Prompt: The Daily Topic: "Why do they need to be read (or heard) over and over again? You're going to be intentionally stranded on an island for a year. What five books do you bring or what five songs do you bring (assume you can play them on something!!!)?"
Though I hope I am not stranded on an island alone and that too for a year. Nevertheless, below mentioned are the five books that I would not mind reading again and again. Truly inspiring and motivating.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – No one can do without love. The least I could do alone on the island is read a love story. One of the most touching and sincere love stories I have ever read.
Notes to myself by Hugh Prather– I would really like to start writing something like this myself. It really gives you all the support and advice and is especially easy to read as it discusses day to day feelings, apprehensions and wishes.
Roots by Alex Haley– On a serious note, this book is about American slavery. It is a very well written book with a gripping storyline which tells you about how American slaves were treated and the attitude of whites against blacks.
Atlas shrugged by Ayn Rand – This book deals with the power of mind in a person’s life. If the mind is set on one thing, success is inevitable.
Fountainhead by Ayn Rand – No compromises in life and work with an independent mind and thoughts is what this book is all about. No matter what the world says. Stand by what you want to do. Individualism is the key to success.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A Realist about Death
Prompt: The Daily Topic: "When did you finally become a realist about something? Write about an event that changed the way you thought."
If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.” The Crow (1994)
Live your life as if today were the last day. There will be loads to do and loads to look forward to. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
I used to think that everything ends when someone is dead. Life ends, becomes meaningless. There’s nothing left to do than mourn. Things don’t remain the same. You don’t know where to go, what to do, how to handle things. It becomes futile and worthless. But a young death in the family recently changed my views on the way I used to think about death. Rather, I became a pragmatist. Its not that I haven’t witnessed deaths of people close to me, but mostly have been at a latter stage of life – either very old or maybe we could see it coming as they were unwell. One almost died in my arms. We were prepared. But this one shook me and shook me so hard that it will stay forever. Somebody did pass away even last year, but it took me a while and I moved on. But a young death of my cousin left me motionless. She was barely 32, and she just had a slight fever and cough. Pregnant, she was admitted to a hospital to be cured. On the contrary, she came out not restored, but dead. She’s left behind a young daughter of 6-7yrs…..what do we do? How do we make her understand?
This stark reality changed me. The world for her closest ones has changed forever. But what happens to the rest of us who don’t stay with her but are mere relatives? Life goes on. Everyone who has their plans with anything else continues. You feel sad, very sad, but what do you do? Shed a few tears, feel immensely bad, be there with the people who are suffering the most in these bad times, and then what…you carry on…
I truly believe today that life is short. You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. And death affects only the people who are extremely close to you; maybe your parents and your spouse and children. For the rest, life goes on. For the closest, the dent remains and it remains forever. But after a few years, they learn to carry on as well. Do they have a choice – NO….I have become a realist.
A quote by Robert Frost justifies my comprehension on death and reality: In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.
If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.” The Crow (1994)
Live your life as if today were the last day. There will be loads to do and loads to look forward to. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
I used to think that everything ends when someone is dead. Life ends, becomes meaningless. There’s nothing left to do than mourn. Things don’t remain the same. You don’t know where to go, what to do, how to handle things. It becomes futile and worthless. But a young death in the family recently changed my views on the way I used to think about death. Rather, I became a pragmatist. Its not that I haven’t witnessed deaths of people close to me, but mostly have been at a latter stage of life – either very old or maybe we could see it coming as they were unwell. One almost died in my arms. We were prepared. But this one shook me and shook me so hard that it will stay forever. Somebody did pass away even last year, but it took me a while and I moved on. But a young death of my cousin left me motionless. She was barely 32, and she just had a slight fever and cough. Pregnant, she was admitted to a hospital to be cured. On the contrary, she came out not restored, but dead. She’s left behind a young daughter of 6-7yrs…..what do we do? How do we make her understand?
This stark reality changed me. The world for her closest ones has changed forever. But what happens to the rest of us who don’t stay with her but are mere relatives? Life goes on. Everyone who has their plans with anything else continues. You feel sad, very sad, but what do you do? Shed a few tears, feel immensely bad, be there with the people who are suffering the most in these bad times, and then what…you carry on…
I truly believe today that life is short. You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. And death affects only the people who are extremely close to you; maybe your parents and your spouse and children. For the rest, life goes on. For the closest, the dent remains and it remains forever. But after a few years, they learn to carry on as well. Do they have a choice – NO….I have become a realist.
