looking at all the different setups at other people houses to get some ideas, we all realized that the one thing which was missing from his place was a new set of replacement of the floor tiles to make it look like a 5 star hotel.

                        But we encountered some problem while exploring all the options. It seems like the previous owner had used huge slabs and they had developed real nasty cracks and were chipped in many areas. It was time to change the flooring and the flooring guys had to get a Tile Floor to cut the giant piece into mid-sized ones. The floor looks so much better now and these guys are really glad with the end results. A whole new vista opened up for me and there was no turning back for me. I was hooked on to this site as I went through all the amazing choices they offered.
                        I found many items of fantastic quality, suited everyone’s tastes and budget.
                        A well educated sales force is always available to help a customer out in case any type of question needs an immediate answer at any point of time. Not only did I end up purchasing a high quality product but saved a bundle of money in the process as this price was at least equal to or below any other in the market. One should always remember to shop around and look for the best deals without compromising on the quality of the products which they would like to purchase. Read more...

                          Exploring the outdoors

                            I had been feeling a bit low lately and realized that what I really wanted to do was to spend some time with my family. The best way, it seemed, was to have a family get together in the midst of the outdoor beauty that my backyard offered. There were a lot of different ideas going through my mind regarding how to organize the get together. Finally, I decided that having a barbecue was an excellent option since it brought the family together and the family members could also enjoy some tasty food.

                            My wife has always been a fan of backyard living, so my idea appealed to her as well. We wanted to host the barbecue as early as possible, so we started our preparations immediately. Since our backyard had never been developed properly ever since we moved into this house, we had to start from scratch. This occasion provided the perfect excuse and impetus to get it developed. We purchased appropriate outdoor furniture, contacted the guys for cleaning out the pool and getting the landscaping done, and also got the right kind of barbecue grills for the barbecue.The landscaping guys came over and mowed the lawn, applied the mulch to the garden up front, trimmed the trees, and leveled out the backyard. The pool guys came next. They drained out the old water, scrubbed it cleaned, installed a new filter and suggested a variety of covers for the pool as well told us about maintenance services they offered.

                            I can not stress enough how important it is to spend time with one's family. It might not seem important to a person initially, but enjoying with one's loved ones is the best way to unwind and makes the memory last a lifetime. On an ending note, try to remember that whatever type of outdoor activity you decide to do, it is the right type of preparation that makes it all the more worthwhile. In the future, I plan on concentrating on other things that will enhance my backyard living experience, like purchasing outdoor furniture covers, a tool shed and a patio heater to keep us warm during the chilly months. Read more...

                              How do I organise my inbox?

                                I got a question for you all and I hope someone can come up with a solution to it. I have asked around and asked my buddies to ask around also, but it seems like no one could offer me any help to get me out of this dilema. Everyone was as lost as I was.

                                I had opened a new yahoo email account sometime last week and changed the email address of all the social networking sites so that I get all my mail into my Yahoo mail box. I think I had managed to add some of ya to my messenger but I have not been able to all. PM me with your email if I missed u this time and ya really missed being stalked by me. Lol. The Windows Live mailbox was not performing up to my expectations at all. I had problems logging in and alot of my mail from Facebook and Multiply, etc simply was not arrive in the inbox. So, I have shifted all my social networking stuff to my new Yahoo mail and presto....I am getting all my mail. Plus, I have shifted other mails to my Gmail box so now I am now better organized now than before. I prefer to segregate my mail so that there is no mix up at all and my other mail doesn't get lost in other mail. The Live email addy will stay for awhile until I have decided whether to keep it or not.

                                Since my mailbox is now flooded with mail, I would like to organise it in such a manner that I can get to the mail I want without hunting it down with alot of effort and wastage of time and missing that all important mail from YOU!!!!

                                So, the question is: Does anyone know how to set up filters in yahoo mail? I tried setting it up but it's simply not working right. The incoming mail is not going to the designated folders and it still ending up in the inbox. I had clicked on the "Add" button. Entered a "Filter Name". Then filled in the "If all of the following rules are true...From header: with the group/social networking site name". I have left the other sections empty as I really do not know what to fill in there. I must have either missed some important point or done something incorrectly. Thanks for any input and help. Read more...

                                  Sunday, February 20, 2011

                                  Value system – Will you compromise?

                                    We all grow up being taught certain values. This value system varies from person to person and no two people have the exactly same value system even though the core values might be the same. A conflict arises when your value system is quiet different from your friend/collogue. The question arises whether you will you argue with him/her and come to a compromise or will you stick to your point and try to change his/her viewpoint?

                                    After giving it some thought, I think it would really depend upon the seriousness of the issue and what we are talking about. If it is some issue which involves either my own or somebody else’s genuine interest is involved, I will try my best to argue my point till I succeed if I strongly believe on what I am saying. We should always stand up for what we believe in. It is never good in changing our minds to suit the changing times or giving in to the other party just to avoid a confrontation.

                                    A compromise is never good when you have to dilute your value system to suit the other person’s demands. A compromise should be reached in such a way you all can iron out the differences without compromising on your core values. Sometimes, there is a misunderstanding between the two parties and this leads to needless arguments. A good partnership or friendship has to involve sharing and understanding without forcing each other party to view the world or think in a way that they don’t want to.

                                    In the end of the day, one should be mentally happy and satisfied with the decisions and choices that he/she has made. Like someone once mentioned long back, the softest pillow is a clear conscience. Stick to what you believe in and pretty soon people will know that you always stick to what you believe in and won’t force you to change your viewpoint. Read more...

