Having gone round & round the at home looking for Amenities after strolling for a walk nearby at Arlington,it is time now for us to travel out towards Ashland, 15 Miles away by Car to seek the Blessings of The Goddess SriLakshmi, the Temple of whom is situated at New England Zone, combination of Massachusetts, New Hamshire, Rhode Islands (smallest state in USA), Maine ,Connecticut & Vermont (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England).Photography inside the temple is prohibited like India. Whatever possible in & around taken & can be viewed here as- Slide show.
Visit Lakshmi temple, Ashland, Massachusetts - is the site to click for details.
The inaugural function of this New England Hindu Temple, Inc. was conducted with Mahalakshmi Pooja and Diwali celebrations on October 28, 1978 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Exuberance and excitement filled the hearts and minds of everyone in the large congregation as they witnessed and experienced an authentic pooja service to Sri Lakshmi and it filled their spiritual need. This was easily seen as pledges and donations started coming in even before securing the non-profit status. Non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service was secured on November 28, 1978 for tax-deductible contributions. The place of congregation was soon changed to Needham Village Club which was more centrally located.
In the summer of 1981, about twelve acres of land in the town of Ashland, Massachusetts were acquired for constructing the temple. services of Sri Ganapathy Sthapathy from the Institute of Architecture and Sculpture in Tamil Nadu were sought to design the temple according to the Agama Sastras. He visited in November 1982 and provided detailed plans for the temple. In early 1983, M/S MacNevin and Kerivan Engineering, Inc. of Wellesley was engaged to prepare the engineering design and drawings which were submitted to the Town of Ashland for approval. The land was cleared in the fall of 1983 and in the following spring the excavation work was carried out by Guigli & Sons. The contract for the foundation and structural work for the building was awarded to Kaikunte Engineering Corporation in Sharon in the summer of 1984. The ground breaking ceremony was observed on June 19, 1984 with a grand celebration of Ganesh Pooja.
In the fall of 1984 the temple applied to Thirumaial-Thirupathi Devasthanam in India for a loan to help hasten the construction of the temple. The application was duly approved and the first installment of Rs. 5 Lakhs was received in July 1985. The loan has now been repaid. When the initial contract with Kalkunte Engineering Corporation for the foundation and infra structure was completed, the first Ganapathy Homam in the temple was performed in September 1985. The contract to complete the building with all the utilities needed for occupancy was awarded to Parekh Construction Co. in Woburn, Massachusetts. The first floor had the mahdmandapam (60'x5O') with an Alankaramandapam for Lord Nataraja and His consort Sivakami.
A paved driveway to the temple from Waverly Street with parking spaces for 100 cars was also provided. The receipt of the occupancy permit for the temple in September 1986 was an important milestone on the road to the completion of the mammoth project. This was celebrated with a grand opening Ceremony on September 6, 1986. Sri Janakiram Sastrigal of Rajarajeswari Peetam in Stroudsburg, PA graciously performed the inaugural pooja along with local part-time Tamil priests.
The temple has remained open during the week-ends ever since with all the major Hindu feswals being celebrated in a traditional manner. Cultural activities such as classical music and dance concerts, Thyagaraja Aradhana, Dikshitar Day, Surdas & Meera Bhajans and discourses have further transformed the temple into the focal point of the Hindu community.
Extending from the mahamandapam by another thirty feet, sanctums for the principal deities Ganesh, mahalakshmi and Venkateswara were constructed beginning in September 1987 with the contract assigned to Parekh Construction Co. As the time approached for Hindu architectural ornamentation of the sanctums with vimana gopuram (sikhara), the service of Sri Muthiah Sthapathy of Tamil Nadu was contracted in 1988. In the same year, Sri Shadrinarayana Bhattar was appointed as the first full-time priest of the Srilakshmi temple to provide regular services within the temple as well as services such as weddings, Grahapravesams, Namakaranam etc. as required by the Hindu community at their residences. When he returned to India, Sri Krishna Bhattar was appointed to fill in the vacancy.
The spring of 1989 saw the arrival of ten artisans (silpis) from India skilled in the architectural work of the temple. With their arrival, the exquisite magnificence of the sancta with their vimana gopurams began to take shape. Their patient and devoted work under adverse weather conditions has brought us to the celebration of Rajagopuram Kumbhabhishekam. Plans for the Kumbhabhishekam were initiated in the fall of 1989. Sri Sampathkumar Bhattacharlar of Bangalore and Sri Sambamoorthy Sivachariar of Madras were chosen as chief priests to perform the Kumbhabhishekam with a host of other priests assisting them in this consecration ceremony.
The granite idols of Ganesh with Mooshikam and Balipeetam, Mahalakshmi, Venkateswara, Garuda and Dwarapalakas along with the bronze Utsavamurthis of Ganesh, Mahalakshmi, Venkateswara, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Sivakami were designed by Sri Ganapathy Sthapathy of the Institute of Architecture and Sculpture, Tamil Nadu and fabricated by the artisans at the institute. The bronze Utsavamurthis of Nataraja, Subrahmanya, Valli and Devasena were designed by Sri Muthiah Sthapathy. The ornamental designs of the sanctum and the vimana gopuram were skillfully executed according to the Hindu Agama-sastras by the Indian artisans. Coordination of the shipping of the idols from India was carried out through the considerable help rendered by Sri Meenakshisundaram and Sri Ramanujam of Madras. Sri N V Raghavan, also of Madras, has attended to the procurement of multifarious items required for the Kumbhabhishekam.
These are only a few of the many who have helped the temple in immeasurable ways to reach the present status of success in this ever growing project. Undoubtedly, the names of many people have not been mentioned due to lack of space. What was envisioned as a concept in 1978 took twelve years to blossom. Measured steps were taken all the way mostly due to the newness of the project. Through the grace and guidance of Goddess Srilakshmi, an important phase of the temple construction has been completed. Sri Lakshmi Temple now joins the ranks of other Hindu temples built in different cities across the country. In some sense, building the temple has been the easy and fun part.
It will be left to the future generations to foster the growth of the Srilakshmi temple and other temples.
More details avl at Site- http://www.srilakshmi.org/Contents/Devotees.aspx
Thanks to the Temple Authority for giving in detail, the History of construction, without which it would not have been possible to narrate the same in my Blog.
Today, 17th July, being the First day of Tamil Month, Adi, it was my intention to dedicate the TENTH Part of my Series of my Blog, TIN to The Goddess, who brings wealth to all Humanity, customarilly marked with Beginning of Adi, The Auspicious Month. ALSO, IT WAS MY DESIRE TO PUT IT POSTED IN THE BLOG ITSELF, without going for Clicking with Link, for particulars reg. how hard it was to yield fruit after 12 years of hardship by the people concerned. Hope the present as well as the future generations will sustain the growth in the days ahead.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-
Air-conditioned room & a PC exclusively for my use provided with Internet, round the clock free, Melodious music of my choice at the back-ground to entertain, a Camera to capture Photos in both Still & Video modes in support of my Blogs along with relevent Books/ Guides, a Car to go with for roaming- driven by obviously Mahesh/ Akila & finally Healthy-cum-tasty foods of Varieties generated from Kitchen by Rajam & Akila!
These are the Factors behind my efforts to guide you all in this Travel venture across the two Mighty Oceans.
THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS BEHIND THE PC SCREEN!
ALSO, THANKS TO YOU ALL, THE VIEWERS ACROSS THE GLOBE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN SO FAR!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT
GOD'S Rosebud-
Courtesy- Friend from Group of Thatha Patti!
A new minister was walking with an older,
more seasoned minister in the garden one day.
Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do,
he was asking the older preacher for some advice.
The older preacher walked up to a rosebush
and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him
to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher
and was trying to figure out what a rosebud
could possibly have to do with his wanting to know
the will of God for his life and ministry.
But because of his great respect for the older preacher,
he proceeded to try to unfold the rose,
while keeping every petal intact.
It wasn't long before he realized
how impossible this was to do.
