Going green : 11 steps of advice…

Ladies and gentlemen,

   Today is Blog Action Day. Today, we bloggers around the world, including certain hi-fi bloggers like Lifehacker, GigaOm, Google Blog, and so on, participate to help spread the word about a cause. A cause, which needs much concern for it is necessary for sustainable development. The cause, which many of us easily ignore in our haste. Our environment.

 

   I put in my efforts, and did a considerably nice post on my other blog, www.bloggingindia.net. So here’s  the post, copied in whole here. My apologies for the focus on India, but then, well, that was my immediate range of approach.

   Here are a few things which I think could make an impact. These are the few basic things, which, though we know, we always tend to ignore.

  • Please switch off all lights, fans and air conditioning when leaving a room. (Savings on your electricity bill, helps reduce global power consumption, helps reduce power crisis and blackouts, helps reduce global warming)
  • Draw back the curtains, and utilize sunlight instead of the bulb in the mornings.(Savings on your electricity bill, helps reduce global power consumption, helps reduce power crisis and blackouts, helps reduce global warming)
  • Use CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs.(Energy efficiency, savings on your electricity bill, helps reduce global power consumption, helps reduce power crisis and blackouts, helps reduce global warming)
  • Please please please please do not waste water. Please turn off a tap while not in use. Shave using a mug of water. And turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Reuse paper. In small scale offices and industries, review your paper policy. (Savings on paper, help save trees)
  • Put your PCs and laptops on Stand By mode when not in use. Helps save power, and extends the life of the computer.
  • Ever tried purchasing wrinkle free shirts and trousers? Saves on the electricity bill BIG TIME (and helps our lazy chaps like me Tongue)
  • Use plastic bags and bottles again, and again, and again, and again….
  • Do you have any idea how newspapers can be reused? Of course, you can sell it to have it recycled, but you can reuse a bit of it yourself, and save a little bit of money (you can also boast to your friendsBig Grin). What can you make from a newspaper you ask? Temporary table covers, napkins, gift wrapping (especially the comics page), working paper, temporary wraps, file contents separater, CD cover (I’ll be posting that “How to” next time) and so on and so forth… The list is endless.
  • Use public transport whenever feasible. Try to car pool / bike pool. If you’re in Bangalore, visit www.btis.in to find pooling partners. Offer lifts to those who ask for it. Try to reduce air travel. By doing these, you will be helping to reduce the energy crisis, saving a lot of money, and making a bunch of good friends :) . (Oops, forgot to mention, WALK wherever possible)

By doing these simple things, you can help ensure yourself, and others, a better life, and a better future environment. Something you should understand (and what my friend keeps saying every single time I mention environmental conservation) is that, you, or I, as a single person can’t do a thing. But if one Billion people of India conserve power, fuel, and water, there definitely WILL be a change. So spread the word, practice conservation methods, and encourage others to do the same.

The steps above are just my views. You’re free to form your own views, ideologies, and methods. Go ahead, spread them, maybe comment here, I’ll add them to the list. Also remember, all these steps cannot be followed in every walk of our life. We’re not fanatics! What we can do is help little by little. Practice little one day, a little more another day, and so on. And finally, we might actually end up saving our world :) :D .

And for the move active and time savvy of you, here a few more things to do -

  • Publicize the cause, and the need. Many people publicize just the cause, and not the need. This leads to false beliefs, and false beliefs to unacceptancy.
  • Openly support environmental causes. Use your area of expertise to do your best. Everyone could be a part of it. If you’re a journalist, write about it. If you’re a radio jockey, talk about it. If you’re a web designer, make websites about it. If you’re a software engineer, help organize it. If you’re an LIC agent, talk to your clients about it in every meeting. If you’re an service man at Cafe’ Coffee Day, talk to your customers about it, and maybe distribute extra tissue papers with the logo for the cause?!!!
  • Adopt a tree. Adopting a tree isn’t as simple as what we see our politicians do. We don’t just plant a sapling, pour some water and leave it there. Adopting a tree will mean planting it, watering it daily, pruning it, helping it to grow, and protecting it.
  • Launch campaigns, and conduct speeches in public areas, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
  • Conduct such talks in otherwise neglected areas like orphanages and old age homes as well.

   I hope that I’ve made my point. I hope that someone will take off from here, and I hope that we can together, create a revolution, produce a change, and delay the inevitable. Peace! 


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October 16, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 8 Comments 

Blog Action Day!

What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day?
One issue. One day. Thousands of voices.

