Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is one of the few areas around Dallas where one can see hills and rocks. This is one of the large lakes that dot the area and not too long ago it was believed that the waters had healing properties and people from all over the country would come here for a bath. The city and its water was so famous that at one time the mineral water originating from here was the most sought after. Anyway now since there is more pollution and modernity has set in nobody visits this area for the special water. This is now a small country town which attracts adventurers for its outdoor activity offerings. The state park offers bicycling, hiking and rock climbing options.

US declares Haqqani network a terrorist body - Yahoo! News

Finally after what seems like eternity, having lost many lives both American Soldiers and Civilians US government has recognized that Haqqani Network is a terrorist group. I wonder why it took them so many years, lives, and destruction. I guess as long as it was people from India and other countries where this network operates through its allies were victims America didn't care. Now that their own soldiers were being targeted they have started this process. I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow the US announces a few billion dollars in aid to Pakistan. This has been the typical strategy of America during the past several decades. Pinch the child and rock the cradle. Let us see what happens...

US declares Haqqani network a terrorist body - Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/us-declares-haqqani-network-terrorist-body-152453023.html The Obama administration declared Friday that the Pakistan-based Haqqani network of militants is a terrorist body despite misgivings about how the largely symbolic act could further stall planned Afghan peace talks or put yet another chill on the United States' already fragile counterterrorism alliance with Islamabad. Read the full story

Visitors being chased by a Bison!!!

Fined for paying in cash!

In America if you don't conform to the game of economy you will be punished. Here is a guy who paid his doctors bill in cash with pennies :) and got slapped with a hefty fine. In India people fighting for small change, specially with autorickshaw drivers, restaurant cashiers, bus conductors, vegetable vendors, and other petty shop keepers is common. It is probably only in America that people are punished if they pay using coins!!

Surprising Passenger on a Motorcycle!

18 percent Americans don't have enough for food!!!

America continues to dominate the world militarily, economically, and politically, but a significant percentage of its citizens are finding it difficult to afford two square meals a day. On one hand there are super rich multi-billion dollar wealthy Americans and then there are those who work(ed) for these people who are literally living a hand-to-mouth existence. When I was in India, all that was mentioned about America was that everyone in this country was rich and there was hardly any poverty. Since I moved to the US in 2007 I have seen with my own eyes the state of this country. Yes there is a lot of riches in this country, there are extremely rich people and even the poorer people own cars. The overall level of comfort these people enjoy is far superior to most lower-middle-class folk elsewhere in the developing world. There is the weak underbelly of America which fades under the glaring brightness of its wealth. This is a small but growing population of people who are finding it difficult to make ends meet, not just that... they are finding it difficult to put food on the table. Reference: Yahoo News

Happy Independence Day 2012

Today is India's Independence Day and I am amazed how naive Indians in the US are. They call it India's birthday and there is no greater absurdity than this. India was not born on August 15, 1947! India was freed from the clutches of the oppressive British and we gained independence. That is it.

I would like to think this as some sort of a conspiracy of the liberal media, the so called intelligentsia, and of course those who consider it fashionable and cool to say that India was nothing till the British occupied and gave us an identity. I wonder when Indians will really recognize their true heritage, history and identity and say the right things.

The way things are going on, I don't think it will ever happen. Our people will unfortunately remained enslaved by the popular myths and media images that make them think and identify with this erroneous image.

Save a Life only if you have money to pay the bill!

In America everything comes with a price tag, even performing acts of kindness and bravery. Even if you save someone's life you have to pay a price for it. This is what a young American found out recently. I read about this lifeguard on Yahoo News. He rescued a drowning boy off the west coast of America and was promptly slapped with a $2600 hospital bill. It is routine in the US that everyone is taken to the emergency after the slightest adverse event. This lifeguard was also transported in an ambulance, even though he was fine, uninjured and he was the rescuer not the one who was drowning. After a few weeks he got a bill from the hospital. Of course there are enough generous souls in the US and someone footed the hospital bill. Instead of commending him for saving a life and giving him some kind of a bravery award, he got a bill from the hospital. It does really sound absurd to me. Next time I see a drowning person I should think twice if I have the money to pay the hospital, before jumping in to rescue.

Tissue Donation/ Trade continues....