                                      Saturday, February 19, 2011

                                      Choosing the right shutters

                                        We spent many days going to different places and looking at all the different setups to get some ideas. But we really didn’t find anything which would look nice at his place. Sure, we got a bunch of ideas, but nothing seemed to click. So one night while I was browsing though the net looking for something for the house, I noticed a particular site by where you can help with all of your interior window treatment needs. They had some really excellent quality and beautifully designed blinds, shades, shutters, and enclosures. These high quality items seemed to be affordable and are sure to fit his budget. All items seem to be of high quality and this company is giving a lifetime guarantee on their products as long as the original retail purchaser owns the product for defects in materials, workmanship or failure to operate. This is really great when you consider that most online web sites just do not provide the same service and a much shorter warranty period which is just too inadequate to know what type of product you have gotten and what types of hidden defects it might contain. What really attracted me to this site is that they are leading supplier of window products for many long years and have an unsurpassed reputation in their chosen field. He is sure to get not only an excellent product, but also a wide variety of products to choose from. Since there are no middle men, I know that we can get the best price possible.

                                        I am really glad that I have found this site since the dull boring rooms now look like works of art if done properly. Let’s see what happens and hopefully he is able to choose the right stuff for his house and all the hard work that I have put in doesn’t go to waste. My worst nightmare at this time is that hopefully he doesn’t go color blind and chooses horrible glaring and conflicting colors or really inappropriate products even though the company does provide trained and qualified staff will help the customer select the products, colors, and options that best suit their needs. If he screws up this easy task, I’ll have to take him to the eye doctor. Lol. Hopefully, he’ll have the house fully ready by next week so that it will look good for the house warming party which he was planning to hold. Read more...

                                          Boost that immune system

                                            People are bound to fall ill every so often and under these situations we usually follow one of two paths. If we categorize the illness as minor then we usually try some kind of home remedy at first to see if we can cure the illness before seeking medical help from a doctor. The other path is seeking medical help immediately we are able to recognize the seriousness of the problem at the time of the incident. There are many lifestyle diseases which affect almost every person. Some of these can be cured while others can be controlled to some extent. Some of the reasons which come to my mind at this point are: High blood pressure, pregnancy, Obesity, tummy related problems and many others.

                                            This fitness journey starts with a desire to regain that lost prime health and youthfulness that you once had. A person should be self motivated to stick to a weight loss and a regular exercise program that has chosen especially after a long period of inactivity. Good planning helps a great deal in speeding up the process of becoming healthy once more. One should always try to maintain the vision of a healthier and leaner figure so that they stay motivated enough to continue with the weight loss program.

                                            There are many causes for obesity, ill health which leads to a poor immune system. It can be due to either our genes or our eating habits. Our defective genes cannot be changed but we can modify our diet so that we can once again become slim. If the person is constantly falling ill due to various factors, consult some health magazine for Beta Glucan information which will help in deciding which diet to follow or simply consult a doctor for health improvement advice. Reclaim that lost health and not only will you end up looking good but feeling healthier also. Read more...

                                              Friday, February 18, 2011

                                              How do you unwind after a really bad day?

                                                Modern life is hard and at times extremely hectic. It is so full of stress and tension. There are numerous deadlines to meet at work and numerous pressures at home to cope with. We are always in a rush to do something or reach someplace. Sometimes, after an extremely stress day we need to relax but we are just not able to. We are like coiled springs and ready to bite the head off the person who ticks us off even slightly.

                                                Everyone has their own method to unwind and relax. I felt the need to come up with my own methods to wind down since I was not fully satisfied with the ones which everyone was suggesting to me. The method which I found really effective on myself were: Vegetating in front of television, Books, Walking, music or movies.

                                                I noticed that either vegetating out in front of the TV or get on the computer for a long net session after a long hard stressful day is a real stress buster. Sometimes just sitting down and relaxing for a little while helps me to put things in a better perspective before I go out resume my work. Just sitting there in front of the television with a blank mind does help is de stressing the mind.

                                                Sometimes, when I am in a lazy mood I like to make a hot cup of coffee or tea and just open a book to read. This helps me not only to relax with one of my favorite but also catch up with the backlog of reading material. Reading really helps to ease my mind to some extant.

                                                Going out for really long walks at times helps me to put things in proper perspective. It helps to clear the mind and to priotorise the things to do. Sometimes, one needs to be alone to think things out properly and long quiet walks provide this opportunity.

                                                Movies and music also provide me an opportunity to lose myself in a different world for sometime. I simply forget the worries that I have carried home and in the process detox my mind of stress and tension. As I submerge myself in this world of make believe, most of my problems just ebb away slowly and my mind becomes at ease with itself.

                                                I guess everyone has their own method to put themselves at ease and no two people’s method are the same. Sometimes, none of the above methods work and I just sulk around the house till things normalize. If nothing seems to work for you and you want to get normalized mighty quick, you can turn into Tarzan run around the house like a total zoned out maniac waving both my arms wildly above your head and then swinging from one wall hanging to another while screaming on the top of your lungs. Not only will this get rid of those pesky neighbors, but also finally give you a much needed peace and quiet……in a padded room. Read more...

                                                  Thursday, February 17, 2011

                                                  Promoting the business the affordable way

                                                    Sometime back, one of my buddies decided to quit the company where he was working and get into his own business as he saw a lot of opportunity in this field and he also had acquired a lot of experience in the buying and selling business. No matter how hard he tried, he could not locate the right tools to make his business a total success as the right communication tools were missing which he needed to get in touch with the customers across a wide area. The web site which the company was using extensively to keep customers updated was not great as the quality was so poor that it ended up giving a really bad impression. Attracting new customers, retaining existing ones was getting increasingly difficult and many of the customers were not happy as they ended up not doing business with us. Going through all the options available to us, we discovered that the inefficient company promotional methods which had used to before was the bottleneck. Looking at the choices available, we discovered a solution to our problem.