Calling all bloggers. Calling all bloggers.
All you bloggers out there, please take note of Blog Action Day, on October the 15th. You can participate in either of the 3 ways -

  • Publish a post relating to an issue of your choice, pertaining to the environment.
  • Commit a day’s earnings to an environmental charity. (a list is available in the blogactionday website)
  • Publicize Blog Action Day

We believe in spreading peace, love, and universal brotherhood. As a reader, we hope that you go by each of these values. :) Lets prove our worth… Lets be the pens (uh, keyboards?) of change!

Cheers, and hoping to see you participate.


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October 9, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 1 Comment 

Unsuni… The unheard…

Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

I had the magical oppurtunity today of having watched a wonderful dance-drama show named the “Unsuni” meaning the “Unheard, done by the Darpana Arts and Drama society, about them whom where unheard in our society. It was a true eye opener, or in other words, it opened my eyes even more to certain facts which I was trying to deny, and oppose from existence.


The one and a half hour play discussed about 5 different stories, which were real life incidents, which happened in India. Happenings in the lives of a beggar, a farmer, a manual scavenger, a women’s whose family was massacared in front of her eyes due to socio-relegious issues, and a leper. All these people were denied the chance to justice or their rights. Their living conditions were miserable. They had no place to call their home. Their story was not heard. They had no way to claim their lives as true - the court denied their very existence!

But “they” lived on, and fought for their cause. They made the difference for their community. They made us, call “them” “us”, when we shouldnt have been calling “them” ‘them’ in the first place!

The play was so real and tantalizing, that I felt a part and gestalt of “our” very existence. The questions Unsuni rose, and the questions they answered, and the eyes they opened were eternal and infinite. If you have watched Unsuni, please do comment on your experiences. For the others, you can check out the Unsuni website (www.unsuni.net) for more information about the movement, the shows, the venues and so on…

You can obtain the script of the play on their “Sources” webpage.

Thank you dear reader. I hope you’ll go through the Unsuni script, and support Unsuni with all your heart. We can make a difference. What you and me are doing makes a difference. So lets make it!

July 4, 2007 | Filed Under A thought..., Emotion,Literature,Philosophy, General World | 1 Comment 

What is education?

Hello all,

I had to do an assignment for tomorrow, titled “What in your opinion is education?” Since it was a relevant topic, I’m posting a copy of it here :) . Do give me your opinions.

What in your opinion is education?

Education, in my opinion, is that factor which makes an individual of the species Homo sapien sapien into what we might refer to as a human. It is one of those factors which distinguishes man from an ordinary beast; the slightest of which, when imparted converts the new born beast into a human. In a nutshell, it encompasses knowledge, grasping of skills, power of judgement, wisdom, creativity and ability to abide by social restrictions.

Mark Twain once said, “I’ve never let my school interfere with my education”. The argument which we see today in several parts of our country is whether education is really a product of a school, or a college, or any other such so called educational institutions. I would opinion that education is not just the product of an educational institution. Education begins when a child is born. When the child learns to walk, talk and play, that is a part of education. When the child watches the media, it is education. When the child interacts with his peers, that too is education.

The very first medium of education is the environment; parents, the media, peers, and teachers occupying the second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively. Education cannot be given or provided or sold. It is to be self-comprehended. Educational institutions and teachers are not mediums of providing education, but they are paths through which the student should foray to gain education by himself (or herself).

When an individual can think rationally for himself and make firm decisions; when he is knowledgeable enough to be wise; and is wise; when he is creative enough to create new paths, and not tread through the ones already cut; when he is versed enough about issues to make an opinion; then, he is educated.

Taking all this into consideration, I would question the very existence of words such as “educational institutions”, “Primary Education”, “Secondary Education” etc.

Education is not restricted within the four walls of a building, nor in this country, nor in this world! It is restricted only by the bounding limit of this universe. Man has much to learn.

I hope that you found this meaningful. I invite any differences of opinion, or feedback via my comments form. :) . Please note that this article is Copyrighted.

(c) 2007 Mohan K.Pillai


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July 1, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 2 Comments 

Me, Maths, CSA and more…

Hi all,

I had a truly out of the world experience yesterday. I had volunteered for the CSA, Center for Social Action, at Christ College, and I had joined the wing of CSA named Activity Center, which took classes for students from a slum area called Rajendranagar. The Activity Center head asked me if I wanted to join them yesterday, even before the official CSA inauguration on the 7th.

At Rajendranagar, we were greeted by eager kids shaking hands and  saying “hello”s is several dialects. They were a bit apprehensive about approaching me, maybe because I was new, but we got on ok… I went with 2 Activity Center members, the Activity Center head Swathi, and another member, Vandana.

