Diwali 2008 in Miri

Diwali Celebrations 2008 – 11th October (Saturday) 6:30pm

We will be having our Deepavali Celebrations at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club Grand Ballroom on 11th October (Saturday) from 6:30pm.

Please join us and celebrate in the festivities. Lots of great entertainment has been organised. There will be a Deepavali Queen contest. Contact Bharathi 0126532846 for more information.

The Tickets are valued at RM70.00 and RM100.00. There is early bird pricing for the RM70.00. These tickets can be bought for RM50.00 before 30th September 2008. From 1st October prices will revert to RM70.00.
For tickets Contact Bharathi 0126532846; Thomas 0168700310; Capt Raj Kumar 0193586694 Malar Jeyaprakash 0138373416; Shiela Gopinath 0198255670; Vimala Sangari 0193596694 and Karambir Singh 0168785500.

Co-Organising Chairperson: Bharathi Anand

Vastu Sastra Talk

There will be a vastu sastra talk by T Selva in Gymkhana Club Miri (GCM) on 18th August 2008 at 7:30pm. Its organised by the Miri Hindu Society. Donation of RM10 for entry will go towards the Miri Hindu Society.

Why you and the boss are totally different

When you take a long time, you’re slow.

When your boss takes a long time, he’s thorough.

When you don’t do it, you’re lazy.
When your boss doesn’t do it, he’s too busy.

When you make a mistake, you’re an idiot.
When your boss makes a mistake, he’s only human.

When doing something without being told, you’re overstepping your authority.
When your boss does the same thing, that’s initiative.

When you take a stand, you’re being bull-headed.
When your boss does it, he’s being firm.

When you overlooked a rule of etiquette, you’re being rude.
When your boss skips a few rules, he’s being original.

When you please your boss, you’re apple polishing.
When your boss pleases his boss, he’s being co-operative.

When you’re out of the office, you’re wandering around.
When your boss is out of the office, he’s on business.

When you’re on a day off sick, you’re always sick.
When your boss is a day off sick, he must be very ill.

When you apply for leave, you must be going for an interview.
When your boss applies for leave, it’s because he’s overworked.

Mouse Story

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.“What food might this contain?” The mouse wondered – he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning.

“There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!”

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised  her head and said, “Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it.”

The mouse turned to the pig and told him,

“There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!”

The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.
Be assured you are in my prayers.”

The mouse turned to the cow and said,

“There is a  mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!”

The cow said, “Wow, Mr. Mouse. I’m sorry for you, but it’s no skin off my nose.”

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer’s mousetrap — alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house — like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer’s wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard
for the soup’s main ingredient.

But his wife’s sickness continued, so friends and neighbours came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer’s wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, and the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem, and think it doesn’t concern you, remember — when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We  must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER:

EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON’S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.

One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend.

Managing People

The best executive is the one who has enough sense to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. – Theodore Roosevelt

Sharpen your Mind

5 Ways to Sharpen Your Mind

Just as physical exercise makes your body fit, mental exercise helps your brain stay alert especially when you grow older.

A recent study published in “Psychological Medicine” highlighted the fact that the risk of dementia is lowered by 46 percent for individuals who have high mental stimulation. Mental stimulation also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other mental ailments by nearly half.

If you wish to have your mental faculties functioning at optimal levels well into your old age, try out these useful exercises that help your brains in achieving high mental stimulation:

1. Play Brain Teasers

Keep Your Brain Healthy by Playing Crosswords

Games such as jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crossword puzzles as well as electronic games are excellent for improving your mental faculties. Not only will these games help you improve your memory but they will also help you stay alert.

2. Diet: Consume Healthy Fats

Eat Walnuts: Rich in Healthy Fats

You need to provide your brain with a regular supply of healthy fats. Some food products which contain such healthy fats include walnuts and fish oil from wild salmon. Fish oils are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are useful for everything from cardiovascular health to brain protection. Also make it a point to eliminate Tran’s fats (a type of unsaturated fat) completely from your diet while increasing the intake of less saturated fat.

