In Memory lane #9

We were awakened early in the morning by my pet dogs walking around us! As we had expected, Dr. A was the first to get up in the early morning. Dr. A is very disciplined right from our initial hostel days. Then all of us freshened up one by one and got ready to leave for the trip. The vehicle, Sumo was on time at 7 am as we had ordered, but we got late and started by 8:30 am. The Driver's name was Arumugam, a silent fellow but got accustomed to our noise pretty soon. 9 of us exactly fitted into the vehicle, of course none willing to sit in the back. We drove for an hour and stopped at a point where we planned to eat nice ripe chikkus. My dad had got it for our trip from our farm. They were the best chikkus one can have. On the way, it was fun with friends hearing nice songs one after the other and people at back started to play cards. And we people in front were busy chatting, pulling each others' legs and enjoying the spectacular nature around. We reached Sagar by 10:30 and had our breakfast, hot masala dosa and Idli-Vada. The hotel was a moderate one but the view from the balcony was amazing with a lake and farms.
Driver Arumugam reminded us that we are already behind the schedule. Even in the rush, Dr. A & Dr. R ran and bought a music mp3 CD! Dr. P & Dr. MC took the opportunity to take a puff. Soon we resumed our journey to SIGANDUR which is basically a place famous for the Sigandhureswari Temple. But the exciting part was that of travelling in a huge launch in the beautiful backwaters. While we were waiting for the launch to arrive, friends at the back seat of the vehicle could not take their hands off the cards and were playing outside too. Rest of us had a nice walk around the water bank. Its just for approximately 30 minutes but exciting enough. The launch takes both the vehicles and people from one end to the other. After a long time, we got to travel in a launch with the exotic nature around. Small islands and greenery amidst water.

After reaching the other end, we again had to drive for around 4 km. We reached the temple which was not extraordinary in regard to the architecture but it is said that the Godess here is very powerful and fullfils our wishes. As we just made it in time, we were able to attend the puja and get blessings. Then we planned to go to Kollur as our Arumugam suggested that we will be in time for puja and prasadam.

Sach ka samna!

I have been in US for the past 3 months or so and had no idea what is going on in Indian Television for which I was an addict before I came here. Time & Places make you adapt fast to the circumstances and I almost forgot the Indian TV shows. Recently I read about 'Rakhi ka swayamvar' of which I never turned much curious of, just passed it off as another reality show.
But the Indian remake of "The Moment of Truth" which is named as "Sach ka samna" on star plus is a daring step with regard to the Indian Television. The host, Rajiv Khandelwal is simply amazing. I also read that the show was opposed in the zero hour of parliament!!! I thought the politicians had some better work to do, which they never do! Why should they interfere in anything that entertains people and also makes gross money. If they dare to bare, let them participate and win the jackpot. They are welcome to do so. Atleast that would be their legal earning. Why dont they concentrate on improving and developing India.

I know the reason they state is Indian culture, society etc... etc...., but only if the opposing people had ever followed the true Indian culture. India should prove itself as a democratic country, people should be left independent of what they wish for.

I support it and the participants who dare themselves to reveal their dark secrets should be allowed to participate. Afterall, the game is for money. If they donot mind, why should others care. If one doesnot want to watch the show, he/she can always change the channel or block the channel or keep the children off the TV or even switch it off. Its in their hands!!

I appreciate the celebrities like Vinod Kambli and Urvashi Dholakia came forward to participate.

I feel that the show must go on as long as the Indians love it!!!

Novel Review #4

Michael Crichton's "SPHERE"

Rating : 4/5 **** stars

My dearest living being on Earth suggested me this novel. I searched for this novel in the entire Iowa City Public Library which is THE place to get any novel. I was happy to find it just in time and read it.

This novel is simply the most thrilling one with lots of twists and unimaginable stuff. Michael Crichton simply keeps us guessing WHAT NEXT!