I was assigned to take Maths for the 8th grade students…

And there the story starts.  Many students didnt even know the basic principles of multiplication and division. Everyone kept calling me “sir” :D And they were like so enthusiastic with my presence, though I should say that at the end of the one and half hour session, I didn’t have kids hanging onto my hands, unlike my co-activists’ experiences. I succeeded in teaching a few the principles, and making everyone very Mathusiastic :D The smiles on their faces when they got the solution to a problem, or when they did a few sums even faster than I did were sights I would never forget in my entire life. And when the time came for me to leave, a few of them did escort me down the stairs till the road. All of them said passionate “bye”s, though they didnt treat me to the traditional Rajendranagar hand shake.

And I left, walking through the broken streets with my counterparts, I had this unexplainable feeling… A mix of happiness, empathy, and enthusiasm. I was happy that they accepted me. I was happy that whatever little I did DID make a difference. I understood their situation and wanted to help in whatever way possible. And enthusiastic to be back and make more of that special difference!

Today, when I submitted my report, a CSA activist asked me about my experience. I told her that I had a “wonderful experience”. She asked me if I was being sarcastic. I gave her a quick smile, and my heart was grinning… Because little did she know how much my heart was willing to go to Rajendranagar every day; how much I would love to do this for the larger part of the day; how much I was looking forward to the next Thursday… the next Maths class… the next difference…

June 29, 2007 | Filed Under General World, Utopia, World Peace | Leave a Comment 

Moments that changed the world II : A soldier shot…

Hello again,
    Here’s another vintage photo which changed the world! A soldier, was shot dead, but hangs onto a priest in his final moments on life!

    This is a touching combination of reality and spirituality. The hard truths of reality versus the spiritual holiness of God.

May 27, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 2 Comments 

CNN interview about Religion with Christopher Hitchens

Hi all,
    I found this great interview video via Digg. Its done by CNN. Lou Dobbs  from CNN interviewed Christopher Hitchens, who is the author of God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

    This is likely the one of the few times you’ll see American news media being so respectful to this author. At the end, Lou gives a strong recommendation of the book.

    Enjoy the interview, I found it quite meaningful.


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May 8, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 3 Comments 

Cutepics 1

Hello all,
    I’ve hit a writers block! I have been drained of my emotion and interest in writing! And I’ve run out of ideas to blog! :(

    That’s why you’ve seen a heavy lack of posts during the last couple of weeks. I promise to get over it in another few days… But until then, here I post a few very cute pictures I came across…

    Enjoy :)


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May 4, 2007 | Filed Under General World | Leave a Comment 

The happiest bug ever!

Hi all,
    Just a message from the digital imaging world… Smile, and the world smiles with you!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/showmeeuphoria/278635073/in/photostream/


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April 21, 2007 | Filed Under General World, Humour | 2 Comments 

Wow! Gotta see this concert hall!

Hey all,
    If you’re wondering why the ephasismic and quite childish title, well, try wondering that once again after you’ve checked this out!

    These are the pics of a concert hall in Paris, designed by Jean Nouvel. Check out the entire series of pics at Dezeen. Here, I give you a few teasers :) Enjoy!


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April 21, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 2 Comments 

The Stone Hawk drug addiction rehab programme

Hello all,
    Today, I’ll give you an insight into a topic which I’ve been yearning to write about for a long time, but never got time. But now, I’m being sponsored to write about it by the Stone Hawk programme, so its all the more better :)

    Drug Addiction, and treatment

    Addictions of various sorts, drug, alcohol, smoke, and so on, have plagued each and every one of us, either directly or indirectly. It is a curse on earth. It is pitiful to see otherwise cheerful people succumb into tension, frustration and solitude due to the evils of addiction.

    So, I consider Drug Rehabilitation programmes to be a boon! Natural rehab programmes, like the Narconon Stone Hawk programme treat drug addicts, not with medicines, but with natural remedies. Healthy diets of vitamins, minerals and lots of water, exercises and yoga, meditation and social service, and the maintenance of a lovely environment, help in the anti addiction of drug addicts. After the toxins are removed by constant natural exercises, the concerned are given individual counseling and life skill programs to give him or her the skills required to lead a successful drug free life.

    The Stone Hawk programme uses exercise, sauna detox treatments, and nutritional supplements to:

  • Control drug and alcohol cravings.
  • Control withdrawal symptoms associated with drug addiction and alcoholism. These can include depression, irritability, and fatigue.
  • Promotion of clear thinking.
  • Improve memory ability
  • Improve attention span .
  • Increase energy.
  • Allow a sense of well being.

    The natural drug treatment program also reduces side effects and helps the induvidual to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The programme has proved effective within 60 days(see the graph below).