I listened to another episode of the story on human tissue business on radio today. This part of the story focused on the scams, rackets, and frauds that had taken place in this $1 billion business. The story focused on one funeral home director from New Jersey who made so much money out of this business that he had heaters installed under his driveway because he didn't want to shovel snow during winters.

This guy is a dentist who had lost his license and yet he lived in style in a mansion with all the comforts. How did he manage this, he simply bought corpses from other funeral homes and sold them to tissue banks, who in turn sold it to doctors and hospitals. Everyone in the loop made a profit for themselves.This guy apparently forged documents that reportedly created a paper trail showing that the family of the deceased had consented to the tissue harvesting and continued on with his murky deals.

What is next? Is it going to be human farms, breed people in order to kill and harvest their organs and tissues? Or would it be go to war with a nation so you can kill their citizens and harvest tissues? What will it be? I definitely don't want to guess!

The Murky side of tissue donation!

English: Logo of NPR News. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I got my drivers license renewed one of the questions in the form asked me if I wanted to be registered as an organ donor. Feeling righteous and thinking that my body will be helpful to fellow human beings even after my death I obviously ticked the box and enrolled as one. When I signed up I was not aware of how much money my body was worth and who would benefit from it. Now after listening to a series of news reports on National Public Radio I have become painfully aware of the sleazy market that exists in this country for human tissue "donations".

As I listened to the radio program I was shocked to know that the organizations that harvest tissue and organs from dead humans are actually "For Profit" corporations whose CEOs I am quite sure make millions off of salvaging dead bodies who sign up for donations thinking that some poor soul somewhere in the world would benefit. That is not true either. Most of these 'donated' tissues are used in cosmetic surgeries.

That is not all, there is a well oiled machinery in morgues across the world to harvest human tissues and sell it to these corporations who pass them on to doctors and hospitals in the US for a fee of course. Most of these dead bodies are scavenged without the permission or even knowledge of their families, clandestinely in morgues.

Since there is little or no regulation or tracking of these tissue grafts nobody knows whose organ is being transplanted on whom and who is making money.

I am amazed at the way corporations are cheating common people even in their death to make a few $$$. Wonder what it will be next, will there be human farms to harvest organs in third world countries like Sub Saharan Africa, and South & South East Asia??? I wouldn't be surprised if these corporations powered by their capitalist arrogance and greed attempt this.

Like Geeky Stuff? Here is News you could use!

I consider myself a gadget lover/ geek/ gizmo freak or whatever you call people who love to have the latest and coolest electronics. I always look for and try to acquire the most cool gadgets and gizmos for myself. I visit various websites and online forums to keep myself updated about the latest gadgets that are hitting the marketplace.

One of the best sources of information on this subject is the ThinkGeek site that provides fantastic details and features all the latest cool gadgets, quirky gizmos and geeky stuff. The website is unique in many ways. First it provides the latest news and information about state-of-the-art gadgets and new innovations. Second it is a great place to find coupons, discount promo codes and free stuff. These things help you save money and enable you to buy more cool gadgets.

This week the site features a Home Depot coupon that will help me get some real cool home improvement tools and implements. Then there are GoToMyPC promo codes that help me get some real cool accessories for my computer.

Among the gadgets I found on the site I simply loved the I Sight Twin LED lights, a simple attachment that helps you keep your hands free while you negotiate your way in the darkest of the nights.

Crazy or Stupid or Plain Idealistic - I don't understand

The Fort Hood Massacre by US Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Hassan made headlines across the country several months ago. Then there was a lull as the army decided to investigate the case and court martial Hassan. Meanwhile he was placed in a military prison in solitary confinement.


This morning I read a news item titled  Juror bias worries Hasan’s legal team which elucidates that the legal team appointed to defend the renegade ex-soldier's religion will have an adverse effect on the case. My first reaction was of shock, which soon transformed into outrage and then frustration not only with the media for publishing such a news item but also about the army lawyer who is stating such.

In my opinion a nation's most important citizens are the soldiers - those who defend the borders, followed by the police - who maintain peace in the civil society and then comes everyone else. This man who belonged to the first group turned his guns on his colleagues and killed 13 soldiers in cold blood. There should be no doubt about what he did and how it will impact the society. I don't care if he is a Muslim or Christian or Jew the fact is that he killed soldiers who are the protective arm of this great nation. He should be brought to justice and given the highest punishment that he deserves.

