Message For The Day….Mantra For Meditation…

Install a radio receiver, select the wavelength of the station you propose to listen to, and tune it correctly to that wavelength. You will then hear the radio program loud and clear, is it not? Your ear will tell you the accuracy with which you have tuned. Akin to this, you must enter into a course of spiritual discipline. Choose any mantra or incantation of the Lord that pleases you. Meditate on it and repeat it continuously with accurate care and steady attention; tune in to the Voice of God within you. Do not pay heed to the obstacles that come in the way, in the form of satire and criticism that people around you give freely. They may be experts only on short-lived trivialities of social life or sensual pleasure. Persist on your practices – your own experience will tell you the validity and value of this experiment! – Divine Discourse of Swami Satya Sai..

Don”t Sell That Cow!!!!….Just for Laugh !!!!!

Just for Laugh….

In a convent in Ireland , the 98-year-old Mother Superior lay dying. The nuns gathered
around her bed trying to make her last journey comfortable.

They tried giving her warm milk to drink but she refused it.

One of the nuns took the glass back to the kitchen. Then, remembering a bottle of
Irish whiskey that had been received as a gift the previous

Christmas, she opened it and poured a generous amount into the warm milk.

Back at Mother Superior’s bed, they held the glass to her lips. The frail nun drank a little,
then a little more and before they knew it, she had finished the whole glass down to the last drop.

As her eyes brightened, the nuns thought it would be a good opportunity to have one last
talk with their spiritual leader..

“Mother,” the nuns asked earnestly,

“Please give us some of your wisdom before you leave us.”

She raised herself up in bed on one elbow, looked at them and said:

“DON’T SELL THAT COW

source::::unknown…input from my friend…a good stuff for a hearty laugh …
Natarajan

World”s Oldest Yoga Teacher…@ 98 years!!!!

Connie is the world’s bendiest pensioner

Connie Dennison

She’s a leg-end … Connie Dennison has taught her yoga class at a church for 40 years
Deadline News
By SAM WHYTE  …THE SUN  UK.

GREAT-GRAN Connie Dennison is set to take the title of world’s oldest yoga teacher — at the age of 98.

Connie — who has done the bendy exercises since the 1930s — has taught a weekly class at a Dunfermline church for 40 years.

She said: “I’d be in a wheelchair if I didn’t have yoga. it’s a great way to look after your body.” Canadian Ida Herbert, 96, currently holds the Guinness World Record title.

Connie Dennison

Spry … Connie says yoga keeps her mobile

But Connie, of North Queensferry, said teaching yoga to “the girls” — some of whom are in their EIGHTIES — was more important than the record. Pupil Sophia Henderson, 88, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised to be attending her classes when she turns 100.”

Natarajan

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/feeds/smartphone/scotland/4750497/Connie-is-the-worlds-bendiest-pensioner.html#ixzz2ILGV5kmG

Quotes with A Smile !!!!!

INTERESTING QUOTES …..Keep smiling!!!!!

Give a man a fish, and you’ll feed him for a day. Give him religion
and he’ll starve to death while praying for a fish.
~ Timothy Jones

*****

When the white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we
had the land.
They said ‘Let us pray.’
We closed our eyes.
When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
~ Desmond Tutu

*****

America is the only country where a significant proportion of the
population believes that professional wrestling is real but the moon
landing was faked.
~ David Letterman

*****

After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
~ Italian proverb

*****

Men are like linoleum floors. Lay ’em right and you can walk all over
them for fifty years.
~ Betsy Salkind

*****

The only reason they say ‘Women and children first’ is to test the
strength of the lifeboats.
~ Jean Kerr

*****

When a man opens a car door for his wife, it’s either a new car or a new wife.
~ Prince Philip

*****

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.
~ Emo Philips.

*****

Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.
~ Harrison Ford

*****

The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree.
~ Spike Milligan

*****

Kill one man and you’re a murderer, kill a million and you’re a conqueror.
~ Jean Rostand.

