Beautify your Trucks this summer!!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of RealTruck.Com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love trucks, though I am yet to own one. I have noticed that trucks, like motorcycles are enjoyed more during summer. Probably because people here love to spend more time outdoors during the sunny summer months. This is also the time when the trucks and cars start getting makeovers. Enthusiastic truck owners work on their trucks and enhance both the beauty as well as power of the vehicle. New paint jobs are commissioned, different truck accessories such as mufflers, lights, racks, etc are installed.

Showrooms and online stores refurbish their inventory of parts and accessories which will enable enthusiastic owners to customize their vehicles. Whether one owns one of the most popular pickups and cars from American manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, etc or imported cars such as Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, or Toyota; they all make a beeline to online parts and accessories stores to get their preferred items to dress up, modify or upgrade their loved set of wheels.

Some people prefer to modify their vehicles under the hood and work on enhancing the engine performance, maybe install new exhaust systems and get the preferred sound. Others prefer to make their cars look better by installing custom front bumpers, grilles, hood, side windows, truck rack, truck beds, tailgates, seats, etc.

In this jungle of automobile accessories there are few top brands that enthusiasts look for. Brands such as Access, Weathertech, Westin, TruXedo and others are more popular than others.

The best incentive of online shopping is always the cheaper price. Stores such as RealTruck.com provide a low price guarantee.

America's budget deficit forcing it to tax hitherto untouched religious groups???

Recently I read an article online about the state of US Economy. This comes after a few years of economic decline. The federal budget deficit stood at $7.5 trillion at the end of 2009 and is projected to double by 2020. These are amazing figures indeed, but the world and particular creditor nations such as Japan, India, China, etc don't seem to be bothered... or perhaps they are keeping their fingers crossed waiting for the US economy to rise again.

In the meanwhile this particular writer Sam Hodges writing in the Dallas Morning News' religion blog chased the question of whether religious organizations and non-profits should be taxed. The responses from academics, researchers, pastors, and other religion intellectuals are quite revealing.

The unanimous opinion of the experts seem to suggest that these organizations should not be taxed. One expert says that taxing churches would be "disastrous both philosophically and practically;" another expert suggests: "religious groups should not be taxed as long as they obey the laws concerning nonprofits and religious organizations". There are numerous other opinions but in effect they all say that religious institutions must be left alone and even their employees such as pastors, priests, etc should not be taxed.

After reading the article I thought back about the state of Hindu temples in India. The money/ income from temples are taken away and funneled into renovation and development of Churches and Mosques. On the contrary Mosques and Churches enjoy total independence as far as their income and financing are concerned. When I think of these things I believe that there is absolutely no equality in India. I hope somebody in the government will have enough sense to bring the entire billion plus people under one common civil and criminal law.

Uniquely Flavorful and absolutely delicious pizza!!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Tony's Pizza. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love pizza of all kinds, shapes, crusts, toppings etc, so long as it is vegetarian. So recently when I received coupons to sample the new Crispy Crust pizza from Tony's I just jumped at the offer. The moment I received coupons on mail I went straight to the grocery store and bought the Cheese pizza from Tony's. I wanted to make my family also share my experience with this new pizza and immediately set out to bake this wonderfully crispy pizza.

When the pizza came out of the oven my first reaction was "Wow, this looks real delicious,". Soon we were sitting and enjoying the scrumptious pizza and watching the latest movie. That evening we had two more pizzas and it became a better end of the day because of the pizza. Truly Tony's Pizza is one of the best frozen delights I have had thus far. It is cheesy, crispy, and tastes wonderful. More than that my family members who don't like pizza that much loved this particular one.

In my opinion if you are a pizza lover you must try Tony's pizza at least once. I am sure you will get hooked to it. I could make it even better, let me know if you are interested I could share one or two coupons with you. The coupons are valid year round and you could indulge in some free pizza.

Spring Forward

One of the annual rituals in the US that kinda makes life go slower or faster... at least for a day... is the daylight savings time. In fall the nation falls backward by one hour... all the clocks are reset one hour backward on on particular day (First Sunday of November). Then three months the clocks run an hour slower through the cold winter months only to get reset one hour ahead at the beginning of Spring (Second Sunday of March).

I really wonder why such a big deal is made about this daylight savings considering that the number of hours in a day does not change irrespective of the season. It only increases or decreases one hour on that particular day. This is the way the US has decided to handle daylight savings.... Till I came here I had not heard about this concept at all. I may have studied about it in my high-school geography... I don't remember any of it, anyway.