3. Learn a New Skill

Learn how to dance to sharpen your brain!

Learning a new skill is an excellent way of staying mentally alert. It will not only give your brain a much needed workout but will also keep your mind sharp. Go ahead and learn a new sport such as tennis or maybe an activity like fishing. A very good idea is to learn something you have never done before. For e.g.: If you enjoy dancing then go ahead and sign up for salsa lessons. Not only will you stay fit, but you will also have a whole lot of fun. Remember that when you learn something new, multiple areas of brain become active.

4. Meditate

Meditate to Rejuvenate Your Mind

Meditation is one of the best exercises that can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. It helps your mind stay calm and thereby makes it more alert. It is an excellent practice, especially if you want to enjoy a long, healthy and stress-free life. There are various types of meditations that you can choose from. Choose a type that you are comfortable with and which you can easily practice.

5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Let Nature Relax Your Brain

A good way to spend some quality time with your family would be to go outdoors for a picnic or to the beach. Spending time in a place of natural beauty is far better than catching the latest flick on television. Nature has its own way of relaxing your mind. So whenever you do get an opportunity, do visit that spot you always wanted to visit.

funny thoughts

One day a Lecturer of Psychology was greeting his new college class. He stood up in front of the class and said, “Would everyone who thinks he or she is stupid please stand up?” After a minute or so of silence, a young man stood up.

“Well, good morning Young Man. So, you actually think you’re a moron?” the Lecturer asked.

The student replied, “No sir, I just didn’t want to see you standing there all by yourself.

Vastu Sastra – Indian Feng Sui

15th June 2008 Sunday morning I helped to organise a Vasthu Sastra talk by The Star columnist T.Selva. The talk was held in GCM Club at 10:00am.  I think not many people or Indians for that matter know what it is actually all about.

I bought one of his books. At RM35 it is worth the price. Easy to read with lots of ilustrations.

Book by T Selva: Vasthu Sastra Guide

You can read the article below which was provided by T. Selva’s Website

What is Vasthu Sastra
The most ancient science of architecture that goes back to the Vedic ages, it is composed of specific rules and regulations, set down by sages of those times, that an architect / builder / owner was expected to religiously follow to avoid coming under negative or evil influences. Today, it is looked upon as a highly evolved, comprehensive building philosophy in which directions and shapes are the most vital aspects of designing.

Right from the selection of site to correct slope of land down to the shape of the building, this oldest form of architecture covers nearly every aspect of construction. Not only for houses but temples, palaces, forts, offices…just about every possible form of construction. Often providing relief if not cures to physical or emotional problems simply by relocating an entrance, window or room.

Frequently asked questions about Vasthu Sastra

1. Q: What is Vasthu Sastra?

A: Vasthu Sastra is a 5,000-year-old Indian science of dwelling found in the Vedas, ancient scripture. Vasthu is based on the arrangements and balancing of the five elements – ether, air, fire, water and earth in their proper order and proportions. It focuses on the law of nature and flow of energy and anyone living in tune with the cosmic forces will enjoy beneficial energy flowing into their property.

2. Q: How can Vasthu benefit a dweller?

A: Anyone observing the principles of Vasthu Sastra in any enclosed space will be blessed with health, prosperity, happiness, joy, peace of mind and love. A dweller in harmony with the environment will enjoy a less stressful life.

3. Q: Is Vasthu Sastra associated with any religion or superstition?

A: Vasthu Sastra is a universal science and it can be observed in any part of the world. It is not magic, superstition or a religion, although some of its followers may consider it part of their religious rituals. It also does not work on a belief system and Vasthu is not a question of faith but a fact of life.

4. Q: When should a dweller practice Vasthu?

A: The recommended time to follow it is when an individual is purchasing, designing, renovating, leasing or building a property. If a dweller is experiencing problem like financial, health, relationship, disunity, depression, and unhappiness, etc, the individual is urged to observe Vasthu Sastra principles to ease the situation.