Noticing the younger preacher's inability
to unfold the rosebud without tearing it,
the older preacher began to recite
the following poem...
"It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine."
"The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die."
"If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?"
"So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way."
"The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose."
LET GO AND LET GOD unfold your life.
=======================
My Favourite video :
HOPE YOU ALL WILL ENJOY THE SAME!
=========================
In my next series:
One more Temple to visit, CHINMAYA MARUTI, run by Chinmaya Mission & Evidence with Photos from US Media on Indian Spirituality, will be taken up in the next Blog-11.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI- 9
Strolling over a brief circle nearby, in the last Part-8 & hope you all relished Tandoori at Punjabi Restaurent paid in $!
Let us now have a look at Unique Amenities avl here at our Spacious Apt, better shown & understood with Captions below as Slide show. Amenities means- may be present also in luxurious Apts in India nowadays.
Power supply- 120V AC 3 Wire, grounded- Provided by M/s N-STAR.
Drinking water, the only source of water for all purposes, is provoded by - MASSACHUSETTS WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY, lifting it from Quabbin Reservoir, about 65 miles west of Boston & the Watchusett Reservoir, 35 miles of Boston. These sources are almost covered by Forests & Streams,like Siruvani of our Kovai. The potable quality of Tap-water is furnished by the Authy periodically to the consumers.
Exclusive Heater room at each floor which has access only thro' Laundry room- Paid-service, provides 1)Heater circuits to the Apts for Hot Air during Winter- below Zero
2) Heater circuits for water, instant hot & cold variable thro' knob, round the clock for Kitchen & Baths.
3)- Heater circuit for Dish washer- cum- dryer, OIl or Gas-fired.
Additional space avl in Ground floor for Parallel Car Parking & Personal Secured Box for tenants since there are 42 Apts @ 6 per floor for 7 storeys excluding Pent-house on 8th floor.
M/s Comcost & M/s verizon, Private undertakings, provide Cable TV Channels & Internet. Indian Channels are costly.
M/s Vonage provide Phone with Calls to overseas
thro' VOIP mode, the cheapest @ 1500 Minutes free for 25$ per month including taxes.
Such provisions are also present in independent house & Villas.
One interesting point to note, Hearsay only- While we continue to adopt The British mode of life, day to day with regard to amenities, RH Driving, English Accent, etc., Americans just ignoring such modes, adopt their own but reverse to the British like Switch, plugs,power supply, LH Drive, etc. in resentment, perhaps!
Here are three FOOD FOR THOUGHTS concerning women-
Courtesy- Friends from the Groups, THATHA PATTI & PCWORLD.
1- Humorous mode of judging woman
A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a
woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the
entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit
the store ONLY ONCE!
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the
shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . . .. you
may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go
up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building !!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband
On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men
have jobs.
The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs
and love kids.
The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs,
love kids, and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks,
but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men
have jobs, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and
help with the housework "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly
stand it!"
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These
men have jobs, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous,
help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the
sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men
on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are
impossible to please! Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.
Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!
It therefore proves that sky is the limit for women for choosing their life-partners, which is the fact now.
2- OK! She found atlast the man she wanted- Presuming!!
Then, the sample scenario, again humorous, would be-
A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen.
"Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter!
Oh my GOD! You're cooking too many at once.
TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW!
We need more butter. Oh my GOD!
WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER?
They're going to STICK! Careful . CAREFUL!
I said be CAREFUL!
You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never!
Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY?
Have you LOST your mind?
Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"
The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."
Now comes the real role but in Emotional mode!
3- In case, they settled down amicably in family life, the wife then takes the Major role of HOME-MAKER, when her real calibre comes out & proved, as under-
Here is a FOOD FOR THOUGHT which depicts the Role of women in our life!
I was born,
a woman was there to hold me.......... my mother
************
I grew as a child......
a woman was there to care for me.......to play with me.......... ..my sister
************
I went to school.....
a woman was there to help me learn....... ....my teacher
************
I became depress, whenever I lost
a woman was there to offer a shoulder ............ my wife
************
I became tough......
a woman was there to melt me.......... ..my daughter
************
I am dying
a woman is there to absorb me in.......... ...my motherland
************
The Strength of a Man : by Jacqueline Marie Griffiths
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers.
********
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his kids.
********
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home.
********
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his Heart... that lies within his chest.
********
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in how he can be true to one woman.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry....
THEREFORE, FRIENDS! BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN THERE IS A WOMAN!
THAT IS WHY- THE WORDS- WOMAN, LADY, Etc, ARE THE PART & PARCEL OF MAN, LAD, Etc.
Pondering over this sweet thought, now I retire to wake up with another Blog in hand to send!
********
Let us now have a look at Unique Amenities avl here at our Spacious Apt, better shown & understood with Captions below as Slide show. Amenities means- may be present also in luxurious Apts in India nowadays.
Power supply- 120V AC 3 Wire, grounded- Provided by M/s N-STAR.
Drinking water, the only source of water for all purposes, is provoded by - MASSACHUSETTS WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY, lifting it from Quabbin Reservoir, about 65 miles west of Boston & the Watchusett Reservoir, 35 miles of Boston. These sources are almost covered by Forests & Streams,like Siruvani of our Kovai. The potable quality of Tap-water is furnished by the Authy periodically to the consumers.
Exclusive Heater room at each floor which has access only thro' Laundry room- Paid-service, provides 1)Heater circuits to the Apts for Hot Air during Winter- below Zero
2) Heater circuits for water, instant hot & cold variable thro' knob, round the clock for Kitchen & Baths.
3)- Heater circuit for Dish washer- cum- dryer, OIl or Gas-fired.
Additional space avl in Ground floor for Parallel Car Parking & Personal Secured Box for tenants since there are 42 Apts @ 6 per floor for 7 storeys excluding Pent-house on 8th floor.
M/s Comcost & M/s verizon, Private undertakings, provide Cable TV Channels & Internet. Indian Channels are costly.
M/s Vonage provide Phone with Calls to overseas
thro' VOIP mode, the cheapest @ 1500 Minutes free for 25$ per month including taxes.
Such provisions are also present in independent house & Villas.
One interesting point to note, Hearsay only- While we continue to adopt The British mode of life, day to day with regard to amenities, RH Driving, English Accent, etc., Americans just ignoring such modes, adopt their own but reverse to the British like Switch, plugs,power supply, LH Drive, etc. in resentment, perhaps!
Here are three FOOD FOR THOUGHTS concerning women-
Courtesy- Friends from the Groups, THATHA PATTI & PCWORLD.
1- Humorous mode of judging woman
A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a
woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the
entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit
the store ONLY ONCE!
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the
shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . . .. you
may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go
up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building !!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband
On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men
have jobs.
The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs
and love kids.
The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs,
love kids, and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks,
but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men
have jobs, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and
help with the housework "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly
stand it!"
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These
men have jobs, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous,
help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the
sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men
on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are
impossible to please! Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.
Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!
It therefore proves that sky is the limit for women for choosing their life-partners, which is the fact now.
2- OK! She found atlast the man she wanted- Presuming!!
Then, the sample scenario, again humorous, would be-
A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen.
"Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter!
Oh my GOD! You're cooking too many at once.
TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW!
We need more butter. Oh my GOD!
WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER?
They're going to STICK! Careful . CAREFUL!
I said be CAREFUL!
You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never!
Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY?
Have you LOST your mind?
Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"
The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."
Now comes the real role but in Emotional mode!
3- In case, they settled down amicably in family life, the wife then takes the Major role of HOME-MAKER, when her real calibre comes out & proved, as under-
Here is a FOOD FOR THOUGHT which depicts the Role of women in our life!
I was born,
a woman was there to hold me.......... my mother
************
I grew as a child......
a woman was there to care for me.......to play with me.......... ..my sister
************
I went to school.....
a woman was there to help me learn....... ....my teacher
************
I became depress, whenever I lost
a woman was there to offer a shoulder ............ my wife
************
I became tough......
a woman was there to melt me.......... ..my daughter
************
I am dying
a woman is there to absorb me in.......... ...my motherland
************
The Strength of a Man : by Jacqueline Marie Griffiths
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers.