    The Stone Hawk programme also have in store various methods to PAY for the rehab programme. They have a Patient Financing programme for loans and financial options given to individuals undergoing the treatment.

    They have various drug rehab programmes including short term and long term programmes. Short term programmes are 20-30 days in tenure. The most popular being 28 days. Long term programmes are 3-6 months, for advanced cases. The long-term programs offer many benefits and skills that an addict needs to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction. Many of these programs offer detoxification, counseling, problem resolution, life skills, and after care programs.

       So if you want a drug rehab, choose Stone Hawk! Simply call a toll free no. to avail their services -

1-888-227-9193

    The Stony Hawk programme has cured many an addict. There are countless success stories listed on their website! A 14 year old Cocaine addict writes…

I was 14 when I first tried coke. It was a stupid thing to do but all my friends were doing it at the time so I guess I just followed suit. It turned out to be the worst thing I’ve ever done in my whole life….

…I heard about Narconon Stonehawk through one of my other friends who was already there. I decided to bite the bullet and check it out. From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt welcome and loved, not persecuted. The staff there was great. They knew what they were talking about and helped me to understand my problem better.

There were always things to do to take my mind off the withdrawal symptoms and there was always someone I could talk to, anytime I needed. They also pointed me towards a good group counselling center that I still go to. It’s been 3 years now since I said goodbye to drugs, thanks to Narconon Stonehawk. I’d recommend it to anyone who has a problem with substance abuse.

    Good luck!


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April 21, 2007 | Filed Under General Healthcare, General World | 5 Comments 

Sept 11 attacks stained onto glass in a Dutch cathedral

Hi all,
    I’m sure all of us remember that dreadful day when more than 2800 people were killed by the cruel acts of terrorism by demolishing the Twin Towers. Yes. September 9th.

    A cathedral in Netherlands has commissioned a new stained glass window which contains an image of the Twin Tower attacks. Reutuers reports that the window was blessed on Sunday by a Dutch Bishop.

The window, built up of about twenty different panes with representations of heaven and hell, has the WTC pane at the bottom showing “hell on earth”, its maker Marc Mulders said.

The pane shows an airplane about to crash in one of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

“It was an assignment by the church to make a stained glass window that was related to the spirit of this time,” Mulders 48, said on his Web site, adding that he sees the WTC attacks as an image that speaks vividly to all people.

The window in the Sint Jan cathedral in Den Bosch, a city in the south of the Netherlands, has attracted the attention of the world’s media press because of the Twin Tower image, pastor Geert Jan van Rossem said.

Van Rossem said he expected the window to cause reflection from those who saw it.

“Innocent civilians were killed, that is shocking and makes people think,” he said.

A small crowd applauded and praised the window’s bright colors when the bishop revealed the stained glass window.

    Let these artistic images leave behind a memory to remember… A memory to remind us how ghastly the world can get… A memory to remind us of the uglier sides of life… A memory to remind us, why world peace is essential…


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April 12, 2007 | Filed Under General World, News!, World Peace | Leave a Comment 

The predictions of a 14 year old from Milwaukee, made in 1901, true in 2001

Hi all,
    In a blog named Paleo Future, I found this great article about a 14 year old named Arthur Palm, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who published an article in his school newspaper (the Excelsior) in the year 1901, describing what the world would be like in 2001.

“How it may appear a hundred years hence, when modern inventions have been carried to their highest point of development that even Edison would feel jealous of the great inventions in the year 2001.

In the year 2001 you will see sky-scrapers sticking far above the clouds over 200 stories high. On the streets there will not be any room for street cars, so they will build lines way up in the air, and there will be landings fastened to the high skyscrapers, where the people will wait for the cars.

The carlines will have different kinds of names and you will see the name “Manhattan Air Line” many hundreds of feet above the ground. You see air-ships and carriages fastened to balloons for the transportation of the people through the air, and you will often see collisions in the clouds. In one of the sky-scrapers on the 119 story you will see a sign, ‘Old People Restored to Youth by Electricity, While You Wait.’”

    Fascinating isnt it? There are indeed “lines way up in the air” commonly known as expressways! And imagine that the kid dreamed about airlines and airports! But what about “old people restored to youth by electricity” - does it refer to shock treatment to cure insanity?

    Wow! Amazing how kids can make such predictions. As Shakespeare said,

Children, the aged, and madmen augur…


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April 8, 2007 | Filed Under General World | 1 Comment 

Happy Easter All!

Hey all,
    Just dropping in to say…

HAPPY EASTER!!!

My friend Owen Cutajar had a VERY good Easter card on his site, so I promtly copied it here :P


Cheers :)

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April 6, 2007 | Filed Under General World, Humour | 1 Comment 

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