                                                    Many things go into making a company a success. Email marketing are extension of the business when they want to expand their business. It becomes an extension of the office when the sales force is trying to highlight the company’s strong points and they have the opportunity to make new sales leads, meet new prospects, reconnect with existing clients and showcase their products and services to a specific audience. These email campaigns should prominently mention company strong points, while also quickly painting a picture as to what the company is all about. This ensures branding / corporate identity and helps prospective clients to become more familiar with the company image. However, a company which participates in this type of marketing should not only focus on branding, but also on the products, services, and/or support as well. So, choose the one which will draw the customers to you instead of your company chasing them down

                                                    The crisis management guys arrived just in time to see what crisis was brewing in our office at this time. Upon checking, it was found out that there was not any major defect with the existing system we were using. We put the decision to replace it and moved on to the next generation company promotion system. The whole system was overhauled in a jiffy and at an affordable price also. Read more...

                                                      Saving energy the efficient way

                                                        Most of you out there must be asking the following question what is reflective insulation? Well, these provide the basic framework for the houses so that it stays in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, way to keep the energy consumption lower. It can be defined as in most cases a shiny aluminum foil laminated onto paper or plastic. Radiant barriers main goal is to prevent the heat of the sun (namely in attics) and is mostly used in hot and warm climates as a form of reflective insulation.

                                                        These radiant barriers materials forms can be used in just about any place like basements, above grade walls, etc. in both residential and commercial construction. Using this method is not only a time saver but also saves money as the construction costs are reduced to a great extent. It looks really neat and neither messy wires nor pipes are visible to people. The simplest way to install reflective insulation is to lay the radiant barrier directly on top of existing attic insulation, with the reflective side up. But this isn’t a good option, due to moisture problems (even if products are perforated) and dust accumulation, that will strongly reduce the performance of the system. A much more efficient alternative is to apply the reflective material between the roof sheathing and the attic floor insulation. Many radiant barriers are placed at the top cord of trusses or draped over them.

                                                        These days with the advent of the technology advanced reflective insulation, you get all the benefits that have made insulation the preferred choice worldwide. The main reasons being are that they provide solid and long lasting construction which resists the ravages of all type of nature elements and time itself. So, make an informed choice today and you will never regret it as there are numerous benefits. Read more...

                                                          The apartment hunt

                                                            When my family who had shifted to London recently, the first thing we did was rent an apartments in london close by to the place where we had gotten a job a short while back. The first thing that I noticed when I visited the place was how bare, dull and boring everything looked. The indoor area especially looked so bleak, dreary and so drab. We really hated the look of the bare surroundings and the empty areas. Since nobody really has any idea on what to do to spice up the looks, I was called up for some advice. We ended up buying something cheap yet decorative for the patio and it seemed to do the trick.

                                                            After filling it up with all types of furniture, it started to look just right. We went through the checking once more through every area with different furniture combinations and went through all types of ideas and finally everything seemed to click. But after giving it some thought we realized that everything was just right. After spending many days going to different places and looking at all the different setups at other people houses to get some ideas, we all realized that the one thing which was missing from his place was some classy looking yet affordable furniture.

                                                            We really didn’t want to splurge on something expensive so went to a place which stocked a wide variety of choices at decent prices and he was thrilled at the range the site offered. Everyone gave their own suggestions, but I managed to find something on my own. We finally bought a few pieces of furniture as the rest of the family simply loved this product considering the fact that they simply hated the run off the mill variety items offered at most stores. No more boring sitting areas anymore and now I can spend more time there without worrying about anything. We had never realized how convenient and versatile these handy items were until the salesperson explained all the different uses it can be used for.

                                                            Later on I was told that they needed to choose from a range of casual chair items and bought Max Furniture and my buddy was thrilled at finding one at a good rate. Now finding the right store is not really an easy job so it took us some time before we found the right one at an online shop which dealt in selling the right type of tables. After going through the different places we finally ended up contacting one which suited our budget and went back completely satisfied that we had made the right choice. Before heading home, we managed to buy a few other items to make life easier in their new home. Read more...

                                                              How necessary is mobile phone for you?

                                                                Mobile phones are a relatively new invention and we did not always have them. When I was growing up, there was no such thing as a cell phone. I never felt the need to have a phone with me all the time. Whenever a phone call needed to be made, either I went to a pay phone and made a call, called from home or at other times from work. Even though we had a landline phone at home, we never felt the need to use it on a regular basis and only used it when necessary. But times have changed in the last decade or so. It has gained a lot of importance due to the fact that not only is it small and light weight, but also that many companies are using it in a variety of ways to communicate with clients or employees.

                                                                It seems to have become a necessary evil and yet I sometimes hate not having my cell around. I wouldn't say that I talk a lot on it, but I love being able to call anyone at anytime but at my own convenience. I can get help if I really need it and otherwise At certain times, I prefer to switch it off so that I can be really unavailable since I like to be more or less uninterrupted when I'm out and trying to get away from this mad world. The constant phone calls, some important and others not so important take up too much of my time.

                                                                I guess it has its advantages. Many use it just for fun and enjoyment, but it has it practical useful side also. With all the business transactions that can be processed through these mobile phones, people just cannot afford not live any longer without it. A lot of people are really very dependent on mobile phones. Their work dictates it that they have to expect text messages or calls at anytime of the day, even weekends from important places. This is especially true for the office people who spend a lot of time on the field attending some office business. The other point which must be mentioned is the sheer convenience of making and emergency call from inside of your vehicle in case it gets stranded someplace.