*****

Having more money doesn’t make you happier.
I have 50 million dollars but I’m just as happy as when I had 48 million.
~ Arnold Schwarzenegger.

*****

We are here on earth to do good unto others…….. What the others are
here for, I have no idea.
~ WH Auden

*****

Home cooking. Where many a man thinks his wife is.
~ Jimmy Durante

*****

As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind – every
part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.
~ John Glenn

*****

If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet,
what happens if you strap toast on the back of a cat?
~ Steven Wright

*****

The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.
~ George Roberts

source:::::input from a friend of mine…
Natarajan

Message For The Day…Keep Passions Under Check….

Desire makes one crave for sabdha (sounds), sparsha (touch), rupa (form), rasa (taste), gandha (smell) – the qualities of the five Elements that constitute the body. One is prompted by the element of Space present within to seek sweet sounds that satisfy the ear; by the element of Air within, to run after smooth and soft things that yield pleasure to the skin, by the element of Fire to pursue things that are beautiful and appealing to the eye; the Water element makes one crave for food and drink that are tasty to the tongue, and the element of Earth urges one to cater to the nose, by trying to enjoy pleasant smells. Just as the high temperatures from the Sun is controlled, modulated and reduced by the systems in your body to a congenial temperature of 98.4 degrees, you must keep the forces of your elemental passions in check and bring it down to tolerable levels, for congenial living.

– Divine Discourse Message from Swami Satya Sai..

Natarajan

Set Goals ..Priortise Tasks…Plan Right…and Accomplish …

At any given point of time, our mind is oscillating between the past and the future. Either it is angry or sad about the past or anxious about the future. Whatever actions you do in this state of mind, you regret after some time. This is how you get caught up in the same old cycle. Does it mean that you should not plan your future? No! You should plan your short and long-term goals. Then, and only then, life gets a channel, a direction to flow. When the mind is totally in the present, the right planning happens. Not only should you plan your goals, but plan the means and methods to work towards them.Where would you like to see yourself after three years? After 20 years? After 40 years?
Don’t be feverish about the results. Give your 100 per cent. If you are feverish about the results, it will lead you to disappointment. Do not make a list of all the things you want to achieve. Select few things that really matters. Once a teacher brought a glass jar to the class and a bag with some big stones, some small stones and some sand. He asked the students to put all the contents from the bag into the glass jar. Some students put the sand first, then small stones and by then there was no place for the big stones. The teacher later explained that had they put the bigger stones first, then the smaller stones, there was always space around the stones for all the sand in the bag.This example teaches us an important lesson in prioritising things. If we put things that will give us maximum fulfillment in the long term, smaller things will automatically fall into place. Among all planets in the solar system, the earth is privileged to host life in its many forms, and, among all the species, humans are most privileged, for, they can host knowledge. Again and again you remember that you are peace, you are love, you are joy and that you are hosting the creator. If you do not realise that you are the host, you live like a ghost!

source::::SRI SRI Ravishankarji
Natarajan

Simple Rules For Simple and Successful Life …

Simple Rules For Living A Successful Life

Is your day-to-day life full of stress and chaos?

Are you scrambling to find a peaceful moment in the day when you can put your feet up and relax? Are you rushed, stressed out and ready to call it quits.

Why is that so? Who is responsible for it? Why have we made it so difficult?

The solution is simple: simplify your life. It’s the implementation part that is hard, but here are my top tips to help with that:

#1 Believe in yourself but be aware of your limitations

The first step to accomplishing all your goals and making your dreams come true starts with this simple realisation that you are human: you are not perfect and you can’t do everything alone.

Always keep things realistic. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself that you find it hard to move; trust yourself to deliver what you need to, but also be prepared to cut yourself some slack.
Own up when you make a mistake
Set goals, and enjoy the journey

#2 De-clutter & simplify

You have a thousand different things screaming for attention: you have to tidy up the kids’ room again; you have to do the dishes and laundry; and the never-ending household chores are waiting. You have to organize your calendar and make room for more appointments; make time to socialise; help the kids with homework; and make a gazillion school runs. Don’t even get started on what needs to be done at the office.