Instead of urging the jury to pass the most severe judgement these lawyers are worried about the murderer? I simply don't understand. I just hope the jurors will take the right decisions and pronounce the appropriate judgement.

The Most Modern and Latest in Eyeglasses

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nobody knows who actually invented the eyeglasses. Historical records state that as early as 5th century BC Egyptians were using simple glass lenses to magnify things. Then in 1st century AD Roman emperor Nero's tutor has recorded how the emperor was using emerald lenses to watch Gladiatorial games.

Since then glasses have come a long way. stylish glasses are an essential part of almost everyone's wardrobe. Even if one doesn't have sight problems they are recommended sunglasses so as to protect their eyes from the harsh sun rays.

For some eyeglasses are an essential fashion accessory. They are functional in enabling the user to see better but also stylish making the user look better. Now with new technological evolution Zenni Optical has totally changed the landscape of eyeglass market.

Check out the Emerging Technology Info Graphic and visit Zenni's website and you will agree with me that they offer some of the best deals on eyeglasses. There are new technologies that Zenni Optical uses on a daily basis to give you the best solutions, take a look at the latest technology by visiting their website and the link below.

One you take a look at the emerging technology and become aware of Zenni's offers I am quite certain you will never shop for eyeglasses elsewhere.

My Latest Project

1982 Yamaha Seca Turbo For Sale (Photo credit: Ryan Frost)

I used to be a biker when I was in India. Now after almost five years I have bought myself a motorcycle - a Yamaha Seca Turbo 650cc motorcycle. This was made in 1982-83 as the precursor of all the modern crotch rockets like the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR series, etc. It is shaft driven, so no question of chain adjustment for life time. Hopefully I will be able to get it running quickly and start enjoying it on the streets.

This is not a running bike, it is a project. My friend has been kind enough to agree to help me strip it apart, fix it and put it together again. We managed to get it started last week and now we still have some work pending. Here are some pictures of what the bikes looks like now. The picture on the side is what a complete bike looks like. That picture I found on the internet and is a bike that doesn't belong to me....

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Enjoy Summer Vacation and SAVE in San Antonio

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Where are you going this summer? What are your holiday plans for the next few weeks before school starts again in August? If someone were to ask me this question my answer would simply be "San Antonio, TX". I visited San Antonio once before in 2010 and ever since I have been waiting for an opportunity to go there again.

Now with the value packed offers that come with the San Antonio Vacation Experience (SAVE) program I don't think there will be a better time to visit the Alamo city, enjoy the river walk, shop in the top shops, participate in historic tours, and basically have a blast of a holiday.

Let me tell you about the SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience, it is a discount program that provides more than $600 in savings when you visit San Antonio. This wonderful saving program makes the already affordable vacation destination even more value for your money and in this economy, one couldn't ask for more. The $600 can be applied on savings to theme parks, shopping, historic tours, hotels, and on adventures too.

Some of the hotels where you could save include the best San Antonio resorts too. Of course there are a number of budget and mid-range hotels are also in the SAVE partnerships. Some SAVE partner hotels are sited across the area along the riverwalk, near theme parks, in downtown, etc.

I would typically visit San Antonio over weekend, stay at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk (SAVE rates $89 - Sunday-Thursday and $99 over Friday-Saturday), visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas the same day where SAVE enables a savings in the form of adults pay kids price, buy an adult ticket and get a child’s free, next day free and more. I'd cool off the evening with a shopping trip to the La Villita historic arts village and cap the day off by watching a movie at Alamo IMAX Theatre Rivercenter where childs admission is free. The next day I will head out to the SeaWorld where SAVE discounts include deals on family-four packs, second day free, $10 off admission and more. A visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Of course there are lots more I'd do along with taking a Alamo Helicopter Tour, which has a saving of 10% because of SAVE. Some of these are Limited Time Offers so it is better to grab them when they are available.

In order to keep abreast of the happenings I am going to first follow  @SAVEinSA on Twitter, so I can get to know the latest offerings.