********
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his kids.
********
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home.
********
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his Heart... that lies within his chest.
********
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in how he can be true to one woman.
********
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry....
THEREFORE, FRIENDS! BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN THERE IS A WOMAN!
THAT IS WHY- THE WORDS- WOMAN, LADY, Etc, ARE THE PART & PARCEL OF MAN, LAD, Etc.
Pondering over this sweet thought, now I retire to wake up with another Blog in hand to send!
********
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI- 8
Here is a belated food for thought on the History of Spypond read in the Last Part-7, infact, spying on the Pond which I had preached you all not to to do! Violating my own version, just thought over a while-
WHY THE THEN RULERS OF INDIA OPTED FOR THIS SMALL POND FOR SECURING ICE BY EXPORT FARAWAY ACROSS THE TWO OCEANS DESPITE HAVING OUR OWN MIGHTY HIMALAYAS NEARBY? EVEN IF IT WAS JUSTIFIED FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, HOW THE BLOCKS OF ICE WAS KEPT UNMELTED FOR DAYS TOGETHER UNTIL IT REACHED THE DESTINATION- THE ICE HOUSE AT CHENNAI, THE FORMER NAME OF THE PRESENT VIVEKANANDAR ILLAM! Since my own relatives had raised this relevent query, why not spying for an ANSWER please? If you get an answer, kindly let me know.
Reverting back to this Part-8, let us stroll in & around our Apt.apart from Spypond covered in Part-7.
Our Apt. is well-connected by Rail-cum-bus Services to all tourist spots situated far & wide which will be dealt with one by one in the forthcoming Parts to follow.
This Part is better shown pictorially with Captions as- SLIDESHOW at the last!
Therefore, let me conclude the text Part with a Brief as under-
1- Robbins Library, 15Min.walk, http://www.robbinslibrary.org/
Incidentally, it is the place where Akila is working as Voluteer.Benefits are-
2- World War Memorials.
3- Bus Stop.
4-Rail Station
5-Postbox
6- Greenery.
Now, it is time for us to move by Bus-cum-Rail to visit Places of interest one by one.
Let us board a Bus at stop, 5 min. from Apt.
just wait for our next Part- 9 to know about our experiences on move, please.
By telling you to wait for next Part, I mean that prior to moving to certain place by certain means of transport for the first time, it is necessary to have some basic idea about our movements to avoid any problems enroute! Let me take you all to the early sixties when I was a Bachelor at Chittaranjan. My friend, Subba, also a bachelor, invited me to visit Kolkata for sight-seeing during the week-end.On our return by train to Chittaranjan, we boarded Delhi Janata Express from Howrah which goes via Chittaranjan. It was not the train infact to board but we had to opt for it since we reached late Howrah Station due to whole day sight seeing.Our train was the last to alight at Chittaranjan late night to enable us to report for duty at 07.30 AM on Monday. That too, we could board while it was just moving out of Platform at Howrah.At Asansol Station, the previous stop to our Chittaranjan, the train stopped for a while at Mid-night after which, sacrificing our valuable sleep, we both assembled at the Exit door to alight at the earliest possible time. It stops just for a minute at our Place for courtesy sake since it holds the name-CHITTARANAJAN, named after the Great Patriot, CHITTARANJAN DAS!
Oh, train had reached & slowing down on entering Platform.Oh, God,it had not stopped but moving slowly along the Platform.Subba, having longer legs with super-star Amitabh stature, urged me to follow him attempting jumping from slow-moving train.I did not since having Dwarf-like legs, it would be risky!Subba too, then backed out in frustration & we both were watching it crossing help-lessly. Co-passengers then advised us to wait next stop, Madhupur, one hour away. It was already 02.00 AM.Madhupur arrived at last & we got down in a hurry to board another train readily waiting for us to board on the opposite Platform.Subba, knowing more about Trains than me, smiled as if he did an adventurous thing forgetting himself that his calculations went wrong little earlier!Chittaranjan came at about 03.00 AM. When we were about to get ready to get-down, Co-passengers discouraged us by telling- अरे यार, किया कर रहे हो! ये गाडी इधेर नहीं रुकेगी भाई! इंतज़ार करो, अहेला स्टॉप केलिए, आसनसोल!
Subba smile vanished all of a sudden! We both watched our train running fast, not at all moving, of course, Chittaranjan.On query, we came to know that it was the Train- Delhi Howrah Janata Express, the sister of our earlier train, non-stopping at Chittaranjan.Now, it was Asansol again where we got down for catching another train back to our place.There was a train to our pleasant surprise towards Chittaranjan.Once bitten, twice shy!
We asked politely Passengers whether it stops at Chittaranjan.They answered to our surprise that it stops anywhere & everywhere we need, being Passenger train.
We arrived at 06.00 AM finally. Therfore, Friends! Never feel shy to get any query clarified if you are a stranger to some place.Few more such real incidents I came across, I will narrate later.
Now, Check this cool puzzle.....
A man wanted to enter an exclusive club but did not know the password that was re! quired. He waited by the door and listened.
A club member knocked on the door and the doorman said, "twelve." The member replied, "six" and was let in.
A second member came to the door and the doorman said, "six." The member replied, "three" and was let in.
The man thought he had heard enough and walked up to the door. The doorman said,"ten" and the man replied, "five."
But he was not let in. What should have he said?
Comon guys put on your thinking caps & get the solution.... ..
.....
......
......... Dont keep scrolling... .... think about the answer :)
.......
........
Ans: - 3
The man had to reply the number of characters in the word the Doorman was asking.
He should have replied "Three" instead of "Five".
I bet u'll read the question again....
krishnan
WHY THE THEN RULERS OF INDIA OPTED FOR THIS SMALL POND FOR SECURING ICE BY EXPORT FARAWAY ACROSS THE TWO OCEANS DESPITE HAVING OUR OWN MIGHTY HIMALAYAS NEARBY? EVEN IF IT WAS JUSTIFIED FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, HOW THE BLOCKS OF ICE WAS KEPT UNMELTED FOR DAYS TOGETHER UNTIL IT REACHED THE DESTINATION- THE ICE HOUSE AT CHENNAI, THE FORMER NAME OF THE PRESENT VIVEKANANDAR ILLAM! Since my own relatives had raised this relevent query, why not spying for an ANSWER please? If you get an answer, kindly let me know.
Reverting back to this Part-8, let us stroll in & around our Apt.apart from Spypond covered in Part-7.
Our Apt. is well-connected by Rail-cum-bus Services to all tourist spots situated far & wide which will be dealt with one by one in the forthcoming Parts to follow.
This Part is better shown pictorially with Captions as- SLIDESHOW at the last!
Therefore, let me conclude the text Part with a Brief as under-
1- Robbins Library, 15Min.walk, http://www.robbinslibrary.org/
Incidentally, it is the place where Akila is working as Voluteer.Benefits are-
2- World War Memorials.
3- Bus Stop.
4-Rail Station
5-Postbox
6- Greenery.
Now, it is time for us to move by Bus-cum-Rail to visit Places of interest one by one.
Let us board a Bus at stop, 5 min. from Apt.
just wait for our next Part- 9 to know about our experiences on move, please.
By telling you to wait for next Part, I mean that prior to moving to certain place by certain means of transport for the first time, it is necessary to have some basic idea about our movements to avoid any problems enroute! Let me take you all to the early sixties when I was a Bachelor at Chittaranjan. My friend, Subba, also a bachelor, invited me to visit Kolkata for sight-seeing during the week-end.On our return by train to Chittaranjan, we boarded Delhi Janata Express from Howrah which goes via Chittaranjan. It was not the train infact to board but we had to opt for it since we reached late Howrah Station due to whole day sight seeing.Our train was the last to alight at Chittaranjan late night to enable us to report for duty at 07.30 AM on Monday. That too, we could board while it was just moving out of Platform at Howrah.At Asansol Station, the previous stop to our Chittaranjan, the train stopped for a while at Mid-night after which, sacrificing our valuable sleep, we both assembled at the Exit door to alight at the earliest possible time. It stops just for a minute at our Place for courtesy sake since it holds the name-CHITTARANAJAN, named after the Great Patriot, CHITTARANJAN DAS!