Let’s get one thing straight — you cannot accomplish anything unless you get yourself some of the clarity that comes from creating space in your life, in your relationships and your environment. You need to reduce, cut back, simplify — Only then will you stop the feeling of being overwhelmed and rushed.
Give anything you haven’t used for the past 3 years to charity
Get organized
Enjoy the concept of enjoying without owning, and appreciating without acquiring

#3 Use everything in moderation

This is something I live by, be it work, socializing, family commitments, overeating, shopping, or watching too much TV — it helps with every single thing. Embrace the philosophy of “having enough”: there’s no need to go to extremes, so exercise common sense and learn to curb any obsessive behaviour.
Spend less money than you make
Watch your diet
Watch less TV

#4 Keep things in perspective

I admit there will be times when nothing will go your way, and you will find yourself fighting battles, fixing problems and minimizing damage all day long. We all have those days, and it is too easy to get caught up in the drama. Get a handle on things: this, too, shall pass.

Your child will get better soon, the noisy neighbourhood parties will end, your backstabbing colleague will get transferred (we can hope, can’t we?) and there will be actual days where you tick off all the items on your to-do list.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Have an open mind

#5 Treat others how they want to be treated

You might end up getting in trouble if you try treating others how you want to be treated, instead of how they would like you to treat them. For instance, if you are not a phone person, you might not call your friend because you assume that they feel the same way you do, which may not be the case.

Try to be sensitive to the needs of others, and occasionally going out of your way to do something for them.
Try not to judge
Be generous; try to do something nice for somebody on a regular basis

#6 Family first

My priority is my family, and I left work to start my own freelancing career for the flexible hours it gives. That doesn’t mean that my work is not important–it just means that I have to operate in a way that works for me and my family.

How important is it to you that you spend time with your family? Are you making sure that your work doesn’t prevent you from doing just that? What sort of arrangements have you made to make it happen? You don’t have to stop living your life for your family members, but you’ll feel far less guilt if you prioritise and make time for them.

#7 Pay attention to the moment

Stop thinking about what happened in the past, or worry about what might happen in the future. Live in the moment and learn to savour each one.

#8 Have a positive mindset

You are what you think all day long. If you have nothing but negative thoughts racing through your ahead, then that’s what you are going to get, so try shifting to a more positive outlook on life. You will be surprised to see that whatever you wished for will start to manifest itself around you.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” ― Henry Ford

#9 Educate yourself

The most interesting people are the ones who take an interest in life and never let go of the “beginner’s mind”. They discover learning opportunities and continue to grow, both personally and professionally.

Be a life-long learner. You don’t have to get old to become wise.
Read good books
Try to learn something new every day
Take courses in subjects you enjoy
#10 Be passionate about something

There are some people who are so bursting with energy and vitality that others feel compelled to listen to them, and feel drawn to them. Passionate home cooks, budding interior designers, gourmet chocolate lovers, antique collectors — just try asking them a question about their interest and they will talk your ears off.

You want to be that person: someone who’s full of love for something significant. Have one meaningful hobby that encourages you to follow your passion, and you’ll begin each day looking forward to something special.

#11 Always be reflective

Do you ever think about yourself in moments of solitude? What makes you, you? What makes you tick? What bores you to death? What sort of things do you dream of? What can’t you get over? What regrets do you have of your past?

Take some time to think about those things and you’ll understand yourself more clearly and deeply. You’d be surprised at the life-changing impact such reflection can bring.
Consider doing a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or another personality assessment to develop true understanding of your self

#12 Surround yourself with supportive people

3 things can change your life: friends, books & your thoughts. Choose them wisely.
Avoid naysayers and party-poopers

#13 Banish the word “perfection”

Listen to what you tell your children: always do your best and forget about the rest.
You are expert enough
Strive for excellence, not for perfection

#14 Fix it, or deal with it, but stop whining about it

Nobody likes a person who complains all the time. If you look around you, you’ll see many people who have been dealt a bad hand, but are making the best of things.
Don’t blame others for your problems
Don’t make excuses
Don’t be overly sensitive
Don’t be a drama queen

#15 Remember things that you are grateful for

Try this exercise: whenever you are feeling low, make a list of all the things that make you happy, joyous, and grateful. A beautiful family, adoring kids, kind friends, health, happy home, a job that pays the bills, surprise dinner prepared by a loving spouse, a blog, favourite books and keepsakes, unexpected twenty dollar bill in your jeans pocket. Everything counts.

