Its that time of the year again. When the whole world celebrates at the same time, same day and same occasion. Its the New Year!
Its also the time when the most accidents and deaths happen. And all due to drinking and driving. Bike/Car and Booze make a deadly combination during Christmas and New Year. 90% of the deaths and accidents are because of drinking and driving. Police records show that drunken driving has increased over the years - from 10,163 cases in 2003 to 24,000 cases in 2006.
I have lost 2 of my friends due to this. And New years is a grim reminder of the pain borne by their family that I witnessed. I can still hear the screams of my friend's sister whenever I think of it. Its terrible. And that educated and aware people believe and behave as if they are immune to accidents, is a reality. In Dr.Bhushan Joseph's words, "Most people suffer from the syndrome: 'It can't happen to me'.
The bottom line is alcohol in the blood stream subdues the reflexes, an important neuromuscular action which protects our body. So everybody please have a safe and a happy new year. Leaving a torn, crippled family is not a way to ring in the new year. Its not something that you can undo, but yes we can choose NOT to Drink and Drive and be safe so that we can spend many more new years together with our loved ones.
Wish you all a very Happy, Safe and a Prosperous New Year!
Image Courtesy: Fotosearch
"Had no option but to kill her." wtf?
Watching the news last night, left me stumped at Rohit's confession. In a fit of anger during an argument with his wife, he tried to gag her and then his arm went around her neck and she strangulated. Then he puts her in a suitcase and disposes of it close to his home. All this because she pushed him? What was this man thinking? Looks to me that he just wanted to shut her up and managed to do so, only permanently.
Archana had filed for divorce on grounds of domestic violence and harassment. They were apparently working on their marriage and had just gotten back together after a 2 year separation.
What struck me most was his behaviour. He showed no remorse, no guilt. Spoke as though it was just another errand, just another day. As if to say, whats done is done, now lets get on with our lives.
I'm speechless!
My angel loves to free fall. Esp on the bed, cushions and on the divan. And if she knows that you are are there to catch her, even on the floor. Though she prefers the soft landing. She has started to balance herself and after a few practice runs on the softer falls, she has started balancing on the floor these days.
That she hasn't started walking yet is of no worry to me, relatives be damned. I do not want to rush her. My naturaopath advised introducing her to a walker to build her courage. She loves to explore and my arms and back are a sore witness to it :)
Will be getting her a walker tomorrow, lets see how that goes. Hopefully I will be able to do much more work. Fingers crossed!
Wow just realized its been over 2 months since my last post.. like they say better late than never.
I love to read. I can read just about anything that I can lay my hands on. My passion for reading has naturally progressed from books to blogs. In this congested blog world there are a lot of good quality blogs. Below are a few sites and posts that I have stumbled on. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Freelancing 101 - The Basics : I just recently found this freelancers blog and am very impressed by it. A good design with good writers. The content is very relevant and they have some great articles. For some one who is looking to start part time/ freelance/ work from home, this is a great resource. This post talks about the basics of freelancing and the lifestyle to go with it.
55 Essential Articles Every Serious Blogger Should Read : Matt has created a great list of articles that every serious blogger should read. He has compiled and categorized them perfectly. A definite must read for the budding blogger.
Digital-Musings.com - Blogging Network & Technology Tips : Vikram has some mean blogging and technology tips. Great design and a great writer. Rich resource for some honest updates, reviews and tips. Oh and he has some great cartoons too.
Crystal bur - Mahabharata Series : A spoof on the Mahabharata. Here's creative writing at is best. A funny bone with great comic timing. Terrific sense of humor.
Thanks to all of these for wonderful articles and some great writing.
Its World Aids Day today. Though its been close to two decades since this dreaded disease was discovered, there is still no cure. Further in developing countries, people are still mis-informed and reluctant to discuss it. There is a social paranoia attached to AIDS & HIV. Today is not just about raising money but increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. HIV today is a threat to men, women and children. More and more children are being affected by it.
It is estimated that 2.5 million are currently living with HIV in India. People are still miss informed about the spread and infection. India's social constraints are its biggest stumbling block and to combat this Piya Sorcar, a doctoral student in Stanford's Learning, Sciences & Technology Design Program has come up with a unique way of educating the children without offending their parents and the government. Pria has initiated Interactive Teaching AIDS an animation based educational curriculum to teach HIV/AIDS awareness and their preventive strategies.
Educating people, increasing awareness cross all the economic strata of society is the first step. The theme for World AIDS Day 2007 is "leadership" highlighting the need for innovation, vision and perseverance in the face of the AIDS challenge. I hope that our leaders recognize the seriousness and urgency of the AIDS epidemic and show compassion to their people, to the people of the state and country.
But it is not only the leaders who can make a difference. We can too. Educate ourselves, open our hearts and examine how we can help. If you would like to do something right now, click the button on the right and join the campaign to stop AIDS in children.