Oh, train had reached & slowing down on entering Platform.Oh, God,it had not stopped but moving slowly along the Platform.Subba, having longer legs with super-star Amitabh stature, urged me to follow him attempting jumping from slow-moving train.I did not since having Dwarf-like legs, it would be risky!Subba too, then backed out in frustration & we both were watching it crossing help-lessly. Co-passengers then advised us to wait next stop, Madhupur, one hour away. It was already 02.00 AM.Madhupur arrived at last & we got down in a hurry to board another train readily waiting for us to board on the opposite Platform.Subba, knowing more about Trains than me, smiled as if he did an adventurous thing forgetting himself that his calculations went wrong little earlier!Chittaranjan came at about 03.00 AM. When we were about to get ready to get-down, Co-passengers discouraged us by telling- अरे यार, किया कर रहे हो! ये गाडी इधेर नहीं रुकेगी भाई! इंतज़ार करो, अहेला स्टॉप केलिए, आसनसोल!
Subba smile vanished all of a sudden! We both watched our train running fast, not at all moving, of course, Chittaranjan.On query, we came to know that it was the Train- Delhi Howrah Janata Express, the sister of our earlier train, non-stopping at Chittaranjan.Now, it was Asansol again where we got down for catching another train back to our place.There was a train to our pleasant surprise towards Chittaranjan.Once bitten, twice shy!
We asked politely Passengers whether it stops at Chittaranjan.They answered to our surprise that it stops anywhere & everywhere we need, being Passenger train.
We arrived at 06.00 AM finally. Therfore, Friends! Never feel shy to get any query clarified if you are a stranger to some place.Few more such real incidents I came across, I will narrate later.
Now, Check this cool puzzle.....
A man wanted to enter an exclusive club but did not know the password that was re! quired. He waited by the door and listened.
A club member knocked on the door and the doorman said, "twelve." The member replied, "six" and was let in.
A second member came to the door and the doorman said, "six." The member replied, "three" and was let in.
The man thought he had heard enough and walked up to the door. The doorman said,"ten" and the man replied, "five."
But he was not let in. What should have he said?
Comon guys put on your thinking caps & get the solution.... ..
.....
......
......... Dont keep scrolling... .... think about the answer :)
.......
........
Ans: - 3
The man had to reply the number of characters in the word the Doorman was asking.
He should have replied "Three" instead of "Five".
I bet u'll read the question again....
krishnan
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI- 7
Let us commence our Part-7 by walking towards Spypond from our Apt, our first outing since arrival on 9th. Setting aside the logic of so-called 'JETLAG', we left for the pond on the next day itself on curiosity in view of its Marvel!
' I spy a small bug in this room '- My daughter Usha quizzing her Daughter just to divert the latter's attention elsewhere, a tactic!
' Here it is! '- exclaiming Grand-daughter, Preksha forgetting her own thought instantly & concentrating on a Bug, visible to my own eyes through a lens only but could be seen clearly by her.
The word- SPY used here is not having the meaning what we are aware.I presume that this Part of the term-SPYPOND meaning just ' VIEW ' Therefore, Friends, not to go spying at SPYPOND please!
Details about Spy Pond
Also is the link for viewing Photos- "
We both visited the Pond on 26th June
when its Annual Parade & festivel took place.Group of Orchestra, all Senior citizens led by a Lady of > 80 years on Piyano, was the Main attraction.
Let me conclude this Part with a humour borrowed from a source long back, followed by a Food for thought, a;so borrowed recently.
1)HUMOUR
A Desi (local) chap was deeply in love with a pretty girl, whom he wanted. But he
did not have the courage to talk to her in person.
So he decided to go alone and with the help of a dictionary, he wrote a
letter of proposal to her.
HE WROTE :
Most worthy of your estimation after a long consideration and much
mediation, I have a strong indication to become your relation.
As to my educational qualification, it is no exaggeration or fabrication,
that I have passed my matriculation examination (no doubt without any
hesitation and very little preparation) .
What do you say to the solemnization of our marriage celebration according to the glorification of modern civilization and with a view to the expansion of the population of present generation. On your approbation of the application,
I shall make preparation to improve my situation, and if such obligation is worthy of consideration it will be our argumentation of the joy and
exaltation of our joint dissimilation.
Thanking you in anticipation and with devotion; To remain victim of your
fascination.
SHE ANSWERED :
Dear Mr. Victim of my fascination,
Congratulation for your lengthy narration of course full of affection aimed at an affiliation for a combination which on examination I find is a fine presentation of your ambition.
You have passed your matriculation with little preparation, what about my graduation after a long botheration, so improve situation in education and make an application by acquisition of post graduation and minimumqualificatio n for the convocation and before taking your photo for circulation undergo beautification.
Further strict observation of the following conditions is the regulation for the determination of our relation.
1. Consultation of my parents before approaching for my connection.
2. Communication of your confirmation that you are not a victim of any fascination and,
3. Procreation must not be your recreation.
In anticipation of a solid action instead of continuation of paper
conversation.
I Remain, unaffected by your affection.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
WHAT is it that's hard to break???
Diamonds are hard to find but not hard to Break.
What is the hardest thing to break then?
The answer is: HABIT!
If you break the H, you still have A BIT.
If you break the A, you still have BIT.
If you break the B, you still have IT!
Hey, after you break the T in IT, there is still the 'I'.
And that "I" is the root cause of all the problems that You/me/all are facing.
Isn't it right? Do You endorse? Do You agree?
Now you know why "HABIT" is so hard to break.
Now let's take quick taste and it will confirm to You
Now You think it is a frog and i think it is a horse
Moral of the story
We have to respect each other's opinion and views too.
As You can clearly see & understand from above picture.
We just need to listen others actively and their point of view
Regards,
GOOD MAN
Our next Part- 8 will be a topic again on walk in & around our Home.
' I spy a small bug in this room '- My daughter Usha quizzing her Daughter just to divert the latter's attention elsewhere, a tactic!
' Here it is! '- exclaiming Grand-daughter, Preksha forgetting her own thought instantly & concentrating on a Bug, visible to my own eyes through a lens only but could be seen clearly by her.
The word- SPY used here is not having the meaning what we are aware.I presume that this Part of the term-SPYPOND meaning just ' VIEW ' Therefore, Friends, not to go spying at SPYPOND please!
Details about Spy Pond
Also is the link for viewing Photos- "
We both visited the Pond on 26th June
when its Annual Parade & festivel took place.Group of Orchestra, all Senior citizens led by a Lady of > 80 years on Piyano, was the Main attraction.
Let me conclude this Part with a humour borrowed from a source long back, followed by a Food for thought, a;so borrowed recently.
1)HUMOUR
A Desi (local) chap was deeply in love with a pretty girl, whom he wanted. But he
did not have the courage to talk to her in person.
So he decided to go alone and with the help of a dictionary, he wrote a
letter of proposal to her.
HE WROTE :
Most worthy of your estimation after a long consideration and much
mediation, I have a strong indication to become your relation.
As to my educational qualification, it is no exaggeration or fabrication,
that I have passed my matriculation examination (no doubt without any
hesitation and very little preparation) .
What do you say to the solemnization of our marriage celebration according to the glorification of modern civilization and with a view to the expansion of the population of present generation. On your approbation of the application,
I shall make preparation to improve my situation, and if such obligation is worthy of consideration it will be our argumentation of the joy and
exaltation of our joint dissimilation.
Thanking you in anticipation and with devotion; To remain victim of your
fascination.