                                                                The phone is an useful device yet it intrudes too much into our lives. I try to limit its irritating effect on myself by regulating it by keeping it on only at certain times. The endless stream of calls makes me wonder at times if how much private time I actually have. I guess we have to limit the amount of time technology has on our lives. Reclaim the lost hours and spend it by actually meeting people whom you would have never met otherwise. The end is upon us and I must finally ask you: how necessary is mobile phone for you in your daily life? And How has it affected your life? Read more...

                                                                  A stormy experience

                                                                    The week seemed to start out just right. I had worked long and hard all year long and had earned a fully paid vacation to Sea world located in Florida and I was overjoyed. I packed my bags as quickly as possible and decided to drive over there instead of taking a flight as my destination was only a few hours away. One never realizes how life can change in a blink of an eye. Who knew that at one moment I was driving down the highway and the next moment my car was spinning out of control due to a massive storm which was building up on the horizon. High velocity winds swept the plains and landed in a ditch.
                                                                    Lightning flashed in the sky and one could hear thunder all around. The sky had turned jet black and I feared the worst. I hid in the ditch fearing a tornado or an electrical storm. I really don’t know how much time passed by, yet when I came back to my senses I noticed that the wind had died down. There was utter silence all around. A man was hollering in the distance looking for his dog while it was barking in return. It was still pitch black outside and it started to rain heavily. The sudden downpour soaked me to the bone and I started to panic wondering how I will get myself out of this situation.
                                                                    All the power lines were knocked out and none of the houses showed any sign of activity. The dirt road had turned muddy and it was no use sinking deeper into it while despairing about the mess I was in. I got back in the car and tried to get it out. The wheels spun yet it remained stuck in the ditch. A dash across the muddy fields was my only hope and it had to be done before it was too late. I looked up to the sky seeking some salvation, yet none was coming. I was on my own once more as I made a mad dash across the corn fields.

                                                                    Banging hard on the door, I wondered if anyone was home. I could not see my car anymore in the growing darkness. The rain had died down, yet it seemed like there was another storm brewing. I turned around to pound the door once more when I saw a pair of eyes looking at me. There was a lantern lit somewhere in the room casting wavering shadows all over. It kept staring at me for a long time and before I could utter a word the door was shut once more. My anger was building up inside me and I started pound on the door till my hand bled. I sank to the ground wondering whom to turn to in a strange town.

                                                                    The door opened once more and a bearded man grabbed me by the collar and hauled me in. As I was herded across the room. I saw a child hiding behind a chair looking at me. It seemed like the same child which had opened the door before shutting it once more. “What brings you to these parts?” was asked as a steaming hot mug of soup was handed to me. I told him of the mess I was in and he told me to wait it out till morning. A change of clothes made me feel better. The burly man had lent me a set of spare clothes till my dripping wet set dries out near the fireplace. I looked like a scarecrow in the ill fitting clothes. I pulled my chair as near the fire place as possible as looked around. In one corner was a stock pile of food and the end had beds. Somewhere in between was a fireplace and a kitchen. I finished of the last remnants of the food and gulped down the drink before it got cold. I found my way to a room upstairs and took a long shower to wash off all the mud and filth off me.

                                                                    I couldn’t fall asleep as worry was eating me up. The sun was up and it was time for me to hit the road. The sounds of horses were heard below the window and a rooster went off somewhere in the distance. My weariness slipped out of my body as soon as the sun started to climb higher and higher. It felt good to be alive and was overjoyed at the sight of my car in the barn. A head popped out of the engine and the farmer told me to give him a few till he gets the engine all dry and started. The smell of breakfast broke the spell I was in and I wondered where the two plates of food had appeared from. Not a soul was in sight and I forgot all about it as I finished off the food in a jiffy. I tried to offer some payment for the help given, yet the man refused. He told me that it’s a person duty to lend a helping hand to others when they are in need of help without expecting anything in return. I drove off to my destination having learned something new and hopefully I will be able to return the favor one day. Read more...

                                                                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

                                                                      Setting the wrong right

                                                                        The other day, I was surfing the net and I ran across a blog about police harassment which the author encountered in the Orlando area while heading off to work. It seems like Rincon was heading off to work when he was pulled over for a routine check. One thing led to another and he was in the deep end even though he had not done anything wrong. Sometimes things do go wrong due to various reasons. It is never good to be at the wrong end of the law and in order to implement the law and order, the law enforcement agencies sometimes overstep the boundaries in their zealous pursuit to set things right. Police force is the most visible face of the city and its behavior directly reflects on how the city views its residents. Control can range from extremely lax to total control where the citizens feel stifled and there will be some form of dissent. Sometimes police misconduct does occur and refers to inappropriate actions taken by the police officers in connection with their official duties. Police misconduct can lead to the legal system going off track. In order to keep such aberrations under check, there should be more involvement of local bodies or civil rights groups which will go beyond review to engage directly in investigations and to have much greater input into disciplinary decisions so that the affected parties can get some form of remedy for the misconduct heaped upon them for no fault of their. In the past, several cases of police misconduct in the U.S. were uncovered through surveillance tapes which led to a favorable decision for the aggrieved party. Misconduct may be triggered by the perceived disrespect towards police officers, such as by asserting one's constitutional rights, or by disrespecting the police. Police cars should be equipped with some form of recording systems, which can document or rebut police misconduct when some doubt is raised. Usually, the records have rebutted claims of police misconduct according to a 2004 study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Community Oriented Policing Service and hopefully future innovations in recording equipment could allow an officer's entire workday to be recorded. There was an United States survey done in 2004 regarding the public's view on police accountability and reforming police force, most citizens wanted an "early warning system" which the problem officers who have received many complaints, will have video cameras on police cars and will have to maintain detailed records of police stops. The systems work by collecting data such as complaints, which triggers an intervention at a certain point. After the intervention, the officer is monitored as a follow-up. Read more...