After you’ve done this, consider what has happened to the feelings of doom and gloom: it is impossible not to be cheered up after remembering all the fantastic things you have in your life. Be grateful, and always make room for more happiness.

#16 You can have it all, just not at the same time

There is no greater truth than this: you cannot have everything at the same time. You have only 24 hours in a day and need to take care of your relationships, work and spirit.

On any given day, the focus will shift: some days your children have to go to after-school care because you have an important meeting, while other times work has to take a back seat because of a sick child with a high fever. Sometimes you just need to chill with your girlfriends because it has been ages since you last took a break.

You don’t have to do everything all at once, and life doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple living is mindful living.

source:::: input from a friend of mine.
Natarajan

பொங்கல் திருநாள் நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள் !!!

            பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் …பொங்க வேண்டும்  நல்ல பொங்கல்… பொங்கும் மங்களம் தங்க வேண்டும்
                                                                            நம்  இல்லத்திலும்  உள்ளத்திலும் !!!

சன்மிஷ்டை

ஆண்டுதோறும் தை மாதம் முதல் ஆனி மாதம் வரையுள்ள ஆறு மாதங்கள் உத்தராயணம் என்றும்; ஆடி முதல் மார்கழி வரையுள்ள மாதங்கள் தட்சிணாயணம் என்றும் கூறப்படுகிறது. இதில் தை மாதம் முதல் தேதியை மகர சங்கராந்தி, தைப் பொங்கல் என்று கொண்டாடுகிறோம்.

ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டுக்கும் சங்கராந்தி தேவதை என்று ஒன்று உண்டு. இதனை “மகர சங்கராந்தி தேவதை’ என்று அழைப்பார்கள். இவ்விதம் 60 வருடங்களுக்கு தனித்தனி பெயருடைய சங்கராந்தி தேவதைகள் உள்ளன. இந்த தேவதைகளின் தோற்றம், உடை, வாகனம், உணவு, அணிந்திருக்கும் ஆபரணம், புஷ்பம் போன்றவற்றுக்குத் தக்கபடி தேசத்தின் அப்போதைய நன்மை- தீமைகளுக்குப் பலன் கூறுவார்கள். இத்தகைய புண்ணிய தினமான சங்கராந்தியன்று சூரியன் வடக்கு நோக்கித் திரும்பி சஞ்சரிக்கத் தொடங்குவதால் இதற்கு உத்திர அயனம் என்று பெயர். அன்றைய தினம் சூரியன் மகர ராசியில் பிரவேசிப்பார்.

அன்றைய தினம் சூரிய வழிபாடு செய்ய மிக உகந்த நாளாகும். எனவேதான் அன்று சூரியனுக்கு விருப்பமான சர்க்கரைப் பொங்கல், கரும்பு முதலிய பொருட்களைப் படைக்கிறோம். சூரியனை வழிபடுவதால் உலகில்  அடைய முடியாதவையே கிடையாது. வேதம் கதிரவனைப் பலவாறும் புகழ்கிறது. “நாஸ்திகர்களாலும் இல்லை என்று கூற முடியாத கடவுள் சூரிய பகவானே’ என்பதை வேதம் கூறுகிறது.

மேலும், சூரியன் ஆன்மா வைத் தட்டி எழுப்பி நல்வழிப்படுத்துபவர் என்பதை “ஓம் ய ஏஷோந் தராதித்யே ஹிரண்மய புருஷ’ எனப் புகழ்கிறது.