SHE ANSWERED :
Dear Mr. Victim of my fascination,
Congratulation for your lengthy narration of course full of affection aimed at an affiliation for a combination which on examination I find is a fine presentation of your ambition.
You have passed your matriculation with little preparation, what about my graduation after a long botheration, so improve situation in education and make an application by acquisition of post graduation and minimumqualificatio n for the convocation and before taking your photo for circulation undergo beautification.
Further strict observation of the following conditions is the regulation for the determination of our relation.
1. Consultation of my parents before approaching for my connection.
2. Communication of your confirmation that you are not a victim of any fascination and,
3. Procreation must not be your recreation.
In anticipation of a solid action instead of continuation of paper
conversation.
I Remain, unaffected by your affection.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
WHAT is it that's hard to break???
Diamonds are hard to find but not hard to Break.
What is the hardest thing to break then?
The answer is: HABIT!
If you break the H, you still have A BIT.
If you break the A, you still have BIT.
If you break the B, you still have IT!
Hey, after you break the T in IT, there is still the 'I'.
And that "I" is the root cause of all the problems that You/me/all are facing.
Isn't it right? Do You endorse? Do You agree?
Now you know why "HABIT" is so hard to break.
Now let's take quick taste and it will confirm to You
Now You think it is a frog and i think it is a horse
Moral of the story
We have to respect each other's opinion and views too.
As You can clearly see & understand from above picture.
We just need to listen others actively and their point of view
Regards,
GOOD MAN
Our next Part- 8 will be a topic again on walk in & around our Home.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI- 6
Boarding into our car with luggages from Boston Airport, it took just 15 minutes to reach our Apartment situated at Arlington.Travel by Roadways itself was unique in the sense that just after Airport, we travelled through a long tunnel,called ' SUMNER ', named after a Historian, built below the confluence of Rivers 'Mystic'& 'Charles' with ' Atlantic Ocean' that could be seen flowing along the Tunnel on both sides for around one Mile. Video taken through the tunnel will be sent later.Viewing the Link- "http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/Pages/Default.aspx" will also help you all in getting better idea about the site of Airport, in & around.Its sub-links by clicking & viewing will make you understand on facilities for Rail- cum-bus Transport to reach Boston City & Suburbs.Infact, Airport & Harbour along the Atlantic Ocean are situated close to each other.
All along the route, shops & Malls were seen but quiet to look at, externally with small sign boards & cars moving or stalled in Massive Parking areas. Our Car provided with GPS, a hardware device directing the driver audibly on the route lying ahead.Such techniques are nowadays seen even on Indian cars & roads also,Driver is supposed to feed his Password & the destination on the map displayed in front of him thro' the device.
We are at home now. A warm welcome with smilng face of Akila greeted us at the entrance. Here were also seen certain security techniques to reach the specific Apt which will be dealt separately later.Such Apartment/ house are normally Built in multi-storey buildings, families are accommodated in Basement/First-floor {called in India as Ground- floor}/Second Floor etc.Car parking per Family with Auto-Garage door, common laundry & security lock, Mail box per family are available at First floor.Families are *accommodated in basement only in sites where scope of natural ventilation is possible with slopes.
Our Apt, Part of 'Cedar Crest' Apts, has been taken on lease for 12 Months is provided with Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Two Bed-rooms, Two baths, Parking for one car (outside ), heat Apt & storage.Carpets, Fridge, Dishwasher, Disposal, Security interlock, Fire-extinguisher are provided by the Owner which shall be restored in the same good condtion while vacating.
Independent houses are also having such facilities.Adequate greenery in the form of Lawn & play area for kids are also taken care of.Basement provision is in force, however, only in some States like Michigan.
Our Apt is at 3rd floor of 8 storey building where all are Tenants @ 6 per floor upto 7th. while 8th floor is a Pent house where one lady working as Manager of the Building lives.Owner of the entire bldg lives elsewhere with Office at Ground floor.There are houses called as condos where each is owned by an individual.) Suiting environmental conditions prevailing in seasons viz.Summer,Fall,Winter at Sub-zero ambient at certain States only like this state & Michigan where I stayed for 6 months earlier & Spring, floor,interior walls & roof are made of WOODEN while the exterior wall is of bricks/wooden.Carpeting is essential for floor & glasses are for doors & windows.It also allows roof with slopes to take care of snow-falling/removal during the season.
Entire construction is of Modular type in which various sub-assemblies are bought `AS MADE`& provided at site with screws/bolts or pasted.It is not durable like concrete structure but quite adequate to all kinds of weather & looks attractive.False ceiling is adopted where air-conditioning ducts are provided.Our Apt is provided with Window- type ACs for rooms & Hall except Kitchen which is part of the Hall.110V AC 60 Hz is the system of volage adopted in the entire US.There are certain unique provisions of Electrical fittings at Apt. which will be dealt with later.
Plumbing by Pipe lines laid under-ground for water hot & cold circuits, copper pipes for Natural gas circuit for heating of water & air [electricity as option], kitchen oven & air-conditioning,insulated pipe for electrical circuits,pipes for drain waste/sewer lines to septic tank, pipes with ducts for Air-conditioning /Room-type or centralized.
Outlets through roof by- chimney for smoke above fire-place, if provided, vents for air hot or cold through roof/side walls exterior to kitchen
Toilets/Toilet-cum-bath for each floor & basement
Lawn around the apartment/house with slots for garden over non-lawn area.
Garage for cars with Auto-door opening/closing through Remote control.
Basic Features :
Basement :a) PC room having PC,Printer, Scanner,Audio-equipment, web-camera etc.,b) Utility room having electrical main switch with distribution boards, equipment & accessories for Air-conditioning/cooling & heating,Washer cum-drier for clothes,Treadmill & other equipment for physical fitness &c) prayer room.
Ist floor : a) Kitchen having cooking oven,Micro-oven,Dish washer,Refrigerator- cum- freezer etc. fully furnished for tenancy. b) Living room having dining hall & playing area for kids, c) Family room having TV, audio-equipment,fire-place etc.,& Garage for car parking.
II nd floor having Master bedroom,bedrooms separately for kids & visitors
All floors have Toilet- cum-bath room facilities.Such features are normally seen in case of Individual houses or Villas.
Basic public service utilities :
Electricity :Service connection provided by Private company externally on the wall front/rear door with energy meters separately for a)Power covering interruptible heating & cooling circuits & b) Lighting covering lamps & plug sockets three pin for power appliances not covered under (a)
Natural gas :Service connection provided by Private company externally on the wall adjascent to the basement with meter underground closer to the heating/cooling circuits
Water : Service connection provided by the Govt at state level. externally with meter underground. Boston is fed by reservoirs which will be dealt separately.
Phone : Service connection provided for base phone by Private company, charged monthly for such services & calls, Additional features like caller ID/waiting ID/forwarding/long distance services.; cell phones also provided by Private company charged monthly for such services including supply of phones [fixed]. Accessories like Answering machine are to be provided by the consumers themselves.
Postal Services :Delivery at the Mail-box daily by the Govt or by Private & Despatch at the Post office situated at Sub-division level/otherwise.Registered letters are delivered in person while packets are left at door-step after drawing the attention of occupants by call-bell.
Little exhaustive report, is it not?
Such features are visible even in India, if not better, nowadays.
It is time for one practical joke.
What happens if 1 rupee = 45 dollars !*
Scene 1*
*
Venue : Microsoft Corporation, New York , US Some s/w
engineers are seeing some photographs. *
*
s/w engg 1 : What's that?*
*
s/w engg 2 : Bob's photographs from India .*
*
s/w engg 1 : Wow. Let me see. Which is this place?*
*
s/w engg 3 : (Sees the photo) This is tidel park,chennai
s/w engg 1 : Fundoo yaar! And what is this? He got Bajaj Pulsar also.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Let me see (sees). This guy enjoys life maan...*
*
s/w engg 3 : You know how much an Bajaj Pulsar costs?
Nearly 60K.....