Egypt Aggressively Repossessioning Stolen Art Works

All ancient civilizations across the world have been subject to ruthless plundering by unscrupulous elements in the world. The greatest plunderers have been Europeans and Arabs. As I write this post the largest trove of emeralds lies in the treasury of Turkey, property of India, plundered by Nadir Shah during the 18th century. A visit to any of the world famous museums in London, Paris, Berlin, or any other European nation would reveal hundreds of artworks plundered by these nations when they were busy colonizing the rest of the world.

Anyway today I was listening to National Public Radio while driving home from work and this news caught my attention. There was a report that a 3000-year old stolen Sarcophagus - highly decorated wooden coffin - was seized by the US customs in Miami and Egypt government staked a claim. Following some back and forth communications the US has agreed to return the Stolen Sarcophagus to Egypt.

During the program one Zahi Hawass, secretary-general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities was interviewed. The Egyptian authorities don't know anything about the Sarcophagus except the name of the person buried in it. They feel that it was stolen from Egypt in 1970 but there are no facts known. But still they pursued and pressed for its return. That is the true spirit of patriotism and national pride. According to Hawass over 30,000 artworks have been repossessed during the past few years. The Egyptian government continues to press for return of many other major artworks including those housed in Louvre, and other globally renowned museums.

I am quite impressed by the way Egyptian government is pursuing its heritage and pressing for its return. Even though the present Egyptian population and its government are Islamic they are interested in their non-Islamic past and want to preserve it as part of their national heritage.

I wish Indian government would set up a similar council to chase after the plunderers and repossess all the art, and wealth that was plundered from our country during the 1200 years of Islamic and Christian colonization of our country. It is time that the westerners who plundered India said sorry and returned the things they stole from us. They can't return the people whom they killed but at least they can return our art works!!!

Pictures in this post was sourced from NPR who sourced it from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Introducing Hero Stones

During the wintermester I took up a course in basic/ introduction to Humanities. The course was supposed to introduce students to humanistic traditions of art, architecture, music, etc from around the world. Unfortunately the textbook is written in such a way that the complete focus of the curriculum is on European, specifically post-renaissance culture. Every major culture/ tradition was represented in the textbook and the course barring Indian/ Hindu. As part of the course requirements I created a presentation to introduce the tradition of Hero Stones to the class. Here is the presentation for you all to look at and comment:

Hero Stone

View more presentations from srinidhilv.

When and How to Ask for a Raise

One of the biggest dilemmas of my career so far has been asking for a raise at work. First of all I have a big hesitation to ask for anything... even if something is rightfully mine, I find it difficult to ask for it. This hesitation has cost me heavily in terms of salary for my work. I have been trying to get rid of this hesitation. One of the resources I have used is reading articles by career experts on how and when to ask for raise.

One of the recent articles I read on this subject is one titled "Timing Important When Asking for a Raise". This is a pretty detailed treatise which details a few specific scenarios that are ideal while asking for a raise.



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Stamps Redefining Historical Relationships!!!

For several years since India attained independence (1947) the name of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi has been used, misused, and abused by pretty much every opportunistic unscrupulous individual, family, business, and nation. One of the biggest historical blunders of India has been the use of the last name "Gandhi" by the heir's of Jawaharlal Nehru. Obviously this has given them awesome political mileage and enabled their family to be at the helm of affairs in India.

Little did I expect that this misnomer would go so far that people in other parts of the world would actually start thinking that the descendants of Nehru as heir's of Gandhi. Unfortunately this has happened. I came across this stamp/ souvenir sheet on sale on Ebay the seller has titled the listing as "Gandhi and Family Souvenir Sheet". I wrote to the seller to get more details and he said it was issued by the African country Djibouti.



I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this blunder. I request all blog readers to spread this message among other Indians who are aware of the history so that everyone may lodge a protest against Djibouti and the ebay seller who are propagating this erroneous facts.

Surprising Rule Passed in a Muslim-Majority Nation

I came across an interesting and quite surprising news item online. The headline "Uzbekistan orders sterilization, group alleges - The Boston Globe" drew me to read the short piece.

I am totally surprised that a Muslim-majority country has dared to pass a law to control population. At the same time I am quite happy too, that someone somewhere is taking steps to stem the population explosion that is threatening the very existence of life on earth. I hope the law will not be repealed because of pressure from human rights, and other groups.

This is a necessary law across the world, specially so in countries where culture/ religious beliefs proscribe population control. Along with legislation the government should also partner with grassroots level non-profits to advocate the benefits of having a small family and educate the masses about the perils of population explosion.