5. Q: Can it be followed without tearing down walls and renovations?

A: Yes, it can be observed without demolishment and renovations as it involves the art of placement of things in a property.

6. Q: How fast does it works or when a dweller can experience changes?

If the placements of things in a property are followed above 50% as per Vasthu, the dweller can see improvements in several weeks. There are people who have experience goodness within a few days. For this to happen, it all depends as to how many per cent a dweller wants to follow the recommendations of Vasthu.

7. How is the direction of a property determined in Vasthu Sastra?

A: The direction of a property should be determined by using a compass and never use sunrise to establish the direction. Once a dweller has fixed the direction, the quadrant of the elements are drawn for the placement of things in the proper proportions in a property.

8. Is the astrology of an individual considered in Vasthu Sastra analysis?

The astrology of an individual is only taken into consideration in Vasthu to determine the favourable direction of the property – that is, if the dweller is building a house on a fresh piece of land.  Otherwise, his or her astrology is not incorporated because it would be difficult to find a ready-made house to match a property owner’s horoscope unless the dweller designs and build the house. Not matching the horoscope is not a major affliction to a dweller. The other areas where astrology is taken into consideration in Vasthu are when choosing an auspicious date for starting a new construction, performing a house-warming ceremony and moving into a property.

9. What can a dweller experience if he or she does not observe Vasthu
Sastra principles?

The defects in a non-complied Vasthu property will not affect a dweller when he or she is going through a favourable period in the individual’s astrology. However, during the unfavourable astrological period of the individual, the defects in the property will affect the breadwinner seriously. By following Vasthu recommendations, an individual can reduce stress, ease challenges, overcome problems and enjoy peace of mind

10. Q: What is the difference between Vasthu Sastra and feng shui?

Both sciences, to a great extent, share similarities and are based on centuries of observations of nature and the surroundings and how they affect people and other living and even non-living things. Both aim at contributing harmony, prosperity, health and happiness although there may be a few differences and contradictions in the way both are observed or practised. Vasthu is based on the energy flow among the nine planets and feng shui sees the planetary forces as the determining factors in the distribution of energy. The five basic elements in feng shui are described as metal, wood, water, fire and earth while Vasthu considers wood and metal as part of earth and includes the additional elements of ether and air. In Vasthu defects cannot be corrected simply by placing a mirror, plants, hanging a picture and other tools but recommends the moving things within the property to the correct direction and location.

Petrol Saving Tips

Trying to make adjustments in car usage and make changes in other areas of life. Not a very easy task. Here are some Tips (30) extracted from various websites. How are you folks making the adjustments? Are there any other effective steps have you taken?

Petrol Saving Tips

The best way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your motoring habits. Listed below under four categories and various effective methods of doing so… no real need to buy expensive add-on equipment.

ENGINE WARM-UP

1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, – 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up… chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.

3. Don’t start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

4. Avoid “reving” the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

5. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don’t push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY PETROL

6. Buy petrol during coolest time of day – early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind – petrol pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to “volume of measurement”.

7. Choose type and brand of petrol carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which “seem” most beneficial.

8. Avoid filling petrol tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill petrol tank past the first “click” of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you “nurse it along”. However, if you cause the engine to “bog down”, premature wearing of engine parts occurs.

13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating – the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts “mechanical drag” on components, wearing them down prematurely. This “dragging” also demands additional fuel usage.

17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences – remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the “green light” all the way.

20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save petrol.

22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters… diminished air flow increases petrol waste.

23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

24. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer’s specifications for maximum tire pressures.

25. Remove vinyl tops – they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car’s body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

26. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

27. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car – extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

28. For those who work predictable / fixed hours or when a some of you are going to the same destination, Car pools reduce travel monotony and petrol expense – all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater “steady speed” economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.

EXTRA TIPS

29. Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)

30. Combine short errands into one trip

Hello world!

This is my first blog. I am attending a blogging workshop at Curtin University, Sarawak Campus. Thanks to Dr. Thomas Jeyaprakash for inviting me. to participate. It going to be a great journey.