                                                                          Tuesday, February 15, 2011

                                                                          My Spanish villa

                                                                            Summer is upon us and it is not the best of times to move into another home unless they plan out their shifting in a proper manner. This is especially true of a few places, yet if a person is thinking about getting a new villas in spain , then the overall experience can be very positive as the climate and the overall atmosphere is just right. Sometime next week, I will be hosting a house warming party and I just cannot have guests looking at unpainted bare walls while moving around in my home. So, I started to ask around for help and one of my neighbors mentioned that I should check out a few of the local companies located in the shopping complex as one of the solutions to my problems. I called up the guys there and decided to shift to this place immediately due to the fact that I have many pets and I simply cannot a life without them.

                                                                            Now I can concentrate on other things like purchasing Outdoor Furniture Covers. Maybe, I can get in touch with a landscape designer as see what the company what kind of magic they can do with the lawn. One thing which I learned from my past experience was that plan ahead and avail the services of qualified people to reduce the stress points which people encounter while doing something. Read more...

                                                                              Running off to the hills

                                                                                Every year around this time, it is the same dilemma. It is the time when I can go on my annual vacation with my friends to new locations and this year I just cannot figure out where to go and where to stay. There are too many hotel choices yet it is difficult to make a right choice since I do not have much information available to make a proper choice. I needed a comparison chart so that I can compare hotel prices and choose the one which one fits my budget after I have decided my destination. The main factor in deciding one hotel over another is that the hotels near the venue will get more preference than the ones further away.

                                                                                It was sheer luck that I discovered that I really needed help to plan out my vacation with the minimum amount of stress. I needed the best deal in town and while keeping in mind location of the hotel. This will surely help me to save transportation cost between the different locations which I want to visit during my stay. In the long run, the transportation costs can be quiet substantial. Therefore, if one does a bit of smart budgeting then they can free up some cash and utilize it on some area like entertainment, etc. When I mentioned this to my fellow office workers who had just returned from a vacation, they talked about a cottage holiday that got me really interested.

                                                                                It is really important to get away for the weekend every so often in order to recuperate from the daily hassles and the coiled up stress within us. It does help in replenishing the pool of inner calm, helps to reestablish the missing equilibrium and for a great getaway weekend with my family for some fun in the sun, relaxation while wandering around the great city and looking at all the sights before the last days of summer are gone. Or maybe we would just do a short trip to a nearby city and experience it then enjoy the hotel pool and the lack of things to be done. A weekend away would means total enjoyment and that sounds very relaxing to me. The totally different environment which one finds at new locations is always exciting for everyone and at any age. What can be more fun and exciting. But remember that you have to enter this contest in order to be able to win, go places and live out your dreams.

                                                                                A perfect vacation might not seem an important to a layman initially, but a right choice will make you feel terrific and maximizing the enjoyment once you land there. Choose one of the packages offered which will make your trip enjoyable and makes the memory last a lifetime. It may take some work hunting for the right hotel to choose the package from, but your trip is worth the trouble. On an ending note, try to remember that where ever you decide to do, it is the right company which makes it all the more worthwhile. So, go ahead and try out their packages and be a little adventurous. After all, it’s all about having fun also. So, in the end we ended up booking our holiday plan now for stays between the lean months so that we can enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities from around the world at bargain rates. So, go ahead and book your trip today and have the time of your life without being stressed out. Read more...

                                                                                  Display your jewels now

                                                                                    The big day for which you have been waiting for is almost here. Yes, it is almost your wedding day and you still have not decided on what you will wear or who to invite. It is difficult to find what you are looking for at the last moment and a generous amount of help is needed at times like this. One of my friends was in such a situation and I volunteered to help out with some offbeat ideas as I owed him a lot of favors and this seemed like a good time to repay one off. It is always good to start off this big events with some professional help as the people who work in this area might have new ideas to make things exciting. So, I logged onto the net and I was desperately searching the net for unique ideas as to differentiate it from others. Each and every wedding should be as different from others or else no one will remember it. During the search, I discovered jewelry which can be used to really impress your guests as well the lucky couple who are getting married.
                                                                                    Yet, I was looking for jewelry display cases might not seem an important to a layman initially. A proper one will make a great impact on the wedding day. No one will be able to forget it and they will constantly ask you where you got all these fantastic items which make a memorable event even more worth remembering. From a simple one to a fantastic workmanship, today's wedding gifts offers a wide variety of options. Choose the correct items depending on the couple personality that are classy yet priced just right to make the right impact on one and all. The right gift for your wedding day is worth the trouble are worth the extra trouble a person goes through as it has to come from the heart, and everyone is sure to be touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity. Read more...

                                                                                      The blind search

                                                                                        We spent many days going to different places and looking at all the different setups to get some ideas. But we really didn’t find anything which would look nice at his place. Sure, we got a bunch of ideas, but nothing seemed to click. So one night while I was browsing though the net looking for something for the house, I noticed a particular site by where you can help with all of your interior window treatment needs. They had some really excellent quality and beautifully designed blinds, shades, enclosures shutters, and enclosures. These high quality items seemed to be affordable and are sure to fit his budget. All items seem to be of high quality and this company is giving a lifetime guarantee on their products as long as the original retail purchaser owns the product for defects in materials, workmanship or failure to operate. This is really great when you consider that most online web sites just do not provide the same service and a much shorter warranty period which is just too inadequate to know what type of product you have gotten and what types of hidden defects it might contain. What really attracted me to this site is that they are leading supplier of window products for many long years and have an unsurpassed reputation in their chosen field. He is sure to get not only an excellent product, but also a wide variety of products to choose from. Since there are no middle men, I know that we can get the best price possible.