Dr. Norman, who is a psychologist is taken to a place in Pacific ocean by US Navy. He is usually called in to counsel the victims and their families of a plane crash. But he is surprised when it is not so. The story reveals itself right from an unexpected plane crash to ULF [Unknow life forms] to Aliens to Time travel from future and a mysterious SPHERE.

Dr. Norman is one of the team members assigned for the mission to uncover one of the darkest secrets never imagineable. The other team members and Navy crew are there for his support but one by one go off either killed or disappear!

The novel kept me engrossed in it till I finished it. Read this novel for an ever growing suspense and entertainment.

Donate Blood!

I happened to see an ad where there was a blood drive i.e., voluntary blood donation camp arranged at a place I routinely visit. Being in Health Care System, I was very happy to volunteer. I have donated twice before and I would be happy to do it occasionally. I went and enquired about the program and was welcomed without any hesitation. I was made to fill up a detailed form regarding my health and then a clinician at the blood drive happened to ask me some screening questions. All was fine till I told her that I have recently come to US from India. After looking into a huge referral book, she informed me that India being an endemic area for malaria, I have to wait for 3 years continuously being in US to be eligible to donate blood!!! Though it sounded ridiculous & disappointing, I felt there must be a very valid reason for this. I was informed that even US people are not eligible to donate blood in Europe and each country has its own restrictions. Thus, I had to come off the program without donating blood. But I still urge the people who are fit enough to donate blood as often as possible & eligible. Lets volunteer in saving the precious LIFE!!!

India, still in ancient world!!!

No offense but the following is just my opinion:

I recently read in Times of India that Delhi Buses will have lady conductors soon!!!

I mean, in Bangalore they are there already! Bangalore rocks:-)

But still I wonder why women are not allowed into some of the particular jobs in India. Either they hesitate or they are not encouraged. Like Barber, Public vehicle drivers, Ticket collectors in Railways , orthopedecians etc etc...I feel proud of the few women who might already be in these professions. As I told, I got my first Hair cut in US by a lady. Why in India, most of the times its men who are the earning ones? I wonder why they still fight for reservation and women liberty? Every year, we see in newspaper that they fight for reservation but in vain. What I feel is if they qualify, they should get what they deserve.

Here in US, the ladies are fine with driving the bus itself. Mind you that there is nothing called a post like ticket collector or conductor here. They manage the entire bus alone. I know it is coz of the sophisticated bus technologies here. But still, Women should go out and prove themselves. And men should allow it without any envy! And here, a pedestrian here gets the same respect as of a huge truck on road. Even there India differs. I am happy that recently Indian Delhi High court supported the gay rights. I should also appreciate Celina Jaitely for her efforts for gay rights.

I know that Indian culture is great but it too has some loop holes which are to be corrected by adopting some sensible stuff. India is far from being real democratic country. This is just my opinion.

MOVIE REVIEW #2

HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

Rating : **** [4/5 stars]

As if equally competent to its previous counterparts, the movie is a treat to the fans of Harry Potter. I am one of them:-) I do agree that a movie cannot be a replica of any novel coz of the time limits, still the best possible is exhibited in this master piece. Story is not any unfamiliar to the Potter fans as they might already have read through the novel, but this movie is a real visual treat to watch.

This is my second movie in theaters in US & I loved it. Harry and Dumbledore have the major roles to play in this part of Harry potter series which ends as a tragedy:-( New professor of potions is out there who had also trained TOM RIDDLE a.k.a VOLDEMORT. He has the secret memory which is the key to know exactly how to get rid of the Dark Lord, the memory which is destined to reveal through Harry Potter. The characters reveal their different shades of Romance, Jealousy, Betrayal & Frustration. Harry stumbles over the advanced potions book of "The half blood prince", without actually knowing who it is. The book helps him to gain the "Liquid of Luck" potion by proving himself to the new professor. Suspense prevails untill he faces the half blood prince himself.