உடல் ஆரோக்கியத்தை அளிப்பதிலும் சூரியன் அருட்கடல் என்பதை வேதம், “ஆரோக்யம் பாஸ்கராதிச்சேத்’ என்றும்; இதய நோயை நீக்குபவர் என்பதை “ஹ்ருத்ரோகம் மம சூர்ய ஹரிமாணம் ச நாசய’ என்றும் குறிப்பிடுகிறது. இவரே மழை பெய்யக் காரணம் என்பதை வேதத்தில் “யாபி ராதித்யஸத்பதி ரஸ்மிபிஸ் தாபி:’ எனக் கூறுப்படுகிறது. இதையே கீதாசார்ய னும், “ஆதித்யஜாஜாயதே வ்ருஷ்டி’ என்று கூறுகிறார்.

இத்தகைய சிறப்புமிக்க சூரிய பகவானைப் போற்றும் சூரிய நமஸ்கார மந்திரங்கள் யஜுர் வேதத்தில் 32 அனுவாகங்களாக உள்ளன. ரிக்வேதம் இவரைப் பற்றி “மஹா ஸௌரம்’ என்ற ஒரு துதியை வெளியிடுகிறது. சாமவேதம் சூரியனை “சுக்ரியம்’ என்ற ஒப்பற்ற துதியால் போற்றுகிறது.
சூரிய தேவனது பெருமையைக் கூறும் “அசதி உபநிஷத்’ என்ற உபநிடதத்தை ஜெபிப்பவர்கட்கு கண்நோய் ஏற்படாது என்றும்; இந்த கிரந்தத்தை ஜெபம் செய்வதால் எத்தகைய பயங்கரமான நோய் ஏற்பட்டிருந் தாலும் அதைப் போக்கிவிடலாம் என்றும் சாஸ்திரங்கள் கூறுகின்றன.

பாண்டவர்கள் விராட நகரத்தில் அஞ்ஞாத வாசம் செய்தபோது, கீசகனால் துன்புறுத்தப்பட்ட திரௌபதி சூரியனை வேண்டி தன்னைக் காப்பாற்றுமாறு துதித்தாள். அப்போது சூரியன் தனது தூதனை அனுப்பி கீசகனை விரட்டியதாக பாரதம் கூறுகிறது. மேலும் மகாபாரதத்தில் சூரியனுக்கு சித்திரை முதலான மாதங்களிலும் பன்னிரண்டு பெயர்கள் கூறப்படுகின்றன. அவையாவன: மித்ரன், ரவி, சூரியன், பானு, சுகன், பூஷ்ணன், ஹிரண்ய கர்ப்பன், மரீசி, ஆதித்யன், ஸவிதா, அர்க்கன், பாஸ்கரன் என்பதாகும்.

பெண்கள் சூரியனுக்கு அர்க்யம் கொடுத்தால், ஏழு ஜென்மங்கள் எடுத்தாலும் வைதவ் யம் (விதவைக் கோலம்) அடைய மாட்டார்கள் என்று கூறுகிறது. விதவைப் பெண்களை கஷ்டங் களினின்று காப்பவன் என்று சூரிய சஹஸ்ரநாமம் போற்றுகிறது.

சூரிய பகவானது கருணையை விளக்க சௌர புராணத்தில் ஒரு வரலாறு கூறப்படுகிறது. ஒரு காட்டில் தன் மனைவி, மக்களுடன் ஏழை ஒருவன் வசித்து வந்தான். ஒருநாள்அவனுக்கு காட்டில் எங்கு தேடியும் உணவு கிடைக்கவில்லை. அன்று மாலை வரை தண்ணீர்கூட அருந்தாத அம்மனிதன் சூரியனை நோக்கி தற்செயலாகத் தன் குறையைக் கூறி புலம்பிவிட்டு தரையில் மயங்கி வீழ்ந்தான். இரவு முழுவதும் அவ்விதம் மயக்கத்தில் கிடந்தான். கண் விழித்து பார்த்தபோது அவ்வழியே வந்த அரசன் ஒருவனது பாதுகாப்பில் இருப்பதைக் கண்டான்.