                                                                                        I am really glad that I have found this site since the dull boring rooms now look like works of art if done properly. Let’s see what happens and hopefully he is able to choose the right stuff for his house and all the hard work that I have put in doesn’t go to waste. My worst nightmare at this time is that hopefully he doesn’t go color blind and chooses horrible glaring and conflicting colors or really inappropriate products even though the company does provide trained and qualified staff will help the customer select the products, colors, and options that best suit their needs. If he screws up this easy task, I’ll have to take him to the eye doctor. Lol. Hopefully, he’ll have the house fully ready by next week so that it will look good for the house warming party which he was planning to hold. Read more...

                                                                                          Why is English the dominant language?

                                                                                            These days it seems like English is the prevalent and preferred language throughout the world. It was not always so as there were many competing languages looking towards dominating the mind space. Due to globalization and many other factors, English has become the preferred language of our times.

                                                                                            English is the preferred business language because it is used by the vast majority of people in many different fields and it has been promoted since the term globalization was invented. It has become an international language with great importance mainly because of the great works which was contributed by many people. English is the only language with which you can communicate with most of the people in the world since it is a language which is easy to understand and learn.

                                                                                            I don't see anything wrong about people who choose to be a bit nationalistic and prefer their own mother language over others, but English has been around for many centuries and it is has gained acceptance in many countries as a common language between different countries and is also being used internationally to make many important transactions in every economy every day. Moreover, it is the preferred language used in most Sciences and Technology discoveries and financial sector. English is the only language with which you can communicate with most of the people in the world as it is a language which is easy to understand.

                                                                                            One should realize that these days it is extremely important to study English language since it is the preferred language of the globalized and integrated world. This basically means that you need to be more competitive than the next person who is probably keen on getting your job. Being competitive nowadays means that you should know how to use the commonly used language around the planet and use it to update your knowledge base/skills on a regular basis or else you will end up being replaced by someone else who seems to have better skills than you do. But on the same note, I would also say that we should also try not to forget our own language for this is the first step in studying another language.

                                                                                            Learning English heightens the awareness of the people on the events outside their own countries and the world at large thereby giving them a much needed broader global perspective. Since knowledge is power one can stay a step ahead of others if utilized properly. Having said all this, what are your viewpoints regarding the English as a universal language. Should just one language play the dominant role? Or should there be various languages clamoring for attention on the global field? Read more...

                                                                                              How superstitious are you?

                                                                                                Are you afraid of something? I guess we all are afraid of something? I remember when I was growing up, I was afraid of the closet in my room and the basement as I felt that there was something hidden in there. It felt like it was ready to jump out and gobble me right then and there and that too without ketchup and mustard. I really do not know how these two fears took root in my mind, but as other silly childhood fears these also were banished from my mind.

                                                                                                The closet monster was easier one to handle at that time. Turn on the light, move around the hanging clothes and satisfy the restless mind that there is nothing there. But, the closet monster kept popping up in my mind just when I was ready to go to sleep no matter how hard I tried to banish it. The basement monster always seemed to lurk either under the stairs or under the hollow crevice under the garage eager to do me harm. Whenever I had to go down there, I was always a bit hesitant that something was lurking down there hiding under the stairs and waiting to grab my leg. So, I used to walk a few steps down and peek here and there to make sure that all was ok before venturing down there.

                                                                                                Some people have other fears like streets/ alleys, hallways, mirrors and at times, certain types of houses. Certain kind of painting I find disturbing especially the ones with people faces. Have you ever noticed that the eyes seem to follow you everywhere and it seems like they are following you around. Mirrors and waters are odd things it seems. Did you know that mirrors and water can be considered as gateways to other worlds or to the other side? Read more...

                                                                                                  Monday, February 14, 2011

                                                                                                  The Rodent files part III - Final

                                                                                                    The grey cat finally reached the safety of the woods from where all this adventure had started. He need not fear any living being now and he boldly headed where he feared to tread once before. Yes, off to the rodents tree house and he was climbing it like a hungry monkey after a ripe banana.

                                                                                                    What an amazing tree. It had all of the modern conveniences like centralized air conditioning, full house Wi-Fi, wall to wall plush carpeting. Teak furniture, a cellar full of….well nuts, an attic full of more nuts. This squirrel was well stocked for any kind of emergency. I sank into the couch and started to flip through the television channel trying to find something interesting. I wasn’t really hungry so I didn’t raid the midget fridge in the kitchen.

                                                                                                    The cat really doesn’t know how long it had dozed off yet he woke up with a feeling of dread. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t pin point the reason why nor shake this feeling off. There was something out there and he could feel it in his bones. A Duck which had been hiding under the couch all along sneaked out and started to run out the door. The startled cat must have jumped at least 10 feet into the air and got stuck in the ceiling fan. As it was stepping out the door, it spied the cat hanging from the ceiling fan. Overcoming its fear, the Duck ran back inside and headed straight for the fans control switch. It turned the fan on at full volume and started to throw water balloons at the poor cat as it swung by. The cat soon lost control and flew right into the washing machine. The lid was closed and it started to spin round and round.

