Fantastic Musical Evening

Listening to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the American Airlines Center, Dallas

People who know me wont believe when I say that I attended concerts/ musical programmes two days in a row. But believe me that is what I did yesterday and today.

But today's concert exceeded my expectations in all counts. The venue, American Airlines Center , is a humongously large auditorium-cum-indoor stadium which can seat over 15,000 people. And we were in the uppermost row but still could get an eyeful and earful of the concert.

Designed by David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services, Inc. and HKS, Inc., the AAC doesn't appear so large from outside. But once inside I was surprised to see that vast corridors, shops, eateries and seating galleries. The acoustics and visual effects are also well planned and highly effective. The sweeping arches, high-tech gadgetry, superior seating comfort and other features make the AAC a premier sports and entertainment venue in US.

The performance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was one of the best I have ever attended. It was not a mere musical performance but a combined sound and light show featuring psychedelic lighting, laser beams floating all over the place, electric fireworks etc all gyrating in rhythm to the music which ranged from classical jazz to hard rock to metal to trance. Indeed the violin and guitar and the vocal were invigorating. I am glad I attended and every penny of the entry ticket (almost $40) was worth it.

An Entertaining Jazz Performance

This is the first time I experienced a live musical in the US. We went to listen to a Jazz Concert at the Dallas Museum of Art today. It has been a long tradition of the museum to host a free jazz concert every Thursday at the Atrium the cafe inside the museum. Today's musical was rendered by Brigette Rideau and company.

To say that I was totally entertained by the orchestra would be an understatement. The musical rendition was soul soothing and touched hearts. Bridgette Rideau's tone combined with the electrifying guitars, piano and drums made my evening truly ecstatic. The ecclectic variations which Bridgette could achieve with her voice as she sung numerous numbers in excellent fusion with the instruments mesmerised the audience who gave a standing ovation at the end of the show.

Truly an evening well spent.

Guinness World Records finally gives recognition to Hindu Temples

Akshardham temple, Delhi gets Guinness record
It is good news, to know that the western world which hitherto were mainly focussed on the negatives of India is slowly beginning to look at the positives of our country. The Guinness Book of World Records which had thus far not included any Hindu temple in its list of world's large religious structures has now added the Akshardham temple, Delhi. The whole world is aware, of the plethora of large and sprawling temples which dot the Indian hinterland. But surprisingly the presence of large religious structures in India had escaped the notice of Guinness executives till date.

The Akshardham temple in Delhi has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest Hindu temple complex.

A senior official of the Guinness World Records Ltd travelled to India last week to present two world record certificates to the head of Swaminarayan Sansthan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Michael Witty, a senior member of the Guinness World Record Main Management Committee, presented the awards to Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) under two categories: Most Hindu temples consecrated by a single person and secondly, the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple.

This is the first time that the Guinness Book has recognised a Hindu temple in its list of large religious structures.

Read more on Deccan Herald

Video of ducks at White Rock Lake Park

White Rock Lake Park

It is a bright, sunny and a tad too windy day. Hoping to explore a little of the surrounding we decided to head to the White Rock Lake Park which is about 22 miles from home... This is a vast lake sprawling over a few hundred acres surrounded by manicured lawns, wooded stretches, green parks. There are walking, bi-cycling and hiking trails around the lake and a special fenced off area for playing with pets.. i.e dogs.

The boat clubs were obviously closed for two reasons, winter and the festival holiday. We reached there and walked around but then found to our dismay that the wind had really picked up. Though the sun was bright and shiny the wind chilled us to the bone... after walking on one side of the lake we just decided to head back and hit the gym instead. So here I am hitting away on the computer after watching a movie Sound of Music.

Here are some pictures of the White Rock Lake... not quite great.. just basic stuff... and a video too... check it out...

A consumer Christmas

I am spending my first Christmas in a Christian nation but I don't see any signs of celebrations on this day. I remember the various Christmas celebrations I have seen in India, at homes, churches, public places, parishes etc. So colourful and so festive... here it is quite opposite. Christmas is a holiday and everything... everything.. including churches are closed down.

The last prayer was held yesterday at 6.00 pm and that is it... there is no concept of mid-night mass on Christmas eve, at least not in Protestant churches here. I was mentally comparing the same scenario with India, it would be a holiday of course, most offices closed and businesses in a laid back scenario, discount sales, festival offers etc would be there much akin to what all shops offer here. But the celerbatory vibrations, the gaity, social gatherings, christmas prayers, etc are virtually absent, at least to my eyes.

Playing with a wild anaconda

Ryan Gaston's brush with a wild anaconda in the Venezuelan Amazon.