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March Madness

Two months up in the year and it seems like the new year started yesterday. Time flies and as you get older times seems to pass faster, this is not my opinion but that of experts. I heard on NPR (National Public Radio) a few weeks ago that recently scientists have discovered that as we get older our brain gets slower. Apparently the capacity of the brain to read time and process its passage gradually recedes and this is why the older we get time seems to fly faster.

It is indeed an interesting theory the speakers on the show propagated. They suggested that as we grow older the number of uniquely different experiences become lesser and as such we forget day to day activities. They say that when we experience something unique for example, the first kiss, will be remembered for far longer than the 10th or the 100th....

I somewhat tend to agree with them but I think there is more to this than just memory and perception. I am pretty sure there is more to it and researchers will come up with newer theories on this subject. Like they say only time can answer these questions.

8.8 quake hits Chile... Pacific countries on Tsunami alert

Are these signs of 2012

During the past few months there have been massive earthquakes across the world. India, Pakistan, China, South East Asia, Haiti and now Chile, have all been rocked by earthquakes causing death and devastation. Has anyone bothered to sit back and wonder why so many natural disasters are taking place? The Mayan Calendar ends at 2012 and there is a widespread belief that the world as we know it will come to an end.

I wonder if we need to consider these signs as those warning us humans of what is going to happen if we continue to exploit nature and destroy the earth. Every nation is delving into the depths of the earth seeking its wealth, oil, precious metals, and some like Iran simply to build nuclear facilities.

If this continues it wont be long before the world actually comes to an end....


Huge quake hits Chile; tsunami threatens Pacific - Boston.com

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Free Web-based teleconferencing feature!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Speek. All opinions are 100% mine.

When technology is so advanced as here in the US it is often difficult for people to be physically present at meetings. Executives are increasingly multitasking while going about their daily lives. For example a busy executive may be driving his son to the football game and attending an important business teleconference call, else answering e-mail through a hand held device.

Innovative inventors are unleashing newer and newer technologies to speed up communications and increase convenience to end users. One such new tool to hit the market is Speek, currently in in private beta this is a FREE web-based teleconferencing system. The company is currently inviting users to register for private beta and evaluate their service quality. The unique selling proposition of this system is that the system will dial out to the participants. The system is compatible with land lines, mobile phones and voice-over-internet applications like Skype and GoogleTalk.

Speek invites all businesses, non-profits and other users to visit their website and get Free registration for the beta service. If you have been using teleconferencing facilities from commercial operators and paying hefty fees, here is your opportunity to get the same service for free. The biggest advantage with speek is the fact that it supports dialing to Skype and GoogleTalk also.

Rise in Marijuana Use among American Seniors

A strange and rather surprising trend was reported in today's news. The headline screamed out "Marijuana Use by Seniors Goes up as Boomers Age". These were the same folk who enjoyed the magic drug back in the 1960s and 1970s. Now they are back at it after retirement, to have some senior fun and relaxation.
I wonder if this is the example today's youth should be emulating? What will be the future of today's youth if the trend continues? During the 1960s and 1970s the communications and transportation was not so rapid. Drug trafficking was not so rampant, even if that generation was hooked on "grass" it was not this easy to get it, I suppose. Now with the proliferation of markets and easy availability of the drug and with so many senior people to emulate, I wonder what lessons the youth will learn when they read this article.
Too many questions and too few answers...

US set to allow guns inside national parks - The Boston Globe

I read a news report titled US set to allow guns inside national parks - The Boston Globe and this is quite a news. I am pretty sure that the happiest people as a result of this law will be in the state of Texas. Living here I have come to know that most native Texans love their freedom and their guns. This the land of cowboys and the wild west where not too long ago people survived by the law of "Who shoots first lives".

Personally speaking I would say this is indeed a victory to personal choice, but a defeat to humanity. Victory for personal choice to carry guns is sad because that means the crime in National parks has gone up forcing the authorities to enable visitors to arm themselves for self defense. Defeat to humanity because despite all this modern development, prosperity and improvement of quality of life people still resort to crime to make a living.

I wonder if we as humans are on retrograde motion. Humans are the only animals that can choose their actions and if crime is increasing that means more and more humans are giving up their thinking ability and just becoming like animals, grabbing what they want, whether it belongs to them or others. I wonder whether this madness will ever end.....