                                                                                                    What saved the cat from washing machines spin cycle was the power outage. Something was something and it was approaching fast. The sky grew dark and the Duck sensing danger ran out the open door. The cat yelled out “Noooo...don't go and leave me here all alone here. It's just too scary here.” But the Duck was gone and was left behind to fend for himself.

                                                                                                    In the darkness, he heard the all too familiar growl. The Gator was at the door....something else was scratching at the window...The wild wind...I think its wind and not some demons howl...was calling out its name....The lights were flickering and the cat peed in its pants.

                                                                                                    Out of the shadows emerged the huge gator who growled “We’ve been looking for ya. You can run but you can’t hide. Now pay the food tab before I get hungry and start to munch on ya “. The bill was paid in full and in record time with an extra huge tip. Fully satisfied, the old man swung around and started to make an exit. The curious cat which just couldn’t hold it tongue any longer asked “Hey old man….you seem to be alone. So, where are the others?” Look out the window silly and you will get your answer was all that was said. The shaking/quaking cat somehow managed to crawl to the window and draw the curtains aside. Its hair stood on its end and he turned pure white in fright. It was the acorn throwing squirrel tapping at the window. The poor cat ran out the house and back into the woods and the squirrel followed behind. So, the chase began anew. Read more...

                                                                                                      Sunday, February 13, 2011

                                                                                                      Impressing the clients

                                                                                                        Anyone who is looking for something different and unique to impress others might have a tough time in finding what they are looking for. When quality is of prime importance choosing the right company to provide the right set of postcards can make a difference. Once you know the type and size of business card you'd like to get printed, you can get a quote from a vendor for the quantity you have in mind. The vendor will need to know how many colors and what picture/graphics your custom printed card will include and whether you will be submitting artwork, such as a logo design. Some companies have a solution for all printing needs and their impressive certifications speak for themselves. With impressive credentials, you know you can expect top-notch, unparalleled work when you choose a company to provide the logo design that you need. The next time you need to order custom logos, be sure to ask around for a quote from a few different companies and compare the prices. You can submit your request directly through the websites and you can expect to receive your quote within a short time. With standard delivery, you can expect turnaround of your order within ten business days in most cases. Read more...

                                                                                                          Friday, February 11, 2011

                                                                                                          The Rodent files Part II

                                                                                                            Rodent fur was everywhere. It was a real hairy critter alright. Everyone was having a hard time wading through it and quite a bit was still flying around as the squirrel was trying to break loose from the mess it had gotten itself into. It hissed and growled at all and struggled to break free.

                                                                                                            Watching all the commotion below, the cat was getting mighty agitated and was looking for some escape route. It seems like everyone had forgotten about it and it calmly waited it turn to make a move. It had the patience of the Zen masters and was as cunning as a fox on a hunt. Someone opened a window to let in some fresh air and it made its move. One hop led to another and it was out of the house. It turned out to hear the cursing of the man whose head it had used as a spring board to spring out the window and the howl of the squirrel which wanted revenge for this humiliation.

                                                                                                            One thing led to another and soon it was in the safety of the forest once more. The Grey cat could move around more effortlessly now as there was no fear of being attacked by a certain rodent. It was probably being packed off to some zoo as a display item on what a nakkie rodent looks like. It was a talented squirrel also as it is able to fly around in a turbo charged broom while throwing nuts at not only humans but at a particular grey cat.

                                                                                                            It had gotten mighty hungry and started looking for food. It spied upon The Alligator Grill in an opening of a huge swamp. The thing which catches everyone’s eye was the sign
                                                                                                            Photobucket and the gator riding
                                                                                                            Photobucket for the people that get bored very easily.

                                                                                                            Everything was going well until it noticed something that startled it so much that the poor cat jumped out of its chair like it had seen a ghost. Yup, it was our friendly rodent quenching its thirst.
                                                                                                            Photobucket
                                                                                                            Seeing that the fur ball was fairly intoxicated and quiet harmless by now, a quiet exit was made after gulping down the food ordered.
                                                                                                            ...........To be continued Read more...

                                                                                                              Thursday, February 10, 2011

                                                                                                              The Rodent files

                                                                                                                Winter has receded and the warm winds are blowing across the plains. Summer is finally upon us and that means that our little fur ball is probably fully awake and quiet hungry. From my observations that I made: Rodents don't wear clothes...they run around bare in the woods and hide in tree. They love to gather errrr...nuts and most of the times they hang around nuts also. As they don’t wear any clothes at any given moment they are probably sitting in a tree house right now...munching on nuts while surfing the net
                                                                                                                Every once in awhile, they venture out of their tree house for either an exploration mission, food gathering mission or getting pissed off and throwing acorns on people’s heads, because most humans are a pain in the "butt". It is particularly fond of chasing a certain grey cat all around Multiply and daring it to do something about it.
                                                                                                                So one day it was bound to happen. Our cat was roaming around the Multiply woods like it not only owned the place but it was the lord and master of all it surveyed. It happened to pass under Rodents tree house unaware that the furball was at home. Sensing the cat under the tree, it hopped out and gave it a chase on its turbo charged broom while throwing all types of nuts at it. Pretty soon the cat was outgunned and out maneuvered.
                                                                                                                Looking for some type of safety, it spied a house in a clearing. It dashed towards it and ran inside as the door was upon. The rodent was in hot pursuit and followed right behind. The lady who owned this house was startled by the commotion and called for help. Help did come and the people tried to scare away these animals through the open door. The cat was mighty frightened by all the commotion and somehow managed to find a safe hiding place in the luggage space just above the door and it refused to come down no matter what people did.
                                                                                                                The lady of the house decided to take charge in order to bring things under control and hopefully shoo away the cat in the process. A clump of hair just doesn't do it anymore...So a whole Rodent was needed. Initially, everything is working out well. The Rodent was under control and it really doesn't know what's going on. As things quicken up, the poor Rodent becomes mighty confused and disoriented. It starts to squeal like a pig and flap its legs to get away. It’s held tighter until the work and hand is done. Things slowly go out of hand and the noise increases to very high level. Pretty soon, fur is flying all over and they see a very nakkie rodent in her hand.
                                                                                                                Everyone realizes that getting a real rodent, tying it to a stick and stuck it up there hoping that the cat would venture out and eventually come down does not always help. The cat did see the Rodent and vice versa. The Rodent on the stick just got a bit agitated ….but the cat stayed put in its place. Probably it was too scared to come out.
                                                                                                                ……To be continued Read more...