Say it in dollars... (60000*45 = 27,00,000 dollars)*
*
s/w engg 2: Oops. We can't dream of such a thing here.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Let's go to India & try for a job.*
*
[Everybody excited.]*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------*
*
SCENE 2*
*
Venue: Sun Microsystems, SanFrancisco , California, US*
*
s/w engg 1: I'm with you man. My Visa is expected anytime. Soon I will
fly to India*
*
s/w engg 2: Ohhh.... When is the party?*
*
s/w engg 1: When I get it on hand.*
*
s/w engg 2: Where will you be working?*
*
s/w engg 1 : I'll be working in** **ambatur
s/w engg 2 : Oh! ambatur. Great yaar. where it is...*
*
s/w engg 1 : It is in chennai.*
*
s/w engg 3 : Fundoo place yaar. Nice climate Not like California.
You'll love the weather yaar. One of my friends is in coimbatore.. .
He says it's the ultimate place to live in. Cool maan.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Who is the client yaar?*
*
s/w engg 1: You know Municipal Corporation of chennai ?*
*
s/w engg 3 : One of my friends is there in
the Road Cleaning Division. Most challenging job yaar. People are
working in the cutting edge of technology there.*
*
s/w engg 1 : I'll be writing software for the accounts department of
the GCU.*
*
s/w engg 2: GCU? what it means...?*
*
s/w engg 1 : that is Garbage Collecting Unit.*
*
s/w engg 3 : : Great yaar. That's what I like about
that country. You can get a job which requires all your skill. Not like
here. See I'm writing software for the space shuttle remote control.
I hate this.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Don't worry guys. I'll give you my
Hotmail id. You can send your resume to me and I'll forward it to the HRD.*
*
[Everybody takes down his Hotmail id.]*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------*
*
SCENE 3*
*
Venue: Intel Corp. US*
*
s/w engg 1: Great news guys. Our George has got
admission in the IGNOU with scholarship for B.A History. A
great new field yaar...*
*
All are excited...*
*
George : Got my Visa yesterday. It's all finalized now.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Congrats yaar. So you are out of this country.*
*
s/w eng g 1 : B.A in Histroy...ohh. ..man, enjoy your life there!!*
*
s/w engg 2 :Got full aid, eh?*
*
George : Yeah. Got the UGC scholarship That will be 1200 Rupees / year.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Great. Enjoy.*
*
s/w engg 2 : (Thinking loud): 1200 Indian Rupees...!
that means 1200 * 45 = 54000 Dollars... with that amount I can buy an
three bed-room flat & a Mercedes here...!!!*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -*
*
SCENE 4*
*
A foreigner working in Hyderabad as Software Engg gets
a call from his Home ..*
*
Father : What are you doing son ?*
*
S/w Eng : Having breakfast ?*
*
Father : what are you eating ?*
*
S/w Eng: Coconut Sauce and Rice Bread i.e.,(Idli and
Chutney
Such things can happen if 1 rupee = 45 dollars !
Now let usrelax & view few of my shots taken in & around our Apt through the Link-
Hope you all would have got some idea about Residential Amenities available here after going through this exhaustive report. It is time for us now to relax for some time today, 4th July, the Independence of USA! I will take you all by walk, our first & foremost outing since arrival, to the nearest SPYPOND, a UNIQUE & BEAUTIFUL spot, historically connected with India centuries ago by Trade but not in this Part of Blog!
Let us INTAZAAR for next Part-7.
Since it is made PUBLIC, intimate & guide those interested in viewing the same.
Krishnan
All along the route, shops & Malls were seen but quiet to look at, externally with small sign boards & cars moving or stalled in Massive Parking areas. Our Car provided with GPS, a hardware device directing the driver audibly on the route lying ahead.Such techniques are nowadays seen even on Indian cars & roads also,Driver is supposed to feed his Password & the destination on the map displayed in front of him thro' the device.
We are at home now. A warm welcome with smilng face of Akila greeted us at the entrance. Here were also seen certain security techniques to reach the specific Apt which will be dealt separately later.Such Apartment/ house are normally Built in multi-storey buildings, families are accommodated in Basement/First-floor {called in India as Ground- floor}/Second Floor etc.Car parking per Family with Auto-Garage door, common laundry & security lock, Mail box per family are available at First floor.Families are *accommodated in basement only in sites where scope of natural ventilation is possible with slopes.
Our Apt, Part of 'Cedar Crest' Apts, has been taken on lease for 12 Months is provided with Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Two Bed-rooms, Two baths, Parking for one car (outside ), heat Apt & storage.Carpets, Fridge, Dishwasher, Disposal, Security interlock, Fire-extinguisher are provided by the Owner which shall be restored in the same good condtion while vacating.
Independent houses are also having such facilities.Adequate greenery in the form of Lawn & play area for kids are also taken care of.Basement provision is in force, however, only in some States like Michigan.
Our Apt is at 3rd floor of 8 storey building where all are Tenants @ 6 per floor upto 7th. while 8th floor is a Pent house where one lady working as Manager of the Building lives.Owner of the entire bldg lives elsewhere with Office at Ground floor.There are houses called as condos where each is owned by an individual.) Suiting environmental conditions prevailing in seasons viz.Summer,Fall,Winter at Sub-zero ambient at certain States only like this state & Michigan where I stayed for 6 months earlier & Spring, floor,interior walls & roof are made of WOODEN while the exterior wall is of bricks/wooden.Carpeting is essential for floor & glasses are for doors & windows.It also allows roof with slopes to take care of snow-falling/removal during the season.
Entire construction is of Modular type in which various sub-assemblies are bought `AS MADE`& provided at site with screws/bolts or pasted.It is not durable like concrete structure but quite adequate to all kinds of weather & looks attractive.False ceiling is adopted where air-conditioning ducts are provided.Our Apt is provided with Window- type ACs for rooms & Hall except Kitchen which is part of the Hall.110V AC 60 Hz is the system of volage adopted in the entire US.There are certain unique provisions of Electrical fittings at Apt. which will be dealt with later.
Plumbing by Pipe lines laid under-ground for water hot & cold circuits, copper pipes for Natural gas circuit for heating of water & air [electricity as option], kitchen oven & air-conditioning,insulated pipe for electrical circuits,pipes for drain waste/sewer lines to septic tank, pipes with ducts for Air-conditioning /Room-type or centralized.
Outlets through roof by- chimney for smoke above fire-place, if provided, vents for air hot or cold through roof/side walls exterior to kitchen
Toilets/Toilet-cum-bath for each floor & basement
Lawn around the apartment/house with slots for garden over non-lawn area.
Garage for cars with Auto-door opening/closing through Remote control.
Basic Features :
Basement :a) PC room having PC,Printer, Scanner,Audio-equipment, web-camera etc.,b) Utility room having electrical main switch with distribution boards, equipment & accessories for Air-conditioning/cooling & heating,Washer cum-drier for clothes,Treadmill & other equipment for physical fitness &c) prayer room.
Ist floor : a) Kitchen having cooking oven,Micro-oven,Dish washer,Refrigerator- cum- freezer etc. fully furnished for tenancy. b) Living room having dining hall & playing area for kids, c) Family room having TV, audio-equipment,fire-place etc.,& Garage for car parking.
II nd floor having Master bedroom,bedrooms separately for kids & visitors
All floors have Toilet- cum-bath room facilities.Such features are normally seen in case of Individual houses or Villas.
Basic public service utilities :
Electricity :Service connection provided by Private company externally on the wall front/rear door with energy meters separately for a)Power covering interruptible heating & cooling circuits & b) Lighting covering lamps & plug sockets three pin for power appliances not covered under (a)
Natural gas :Service connection provided by Private company externally on the wall adjascent to the basement with meter underground closer to the heating/cooling circuits
Water : Service connection provided by the Govt at state level. externally with meter underground. Boston is fed by reservoirs which will be dealt separately.
Phone : Service connection provided for base phone by Private company, charged monthly for such services & calls, Additional features like caller ID/waiting ID/forwarding/long distance services.; cell phones also provided by Private company charged monthly for such services including supply of phones [fixed]. Accessories like Answering machine are to be provided by the consumers themselves.