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Enjoy an Italian Weekend right here in the US

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to travel whenever I get the opportunity: spring break, summer vacations, winter holidays, long weekends and any other time I have a few days on hand. One of my most favorite holiday hotspots within continental America is Branson, Missouri. Why do I love visiting Branson? The answer is pretty simple this is one location that offers something for every member of the family. This is one place that probably offers the largest number of live shows, concerts, and theater entertainment options. Some people call it the Live Music Capital of the world.

When we go to Branson the hotel of choice is of course either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. I recently came to know that the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is putting together this wonderful Italian Food Festival the last weekend of February. Titled Italian Culinary Weekend this event is scheduled to be staged from Friday, February 26 2010 through Saturday, February 27, 2010. Friday’s inaugural reception will feature antipasto and hors d’oeuvres paired with tongue tickling Italian wines. The most entertaining/ interesting part of the event is going to be on Saturday when participants will get an opportunity to try their hands at cooking their favorite Italian food.

Hilton is offering several wonderful packages starting from $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two. This is something that is not to be missed, especially since the package includes a five-course dinner and a goodie bag on Saturday. The only catch however is to make reservations before February 23, 2010.
Time is of essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity. Go ahead and enjoy the Italian weekend, it is time for some post-valentine celebrations.

Amazing Giant Crystals

I came across this article titled The Mega Crystals of Naica Mine on Yahoo. The picture looked amazing hence I read the entire article. This is one place I'd love to visit and I am pretty sure every caver would love to explore. I have seen crystal caves in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in India but none of them this huge. These crystals are easily the largest in the world and it proves once again that nature is capable of wonders that human mind can't even imagine....



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Match-making based on your disease

I read this news article online and was pretty surprised at the way in which the human brain works. Apparently this dating website is aimed at hooking up people with same diseases. Hitherto dating sites attempted to match people based on their preferences, astrology, likes and dislikes, activities, etc. I guess this is the first time a site has been floated to specifically match people based on their ailments.
Interesting indeed, when your partner gets sick with a disease divorce him/ her so they can find someone with the same disease.

Shocking News: Parents Imprison Teen girl in bathroom

Every once in a while I come across strange and often shocking news, which illustrate the worse-than-beastly character of human beings. According to an article I read a 14-yr-old girl was imprisoned in the bathroom of a residence by her father and step-mother because she had allegedly stolen some food and cheated on a home school test. Locking her up, beating her with metal rods and making her exercise was the punishment. This has been going on for the past two months.

Come on guys she is 14 and as all teens are I guess she has a robust appetite. She must have eaten some food from the refrigerator between meals. Why home school her when there are wonderful schools in the US. For god's sake, you are not living in some underdeveloped sub-Saharan African nation. This guy is living in US of A, the world's richest nation. Same goes for food. Food wasted in the US can feed 27 small nations in the world. So there is absolutely no food scarcity.

I think this man is simply sick.. mentally ill. He and his wife should be safely locked up and the girl should be adopted by someone who really cares for her well being. But in this country where lawyers are more powerful than justice, will this happen?

Basic Travel Conveniences get a price tag!!!

I have seldom traveled in air. The longest air journey I have undertaken thus far in my life was when I came from my home country. Since then I have flown three times within the US, once each to California, New Jersey, and Detroit. Every time I flew I was offered a courtesy blanket and pillow to relax in the pretty basic economy seats. Today I read on MSN that one of the leading airlines in the US, American is going to charge a fee of $8 for this basic necessity.

Luckily this is only applicable for domestic flights. International travelers, specially my compatriots who have to endure the 14-18 hour flight will get these basic necessities without having to pay more. This is apparently an "economic decision"... of course to make more money at the passengers expense. In the recent decade more airlines have come into the market and hence large airlines like American had to drop prices. I don't know whether this price drop is hurting American or not, but I definitely understand that the financial guys are smart. They know how to make money on the sly and they will do it.

Fighting to Save the Whales

Most wildlife on Earth have become endangered species thanks to human greed. Most of these animals are consumed as food, medicine, clothes, etc in various countries. One such mammalian species that has been attracting attention is the Whale. In countries like Japan the whale is consumed as food and its oil is used in numerous applications.

There are several environmental groups that are fighting to prevent commercial whaling by Japanese ships. Recently there was a mid-sea collision of a Whaler and an activist ship off the coast of Antarctica. This is the second clash that is taking place this year. The whaler ships are quite ruthless in their operations, they just crash into opposing boats and try to sink them.

The activists on the other hand are quite dedicated and are willing to fight for their cause - saving the whales from being hunted. These people are mostly volunteers who are out there on the high seas with nothing to gain. I wonder when the human race will become responsible consumers of earth's resources.