                                                                                                                  Thursday, February 3, 2011

                                                                                                                  Payperpost

                                                                                                                    When can the killer treasure a betting knight? Read more...

                                                                                                                      Wednesday, February 2, 2011

                                                                                                                      Reminiscing the days gone past

                                                                                                                        The morning sun gently peeks through the tops of the houses as I walk down the tree lined path looking for a house from my childhood. It’s been many long decades since I have been this way, yet it seems like I never left it. So much has remained the same yet a lot has changed. The houses are still there yet something is different. A paper made boat gently floats down the water canal vainly trying to find it own path as it gets swept along with the currents.
                                                                                                                        A breeze rustles the trees and gently ruffles through my hair. I hear children voices in the park and I see a group of children chase each other through the shrubs and weave through the trees. The voices fade away and I wonder how so much time has flown by so quickly. As I wandered down the cobblestone path with followed the water way, I eventually found myself at the end of the colony. Sitting down on a green bench I remembered that we lived in a real quiet neighborhood. Everyone knew everyone else and the neighborhood was a close knit one. Not much ever happened there. Spring and the autumn months were real nice since we had plenty of open area nearby and alot of kids used to come to play baseball, football or any other sports activity which caught their fancy.
                                                                                                                        Looking down the street, I remember living in the third house from the last. It wasn’t a big house yet it felt like what a home should feel like. The kitchen was always full of sounds and smells of all kinds. If you ever had to step into the kitchen, you would have been assaulted by a wide variety of smells and the clanging sounds of pots, pans and other cooking items. Being a large family, the kids were all over the place and chaos was the order of the day. I never felt alone even in the quietest of moments.
                                                                                                                        We never had an easy life as pops never earned that much and there was hardly anything left of the Friday’s paycheck. We made do with what we had and he always made sure that we lived as comfortable as possible. We all desperately wanted out of this vicious cycle. People were born here, worked in whatever jobs they could find in the town a few miles down, came home, idled away their time by playing a game of carom, checkers or some card game and the cycle was repeated till they passed away. The only way out was education yet not all of us had even have the basic skill set to pass the small quizzes that the teacher gave out on a weekly basis.

                                                                                                                        Through sheer hard work, grit, determination and the desire to succeed where others had failed which was missing helped me in becoming one of the brightest student and not the laggard I was last year. The hunger for knowledge was burning bright in me and the light was shining in me like a light house beacon on a dark stormy light. I wanted a better future and I stayed up all night correcting my deficiencies. I mugged up the math tables, memorized the science, history and relearned English the right way. Somehow I passed each and every quiz that the teachers gave to the class and eventually graduated the local college with a decent grade. Things began to look up for me and everyone seemed to go their own way. I moved on myself and shifted to a different town. Life moved on, got a good job and I finally settled down.
                                                                                                                        The clear morning sky began to darken and the wind suddenly picked up. Lightning flashed in the sky and one could hear thunder all around. The sky had turned jet black and I feared being stuck in the open with no protection and no place to take shelter. Between the thunder and lightning, there was utter silence all around. A man was hollering in the distance looking for his dog while it was barking in return. It was still pitch black outside and it started to rain heavily. The sudden downpour soaked me to the bone and I started to panic wondering how I will get myself out of this situation. I knock on the door of my old house and a small child sticks it head out. I hear a hustle/bustle of voices inside and various smell and sounds assault my senses.
                                                                                                                        The kid kept staring at me for a long time and before I could utter a word the door was shut once more. The door opened once more and a tall, stocky bearded man appeared at the door. “What brings you to these parts?” was asked as a steaming hot mug of soup was handed to me. After some prodding, I told him my tale. Life always comes a full circle at the end I was told. A change of clothes made me feel better. The burly man had lent me a set of spare clothes till my dripping wet set dries out near the heater. I looked like a scarecrow in the ill fitting clothes. I pulled my chair near the window and looked at the torrential downpour. The cobblestone street had turned into a small river and I couldn’t see the houses across the street. The storm passed as quickly as it had arrived. The sun was up and it was time for me to take a leave. Looking back, I thought it was best to leave for home as it was getting late.
                                                                                                                        With the passage of time, I had all but forgotten my previous life until this morning. I had come here to visit an old friend and I had never intended to wander down this long forgotten road which had drawn me like a street light draws a moth. Time had moved on....we grew up and went our own ways, made new friends along the way. We lived in this house for many years until it was eventually sold with the passage of time as there was no one to take care of it and we all lived in far flung areas. But this house still holds a special place for me. It had a splendid view and I am sure that the new owners must be enjoying it as much as I did when I was younger. Sometimes when I look back, it always pops up in my mind and brings back some fond memories and I am reminded of how much carefree fun I had when I was younger. Read more...

                                                                                                                           

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