A quote by Robert Frost justifies my comprehension on death and reality: In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 2
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The United Nations International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is commemorated on December 2 annually to remind people about slavery and that it works against human rights.
http://www.un.org/ - This day recalls the date of adoption by General Assembly of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949). In 1985, to recall the convention, a UN report of the Working Group on Slavery recommended December 2 to be proclaimed as the World Day for the Abolition of Slavery. By 1995, the name of the day was changed and known as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.
Short History: Transatlantic slavery was abolished in 1807, but some forms exist even today. Way back, it had a huge impact on the culture and economy of the society.
The first recoded British voyage to West Africa to capture people for slavery in the Caribbean was in 1562. By 1698, the London-based trade had captured over 1,00,000 Africans to work in the sugar plantations thereby reaping great benefits. Ship building for transport, cotton production and shackle-making for imprisonment made small towns into industrial cities. 10 million out of 24 million survived the Atlantic crossing. Slaves were beaten, under-fed and worked throughout day and night. They had no legal rights and were considered as an inferior property. The Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and The Sons of Africa (a group of Black community leaders including Olaudah Equiano) filed petitions, gathered testimonies from slaves and demanded a change in the law for the abolition of slavery. Though on March 25, 1807 slavery was abolished by law, it was only 1833 that it was completely abolished.
In America, African slaves were brought by 1607. From 1654 to 1865, slavery was considered legal in America and the conditions of the slaves was no better than in Britain. They were whipped, beaten, metal collars were used on them or placed in chains. It usually came from the plantation owner, his wife or children (white males) and by the overseer. Chattel slavery was widespread and about 12 million Africans were shipped to America from the 16th to the 19th centuries, though only about 50 -60% actually reached America. In 1780, according to the Massachusetts Constitution, a slave Quock Walker sued for his freedom, won it and slavery was abolished in Massachusetts. On December 6, 1865 due to the abolitionist movement led by William Lloyd Garrison and the American Colonization Society; under the third amendment of the United States Constitution, slavery was officially abolished in America forever.
Ground Reality: Slavery exists even today in a number of different forms such as bonded and forced labour which especially comes in the form of child labour. Over 1 million children are trafficked each year for cheap labour and sexual exploitation. Across the worlds, millions of children do extremely hazardous work in harmful conditions. Full time work at dangerous places sometimes leads to putting the children’s life at risk. They are paid very badly and there is no access to education or escape from poverty. One in 12 of the world's 5-17 year olds work in conditions subjected to psychological, verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
Hence, December 2 is celebrated throughout the world by people creating awareness in the form of opinion pieces, news, feature articles, poetry and much more. History is revised and students and people learn about the negative impacts of slavery on the society. Online, print and broadcast media hold talks and write-ups on the institution of slavery and why it should be banned.
The United Nations International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is commemorated on December 2 annually to remind people about slavery and that it works against human rights.
http://www.un.org/ - This day recalls the date of adoption by General Assembly of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949). In 1985, to recall the convention, a UN report of the Working Group on Slavery recommended December 2 to be proclaimed as the World Day for the Abolition of Slavery. By 1995, the name of the day was changed and known as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.
Short History: Transatlantic slavery was abolished in 1807, but some forms exist even today. Way back, it had a huge impact on the culture and economy of the society.
The first recoded British voyage to West Africa to capture people for slavery in the Caribbean was in 1562. By 1698, the London-based trade had captured over 1,00,000 Africans to work in the sugar plantations thereby reaping great benefits. Ship building for transport, cotton production and shackle-making for imprisonment made small towns into industrial cities. 10 million out of 24 million survived the Atlantic crossing. Slaves were beaten, under-fed and worked throughout day and night. They had no legal rights and were considered as an inferior property. The Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and The Sons of Africa (a group of Black community leaders including Olaudah Equiano) filed petitions, gathered testimonies from slaves and demanded a change in the law for the abolition of slavery. Though on March 25, 1807 slavery was abolished by law, it was only 1833 that it was completely abolished.
In America, African slaves were brought by 1607. From 1654 to 1865, slavery was considered legal in America and the conditions of the slaves was no better than in Britain. They were whipped, beaten, metal collars were used on them or placed in chains. It usually came from the plantation owner, his wife or children (white males) and by the overseer. Chattel slavery was widespread and about 12 million Africans were shipped to America from the 16th to the 19th centuries, though only about 50 -60% actually reached America. In 1780, according to the Massachusetts Constitution, a slave Quock Walker sued for his freedom, won it and slavery was abolished in Massachusetts. On December 6, 1865 due to the abolitionist movement led by William Lloyd Garrison and the American Colonization Society; under the third amendment of the United States Constitution, slavery was officially abolished in America forever.