Artificial Waterfalls

In the Prairies and Lakes area of Texas the landscape is flat and houses seem like outcrops. The landscape is quite boring so what do builders do, they create artificial landscaping. If you want a hill they will go and dig up some dirt from somewhere and pile it up to create one. If you want a waterfall they can do that too. I recently saw one such feature at a premium residential neighborhood where they have created an artificial river and a waterfall, here are some pictures:

July 4th Celebrations in Castle Hills

I blogged about the American Independence Day celebrations at Castle Hills, Lewisville yesterday but I wasn't able to upload any pictures of the event. Here are some pictures of the event for your reference.

July 4th celebrations at Castle Hills

Independence Day! (Photo credit: CR Artist)

Yesterday was America's independence day and I visited couple of friends in a nearby city to participate in their community's celebrations. For a small residential community the celebrations were pretty well orchestrated. The center of attraction was a live band belting out hit numbers. There were numerous games for kids to play, bounce houses, and of course lots and lots of eating stuff in the form of food trucks, booths and vendors.

Fireworks #1 (Photo credit: Camera Slayer)

Of course the highlight of the evening was the fireworks display. The fireworks were staged near the commercial strip of community and we got lucky in finding a slightly elevated spot which served as a vantage point for viewing the fireworks. The display started promptly after dusk. In the beginning it was rather slow and staid but soon picked up tempo and started attracting applause from the viewers. It ended as quickly as it started. The good part was that from our location we could view the fireworks of two other communities quite well and as we watched we drew comparisons and the one in Castle hills was not as good as the other one.

Even so I believe the other display we got to see was a city organized event and funded by the government. The one we were attending was a community organized event and there is a definite disparity in funding so I guess it was a pretty good effort despite a rather mellow showing.

A day in the Lake!

Lake Tawakoni at Hideaway Estates (Photo credit: Houstonian)

After many years I got the opportunity to swim in the open waters of the vast Lake Tawakoni. It was one of those rare summer days when the temperature was not too hot and the sun was not blazing town threatening to melt and vaporize our bodies. Along with a few friends we headed out for the Lake Tawakoni State Park sited about 60 miles from Dallas and one of the largest lakes in the state of Texas.

Few things bring me the peace of mind and pleasure like that of a large water body. Just sitting and looking at the vast expanse of azure beauty soothes my mind out of the worst crises and helps me find solutions and think of creative options.

Lake Tawakoni (Photo credit: Houstonian)

Anyway that was not the reason we went to Lake Tawakoni it was a pleasure picnic to enjoy the waters. The weather was just right, not too hot, not cold at all, the water was warm towards the bank and became refreshingly cooler as we waded deeper into the lake. The swimming area has been cordoned off with buoys by the state par authorities so that visitors may not venture out too deep and get drowned. The swimming beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and boat ramps provide amazing activity options for the entire family.

We spent the whole time in the swimming beach, resting, dipping in water and enjoying the day.

Enter Atlantic/Legoland Sweepstakes to win a 2 day family vacation!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Atlantic Luggage for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It is summer and in this economy vacations can be a strain on families. If you are wondering how to take your family on a great vacation and yet not hurt it is a good idea to enter the Atlantic Luggage and Legoland Sweepstakes. You may win their grand prize of an all expense paid family vacation to Legoland Florida.

Atlantic luggage is well known for their highly stylish, durable, affordable and lightweight travel accessories. Their luggage is the preferred travel accessory of families on the move. This year Atlantic Luggage is offering all American families a chance to win a free family holiday to Legoland in Florida.

The holiday prize package includes a 2 day vacation for two adult and two children to Legoland in Florida. Two nights in a comfortable hotel (one 4 occupancy room), a car voucher, a free set of Atlantic Luggage for your easy travel and a chance to meet with one of the Master Model Builders of Legoland is included in the package. Now that is what I call a real prize, it includes everything except you. All you need to do is to enjoy the holiday. Everything else is arranged.

Why is this holiday unique and different? That is because Legoland Florida has a spanking new attraction - a waterpark that was inaugurated in May 2012. The waterpark features a lazy river which is 1,000 ft and families on this holiday will have the opportunity to design, build and set afloat a Lego vessel. I am totally excited at this prospect and just think how thrilled kids are going to be if they can create a boat with their hands and see it floating.

Don't wait for too long the sweepstakes end soon. This is your unique opportunity use it immediately and wisely.

Now if you haven't used Atlantic Luggage, it is one of the most perfect travel accessory for families. There are a variety of styles and sizes offered and everyone is bound to find something that suits their needs.