Postal Services :Delivery at the Mail-box daily by the Govt or by Private & Despatch at the Post office situated at Sub-division level/otherwise.Registered letters are delivered in person while packets are left at door-step after drawing the attention of occupants by call-bell.
Little exhaustive report, is it not?
Such features are visible even in India, if not better, nowadays.
It is time for one practical joke.
What happens if 1 rupee = 45 dollars !*
Scene 1*
*
Venue : Microsoft Corporation, New York , US Some s/w
engineers are seeing some photographs. *
*
s/w engg 1 : What's that?*
*
s/w engg 2 : Bob's photographs from India .*
*
s/w engg 1 : Wow. Let me see. Which is this place?*
*
s/w engg 3 : (Sees the photo) This is tidel park,chennai
s/w engg 1 : Fundoo yaar! And what is this? He got Bajaj Pulsar also.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Let me see (sees). This guy enjoys life maan...*
*
s/w engg 3 : You know how much an Bajaj Pulsar costs?
Nearly 60K.....
Say it in dollars... (60000*45 = 27,00,000 dollars)*
*
s/w engg 2: Oops. We can't dream of such a thing here.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Let's go to India & try for a job.*
*
[Everybody excited.]*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------*
*
SCENE 2*
*
Venue: Sun Microsystems, SanFrancisco , California, US*
*
s/w engg 1: I'm with you man. My Visa is expected anytime. Soon I will
fly to India*
*
s/w engg 2: Ohhh.... When is the party?*
*
s/w engg 1: When I get it on hand.*
*
s/w engg 2: Where will you be working?*
*
s/w engg 1 : I'll be working in** **ambatur
s/w engg 2 : Oh! ambatur. Great yaar. where it is...*
*
s/w engg 1 : It is in chennai.*
*
s/w engg 3 : Fundoo place yaar. Nice climate Not like California.
You'll love the weather yaar. One of my friends is in coimbatore.. .
He says it's the ultimate place to live in. Cool maan.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Who is the client yaar?*
*
s/w engg 1: You know Municipal Corporation of chennai ?*
*
s/w engg 3 : One of my friends is there in
the Road Cleaning Division. Most challenging job yaar. People are
working in the cutting edge of technology there.*
*
s/w engg 1 : I'll be writing software for the accounts department of
the GCU.*
*
s/w engg 2: GCU? what it means...?*
*
s/w engg 1 : that is Garbage Collecting Unit.*
*
s/w engg 3 : : Great yaar. That's what I like about
that country. You can get a job which requires all your skill. Not like
here. See I'm writing software for the space shuttle remote control.
I hate this.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Don't worry guys. I'll give you my
Hotmail id. You can send your resume to me and I'll forward it to the HRD.*
*
[Everybody takes down his Hotmail id.]*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------*
*
SCENE 3*
*
Venue: Intel Corp. US*
*
s/w engg 1: Great news guys. Our George has got
admission in the IGNOU with scholarship for B.A History. A
great new field yaar...*
*
All are excited...*
*
George : Got my Visa yesterday. It's all finalized now.*
*
s/w engg 2 : Congrats yaar. So you are out of this country.*
*
s/w eng g 1 : B.A in Histroy...ohh. ..man, enjoy your life there!!*
*
s/w engg 2 :Got full aid, eh?*
*
George : Yeah. Got the UGC scholarship That will be 1200 Rupees / year.*
*
s/w engg 1 : Great. Enjoy.*
*
s/w engg 2 : (Thinking loud): 1200 Indian Rupees...!
that means 1200 * 45 = 54000 Dollars... with that amount I can buy an
three bed-room flat & a Mercedes here...!!!*
*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -*
*
SCENE 4*
*
A foreigner working in Hyderabad as Software Engg gets
a call from his Home ..*
*
Father : What are you doing son ?*
*
S/w Eng : Having breakfast ?*
*
Father : what are you eating ?*
*
S/w Eng: Coconut Sauce and Rice Bread i.e.,(Idli and
Chutney
Such things can happen if 1 rupee = 45 dollars !
Now let usrelax & view few of my shots taken in & around our Apt through the Link-
Hope you all would have got some idea about Residential Amenities available here after going through this exhaustive report. It is time for us now to relax for some time today, 4th July, the Independence of USA! I will take you all by walk, our first & foremost outing since arrival, to the nearest SPYPOND, a UNIQUE & BEAUTIFUL spot, historically connected with India centuries ago by Trade but not in this Part of Blog!
Let us INTAZAAR for next Part-7.
Since it is made PUBLIC, intimate & guide those interested in viewing the same.
Krishnan
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI- 5
Thanks to you all for comments, encouraging & encouraging with check-point on words used by me. That is what, I needed indeed!Let me now focus on ' checks'.Here they are as under-
- In my profile, I had mentioned me as- EGO-LESS. Have you ever seen anybody ego-less? When I wrote it, it was my wish only, to be like that & I am trying my best to remain like that!I should not have proclaimed myself that I am ego-less as the viewer pointed it out.It is for others to judge by your Attitude towards them. Swami Chinmayananda has said that' WHEN EGO ENTERS, GOD VANISHES! WHEN EGO VANISHES, GOD ENTERS!!' After all, Attitude makes Altitude!
- Now comes, NEGRO word used in Part-4. I should not have used it atleast for humorous-sake, sitting in their own MOTHER-LAND! As the viewer pointed out correctly,
'Don't use the word 'Negro' here in this country. They are respectfully called African Americans. It is considered as a derogatory word. And Native Americans are not African Africans . They were the native people of this land - long before the whites arrived. African Americans were brought to America as slaves. Therefore, Friends, NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, USE THAT DEROGATORY WORD NOT ONLY HERE AT US BUT AT GLOBAL LEVEL PLEASE.
SORRY FOR SUCH LAPSES!
Resuming now my Blog-5, remember we were at Boston Airport looking for our son, Mahesh.Moving slowly with two trolley-loads of 6 luggages, I overlooked the real exit point just crossed, despite the prompt reminder by Rajam, towards the exit for Taxis round about only to reach the real exit again but outside.Mahesh was looking for us inside. When we went inside, he came out. We then tried to call him over booth by seeking dollar exchanged as cents when another stranger came from nowhere holding a Cell-phone & helped me calling Mahesh. But no response! Then tried Home No when Akila responded saying he is at Airport only, searching us. Rajam looked anxious, longing to see him in a hurry. Then, I took another round leaving her outside, playing hide & seek with Mahesh. Got him atlast at outside only while he was rushing towards us. Thanked the stranger for helping me in need & offered the coins but he politely refused. In this way, in this Great country & enroute, we were not at all left in disarray as & when need arises. They are all Messengers sent by God!
Mahesh took time off to bring his own car parked elsewhere for want of space nearby.Waiting again but no tension. Took few snaps only after ensuring that any stout lady not looking at me taking snaps.
Videos:
=======
1)
2)
Now, let us meet at our Apt.in our next Part- 6 please!
- In my profile, I had mentioned me as- EGO-LESS. Have you ever seen anybody ego-less? When I wrote it, it was my wish only, to be like that & I am trying my best to remain like that!I should not have proclaimed myself that I am ego-less as the viewer pointed it out.It is for others to judge by your Attitude towards them. Swami Chinmayananda has said that' WHEN EGO ENTERS, GOD VANISHES! WHEN EGO VANISHES, GOD ENTERS!!' After all, Attitude makes Altitude!
- Now comes, NEGRO word used in Part-4. I should not have used it atleast for humorous-sake, sitting in their own MOTHER-LAND! As the viewer pointed out correctly,
'Don't use the word 'Negro' here in this country. They are respectfully called African Americans. It is considered as a derogatory word. And Native Americans are not African Africans . They were the native people of this land - long before the whites arrived. African Americans were brought to America as slaves. Therefore, Friends, NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, USE THAT DEROGATORY WORD NOT ONLY HERE AT US BUT AT GLOBAL LEVEL PLEASE.