Ground Reality: Slavery exists even today in a number of different forms such as bonded and forced labour which especially comes in the form of child labour. Over 1 million children are trafficked each year for cheap labour and sexual exploitation. Across the worlds, millions of children do extremely hazardous work in harmful conditions. Full time work at dangerous places sometimes leads to putting the children’s life at risk. They are paid very badly and there is no access to education or escape from poverty. One in 12 of the world's 5-17 year olds work in conditions subjected to psychological, verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
Hence, December 2 is celebrated throughout the world by people creating awareness in the form of opinion pieces, news, feature articles, poetry and much more. History is revised and students and people learn about the negative impacts of slavery on the society. Online, print and broadcast media hold talks and write-ups on the institution of slavery and why it should be banned.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Importance of Breakfast
Prompt: The Daily Topic: "Why is it the most important meal of the day? Write something that begins and ends with eating breakfast."
A common mistake caused by most people is of skipping the breakfast, not knowing the nutritional facts about it, or simply acting oblivious to the facts. Either they are too busy or weight loss seems to be the reason in most cases.
However, it is now known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you wish to eat light, do so for dinner. Breakfast prepares you for the hard and tiring day at work and similarly for children at school. According to the American dietetic association, it is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast is important for the mind and body and makes you jumpstart your day without feeling exhaustive and agitated. Breakfast is also essential as there has already been a gap of 8-10hrs before as dinner time is usually early these days. Hence, it is imperative to have breakfast and enjoy a healthier and more prolific life.
Finally for those who feel skipping breakfast can make you lose weight, think again. Breakfast is actually important for weight loss and weight management, according to dietician Gail Frank, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
A combination of light foods such as whole-grain cereal, low-fat yoghurt, fruits, whole-wheat pita, eggs (not fried), lean ham sandwich, vegetable juice, rye bread, bread rolls, baked beans, orange juice, grilled vegetables, nuts and cinnamon on hot cereal etc. can be taken for breakfast giving you the entire nutrients required for the day.
‘Mood and Food’, a report commissioned by LURPAK into British breakfast suggests the importance of a nutritionally balanced breakfast diet. According to this report, breakfast cereals provide the complete vitamins and minerals required for the body, and fruit juices provide the vitamin C. Foods such as porridge, granary breads and wholegrain cereals contain low or moderate GI (Glycaemic Index), unlike carbohydrates which contain a high GI. A high GI can give rise to blood glucose levels and make you feel hungrier. Thus, it is advisable to eat foods with a low GI.
So get up 10 minutes early to make time for your morning meal. Your body and mind will certainly be pleased.
A common mistake caused by most people is of skipping the breakfast, not knowing the nutritional facts about it, or simply acting oblivious to the facts. Either they are too busy or weight loss seems to be the reason in most cases.
However, it is now known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you wish to eat light, do so for dinner. Breakfast prepares you for the hard and tiring day at work and similarly for children at school. According to the American dietetic association, it is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast is important for the mind and body and makes you jumpstart your day without feeling exhaustive and agitated. Breakfast is also essential as there has already been a gap of 8-10hrs before as dinner time is usually early these days. Hence, it is imperative to have breakfast and enjoy a healthier and more prolific life.
Finally for those who feel skipping breakfast can make you lose weight, think again. Breakfast is actually important for weight loss and weight management, according to dietician Gail Frank, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
A combination of light foods such as whole-grain cereal, low-fat yoghurt, fruits, whole-wheat pita, eggs (not fried), lean ham sandwich, vegetable juice, rye bread, bread rolls, baked beans, orange juice, grilled vegetables, nuts and cinnamon on hot cereal etc. can be taken for breakfast giving you the entire nutrients required for the day.
‘Mood and Food’, a report commissioned by LURPAK into British breakfast suggests the importance of a nutritionally balanced breakfast diet. According to this report, breakfast cereals provide the complete vitamins and minerals required for the body, and fruit juices provide the vitamin C. Foods such as porridge, granary breads and wholegrain cereals contain low or moderate GI (Glycaemic Index), unlike carbohydrates which contain a high GI. A high GI can give rise to blood glucose levels and make you feel hungrier. Thus, it is advisable to eat foods with a low GI.
So get up 10 minutes early to make time for your morning meal. Your body and mind will certainly be pleased.
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