As the teenage blossoms, Hermione has her hearts for Ron who fails to realise it though its deep in his mind. He has Lavender nuts behind him as her girl friend. Harry & Ginny are getting ready to share their life with each other in future. Draco Malfoy is frustrated with his failed attempts missing their targets. Snape is there to support. There is also the "vanishing cabinet", the way for the followers of the Dark Lord to enter Howgwarts. But who is the 'Chosen One' for the plan to end the life of the most able wizard? And who actually accomplishes the work?

A must watch for all the Harry Potter fans! Guys n Gals, go & give it a shot!

Novel Review # 3

Robin Cook has written this wonderfully high paced novel "SHOCK"

Rating : *** [ 3 stars]

When I picked up the novel at the public library here, I tought it would involve some issues with medical shock in a person. But I was surprised that he has used the general term "Shock" as title nothing co related to the medical condition of SHOCK.

This is the story of two friends & fellow Harvard Graduates, one an economist and other a biologist, who are lured by the ad which offers huge amount of money for egg donors and end up donating eggs. After spending an year of lavish life using the money they got, they get curious of what could have been the fate of their eggs. But they have no idea how to gather the information as in US, such informations are highly confidential. Then unwinds the bollywood style of plans of getting the information which ends up as a shock of Ovary stealing scam for research purposes!!!

Lots of thrilling moments are the key for the novel. Worth a reading if you are looking for an entertaining novel & wanna have some medical knowledge:-)

IN MEMORY LANE # 8

It had been almost an year since all of our group friends had been together after our college days. It also happened that half of them had never been to my native place. So I planned to invite them. And I was glad that all of them obliged to my invitation and planned to come up to my place. I was very happy that all of them agreed to take time in between their studies and exams to visit me. It was some 8:30 in the night when the intercity express reached my native from Bangalore. I reached the railway station on my bike just in time to receive them. I was very curious to see how all of them have changed in a year. Not much but most of them were already on their way to get PG medical seats in their own subjects. But we were still like the young party going teenagers. I remember Dr. M commenting on me that "Hey guys, our host is wearing jeans for the first time in his life!" Well, that was true. I neither wore a jeans to my medical college nor anytime in life. But during the year, I had changed off to casuals from the regular usual boring formals. Then, they told me that they are hungry and I replied that nothing is available at home as my mom was out of station to attend a function. So I decided to take them to one of the new hotels in my place. They unanimously agreed and we took 2 auto rides with 4 + 3 & one with me on my bike and reached my home in 15 minutes & then we got ready to walk to our hotel. It was such a fun walking together chatting and pulling each others legs after such a long time. We got into the family side of the restaurant and ordered whatever we liked to eat. We had long conversations regarding plans for the next couple of days. When it was the bill payment time, we spontaneously looked towards our Dr. Pocket who was famous in our group to show empty pockets when it came to payment. Dr. Pocket got very anxious and told that he has got his brother's credit card this time and he would pay. We were all equally surprised and allowed him to pay. But later we all shared it which made him bit calm:-) We all reached back my home by almost mid night and the beds were already done to sleep by my dear dad. We scolded ourselves for making him do that and not taking him along to the hotel. But my dad was happy to host us:-) We all slept off anticipating for a couple of travelling days ahead.

Weird we humans are, God must be confused!!!

I just happened to speak to one of my school friend who is a doctor at my native place, am lucky that few of us are still in contact. He was complaining that it is raining so heavily nowadays that he hates it.
The other day I was going through paper where it told that Indian Central Government is worried of the year ahead as the weather department predicts that it will be very scanty rain in India for year 2009. Also along with that article, I read that people back in India are praying God and doing Poojas at temples for rain.
No doubt, our Indian Metereological department went wrong and it started to rain soon!