SORRY FOR SUCH LAPSES!
Resuming now my Blog-5, remember we were at Boston Airport looking for our son, Mahesh.Moving slowly with two trolley-loads of 6 luggages, I overlooked the real exit point just crossed, despite the prompt reminder by Rajam, towards the exit for Taxis round about only to reach the real exit again but outside.Mahesh was looking for us inside. When we went inside, he came out. We then tried to call him over booth by seeking dollar exchanged as cents when another stranger came from nowhere holding a Cell-phone & helped me calling Mahesh. But no response! Then tried Home No when Akila responded saying he is at Airport only, searching us. Rajam looked anxious, longing to see him in a hurry. Then, I took another round leaving her outside, playing hide & seek with Mahesh. Got him atlast at outside only while he was rushing towards us. Thanked the stranger for helping me in need & offered the coins but he politely refused. In this way, in this Great country & enroute, we were not at all left in disarray as & when need arises. They are all Messengers sent by God!
Mahesh took time off to bring his own car parked elsewhere for want of space nearby.Waiting again but no tension. Took few snaps only after ensuring that any stout lady not looking at me taking snaps.
Videos:
=======
1)
2)
Now, let us meet at our Apt.in our next Part- 6 please!
Monday, June 28, 2010
ANUBHAVAM PUDHUMAI-4
We all had arrived at Boston Airport having been relieved of last minute tension while landing!
Now, let us all go back to Paris Airport where I had forgotten to add one interesting event in Part-3.
Just before arrival of Tamil family with whom we had happy rapport until boarding the flight, we both were sitting alone, looking aimlessly all over the Gate 31.One lady, looking more black than me, tried to attract my attention. Then, whispered,- 'American?' towards me.Feeling elated over this unexpected honour from unknown lady, I said-' No' But I truly wished to be an American for that moment since she reognised me as American though I was Black! Then, it suddenly struck my mind that there are Native Americans also Black called Negroes which they don't like called by some body. Was she trying to recognise me as Negro? Feeling upset over this just because I am not so Black looking like Negro, had it been, Rajam would not have married me at all.Fair & Black are just creation of God, whenever God runs out of fair colour, he uses Black, vice versa.Earlier, in my school days, my Science teacher failed to approve me as Iyer because of my complexion & declared me as 'Chettiar' instead because all other Iyer students under his control were looking fair! This inferiority complex was there with me all along until the Tamil Movie- நானும் ஒரு பெண்! released & became a HIT with popular song- கண்ணா, கருமை நிற கண்ணா! After all, our ALMIGHTY is also Black but every body adores him! 'Hello!'- A reminder voice from that lady brought me back to this world at Paris. She then produced a slip to me written as- I don't know English, Help me! Feeling elated again because I know one language which she does not know, Icould somehow understood her problem & solved the same by escorting her to the reception counter where she could produce her ticket & know her flight timings & the Departure gate.
Getting back to Boston Airport, we both could easily go upto the Customs clearance counter where we were certified 'OK' by the officer concerned after his going thro' the form submitted by us. This form along with Immigration forms for one each were given to us at Gate-31 before boarding the Boston flight. There was long queue at the counter concerned due to which we could take time off for refreshing us at the Rest rooms in between. I-Forms also were found OK after which I took one snap of Rajam all alone in the crowd. One stout lady in uniform rushed towards me & told not to take.I admitted that snap had already been taken which was then forcibly deleted & shown to her to her satisfaction. Then, we moved slowly towards the collection belt of Luggages & found the belt not at all moving. Place looked empty since all Passengers had already left with their luggages.Our luggages were found lying isolated in the non-moving belt.
Collecting them, we moved towards Security where scanning was done. Then came the tension- one Hand luggage was forced open by the staff in our presence.I seemed that while passing thro' scanning something attracted teir attention, hence the opening Among the items, there was one bunch of Brass lamps, small size.They asked us their purpose & we tried to explain the same.To our pleasant surprise, the American who did the searching asked the other person to tacklethe same.The other happened to be a Tamil person, hailing from Karaikkal. His Tamil was not fully understandable -' மொத்தமா எதாவது வசிருகிங்கள ' After repeated queries, I could understand that he meant to say that the purpose of the whole bunch of lamps.The American got convinced with his reply & neatly kept back everything in the suit case which was bulging out earlier.Then came the most unexpected word of JOY!' நன்றி! Who said that? None other than The American himself! Thereby the voyage was complete, starting with ' வணக்கம்' at start by the American at Chennai Consulate while granting us Visa & at the end as above.
Now came the stage of locating Mahesh waiting for us at Exit! It was equally interesting in other respect. Let us see that in our next Part-5.along with the link for Boston Airport snaps.
Krishnan
Now, let us all go back to Paris Airport where I had forgotten to add one interesting event in Part-3.
Just before arrival of Tamil family with whom we had happy rapport until boarding the flight, we both were sitting alone, looking aimlessly all over the Gate 31.One lady, looking more black than me, tried to attract my attention. Then, whispered,- 'American?' towards me.Feeling elated over this unexpected honour from unknown lady, I said-' No' But I truly wished to be an American for that moment since she reognised me as American though I was Black! Then, it suddenly struck my mind that there are Native Americans also Black called Negroes which they don't like called by some body. Was she trying to recognise me as Negro? Feeling upset over this just because I am not so Black looking like Negro, had it been, Rajam would not have married me at all.Fair & Black are just creation of God, whenever God runs out of fair colour, he uses Black, vice versa.Earlier, in my school days, my Science teacher failed to approve me as Iyer because of my complexion & declared me as 'Chettiar' instead because all other Iyer students under his control were looking fair! This inferiority complex was there with me all along until the Tamil Movie- நானும் ஒரு பெண்! released & became a HIT with popular song- கண்ணா, கருமை நிற கண்ணா! After all, our ALMIGHTY is also Black but every body adores him! 'Hello!'- A reminder voice from that lady brought me back to this world at Paris. She then produced a slip to me written as- I don't know English, Help me! Feeling elated again because I know one language which she does not know, Icould somehow understood her problem & solved the same by escorting her to the reception counter where she could produce her ticket & know her flight timings & the Departure gate.
Getting back to Boston Airport, we both could easily go upto the Customs clearance counter where we were certified 'OK' by the officer concerned after his going thro' the form submitted by us. This form along with Immigration forms for one each were given to us at Gate-31 before boarding the Boston flight. There was long queue at the counter concerned due to which we could take time off for refreshing us at the Rest rooms in between. I-Forms also were found OK after which I took one snap of Rajam all alone in the crowd. One stout lady in uniform rushed towards me & told not to take.I admitted that snap had already been taken which was then forcibly deleted & shown to her to her satisfaction. Then, we moved slowly towards the collection belt of Luggages & found the belt not at all moving. Place looked empty since all Passengers had already left with their luggages.Our luggages were found lying isolated in the non-moving belt.
Collecting them, we moved towards Security where scanning was done. Then came the tension- one Hand luggage was forced open by the staff in our presence.I seemed that while passing thro' scanning something attracted teir attention, hence the opening Among the items, there was one bunch of Brass lamps, small size.They asked us their purpose & we tried to explain the same.To our pleasant surprise, the American who did the searching asked the other person to tacklethe same.The other happened to be a Tamil person, hailing from Karaikkal. His Tamil was not fully understandable -' மொத்தமா எதாவது வசிருகிங்கள ' After repeated queries, I could understand that he meant to say that the purpose of the whole bunch of lamps.The American got convinced with his reply & neatly kept back everything in the suit case which was bulging out earlier.Then came the most unexpected word of JOY!' நன்றி! Who said that? None other than The American himself! Thereby the voyage was complete, starting with ' வணக்கம்' at start by the American at Chennai Consulate while granting us Visa & at the end as above.
Now came the stage of locating Mahesh waiting for us at Exit! It was equally interesting in other respect. Let us see that in our next Part-5.along with the link for Boston Airport snaps.
Krishnan
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