Then few days back I read a local Kannada newspapers where they showed politicians giving "BAGINA" to the river and doing prayers which is usually done when the rivers flow full.
And now when it rained, people are again complaining that its raining heavily.
No question, we humans are weird!!! I pity God who is definitely confused what to do now.

I have put up the photos of our mighty Jog in its various states. The first one is from my camera and the rest are from net. I thank all who have unknowingly contributed:-)

Penguin gets smart!!

Today, is a day worth to remember. I got my first hair cut in US and definitely look smarter. But the process was a costly one here. I remember when we used to give 10 Indian rupees (INR) for a hair cut in India. Now of course it is 25 INR in an average barber shop i.e., 0.5 US $. But here, in US, it is 15 $ i.e, approximately 750 INR!!! But there was one good thing that the barber here was a nice young beatiful lady who gave a nice head massage:-) So, 15 $ was cheap to get a smart look!!! I know this is a hell crap article but just thought to share.

Novel Review #2

Here goes yet another master piece by Robin Cook - Vector [***.5=3.5/5]

Vector, literally meaning 'Transmitter of disease', is a story which runs around 4 years earlier than the story in novel 'Foreign Body'. This again proves how a medical concept can be made an interesting story involving bioterrorism. I had long heard back of such true stories but had never imagined it to be written as a novel.

Yuri Davydov, a Russian who comes to US in search of fortune in his career ends up driving cabs after being denied a recognition for his Education & Training. Frustrated by this, with his knowledge in bioweapons, he plans a Bioterrorism attack to teach the Americans a lesson.

But now enter our lead stars, Dr Jack Stapleton & Dr. Laurie Montgomery. They haven yet married and are just friends curious in their own jobs as Medical Examiners. And any guess what happens?!, Very simple, they crack this case of mystery & murders. But "HOW" is the whole part of the novel. I would suggest you to go on with this novel once to know what & how destructive a bioweapon is & of course for some medical knowledge.

Hope you enjoy the novel.

Most happiest moment of everyday!

After coming to US, I was just thinking which is the best moment of the day which I can quote on a regular basis. Now I have realised it. Its the time in the early morning, out of bed straight to the laptop. Switch on the net and login to the mail account anticipating for plenty of emails back from home country - family & friends!!! This has now become my routine habit to read & reply to them. Only then, the rest of the day continues:-)

Salute to a nation!

The country that aces in power thus empowering the Earth, The land of opportunities, The soil of innovations, The kingdom that contributes the most, The culture that welcomes every other culture, Respects the theme of 'survival of the fittest'

United States of America

A very Happy Independence day to the citizens of the country!!!

Nice buildings @ downtown of Iowa City

The LIBERAL ARTS building situated at the center of downtown of Iowa City!

The building of Museum of Natural History

The McBride Hall

The SCHAFFER Hall

IS THIS HOW HEAVEN IS!!?

These are the snaps of the area around Indian temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nothing less than a heaven.

Courtesy - My friend from Columbus. Thanks a lot:-)

Happy Doctor's Day

Doctor's day in India. I wish all my doctors group a very very happy doctor's day:-)

I personally prescribe all the doctors the best wishes in their life dedicated to serve humanity

Doctors - Born to heal

Penguin cooks!!

It is really hard to imagine myself cook. But hey guys & gals, now I do cook:-)

As I always mention, 'Necessity makes everything possible'!!! I never used to cook back home when in India, but here nobody is there to cook for you. My stomach kept growling with the emptiness and acid pH reached 0.1 to make me realize "Hey idiot, Cook your food":-)

Well, now I have to agree that cooking is no easy business. It kills lot of time, involves complicated procedures and hell lot of shopping to do if you wanna cook at home:-) Now I am my own guinea pig!! Hope, I stay alive. Ha Ha Ha.

I do hope I become an expert cook by the time I return to India. I would personally advise each and everyone to learn some basic cooking. Listen to me, it helps a lot in future. "Paapi paet kaa sawaal hai mia" Good Luck!!!