தற்செயலாக இம்மனிதனைப் பார்த்த அரசன் அவனைக் காப்பாற்றியதோடு மட்டுமின்றி,  அவனது ஏழ்மை நிலை பற்றி அறிந்ததும்

அவனைப் பெரும் செல்வந்தனாகவும் ஆக்கிவிட்டான். இவையனைத்துக்கும் காரணம் அம்மனிதன் அன்ன ஆகாரமின்றி இருந்த தினம் ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை ஆகும். எனவே பானுவார விரதம் இருந்து சூரியனை வழிபட்டதால் இப்பேறு கிடைத்தது என்று சௌரபுராணம் கூறுகிறது.

மேலும் ராமாயணத்தில் வரும் சுக்ரீவன்  என்ற வானரனும், பாரதத்தில் வரும் கர்ணனும் சூரிய புத்திரர்கள் ஆவார்கள். வாலகில்யர்கள் எனப்படும் 60,000 முனிவர்கள் சூரியனது சீடர்கள் ஆவர். இவர்கள் மிகச்சிறிய வடிவம் உடையவர்கள். தண்டி, பிங்களன் என்பவர்கள் இவரது முக்கிய ஏவலர்களாகும்.

சூரிய பகவானை சிவாகமங்களும், அபிதான சிந்தாமணி, சூரிய உபநிஷத் போன்ற நூல்களும், ஜோதிட நூல்களும் புகழ்கின்றன. சூரியன் இல்லையேல் இவ்வுலகில் ஒளியும் உயிரினங் களும் இல்லை என்பதை மகாநாராயண உபநிஷத், “க்ருணி ஸூர்ய ஆதித்யோ ப்ரபாவாத்யக்ஷரம்’ என்று கூறுகிறது.

சூரியனை மேல்நாட்டார் அப்பல்லோ என்கின்றனர். இவருக்கு உரிய சமித்து எருக்கு ஆகும். சீர்காழிக்கருகில் உள்ள திருவெண்காட் டில் சிலப்பதிகாரம் புகழும் சூரியகுண்டம் உள்ளது. திருக்கண்டியூரில் மாசி மாதமும்; திருவேதிக்குடி, திருநாவலூரில் பங்குனி மாதமும்; சித்திரை மாதம் குடந்தைக் காரோணம் என்று புகழப்படும் நாகேசுவரன் கோவிலிலும் சூரிய பூஜை சிறப்பாக நடக்கிறது. அன்று கதிரவன் இத்தலங்களில் சிவபூஜை செய்வதாக ஐதீகம்.

தை மாதம் முதல் தேதியான மகர சங்கராந்தி தினத்தன்று திருவண்ணாமலை, திருவையாறு ஆகிய தலங்களில் இறைவன் சிறப்பாக ஆராதிக்கப்பட்டு தீர்த்தம் கொடுக்கிறார்கள் பூஜை செய்வோர். மன்னார்குடி என்ற வைணவத் தலத்தில் சங்கராந்தி முதல் “ஸங்க்ரமண உத்ஸவம்’ சிறப்பாகக் கொண்டா டப்படுகிறது. மகர சங்கராந்தியன்றுதான் மதுரையம்பதியில் இறைவன் கல் யானைக்குக் கரும்பு அளித்த திருவிளையாடல் நடந்தது. சபரிமலையில் ஐயப்பனுக்குக்குரிய “மகரஜோதி தரிசனம்’ காண்பதும் இந்த புண்ணிய தினத் தன்றேயாகும்.

இத்தகைய சிறப்பு வாய்ந்த உத்ராயண புண்ணிய காலத்தில் இறக்கும் ஜீவன்கள் நற்கதி அடைவதாகக் கூறப்படுகிறது. உத்தராயணத்தில் இறந்த உயிர்கள் முக்தி பெறுவதைப் பற்றி விவரிக்கும் பகவத்கீதை (அக்னிர் ஜோதிர் அஹ: சுக்ல: ஷண்மாஸா உத்தராயணம்’ என்று கூறுகிறது. மகாபாரதமும் மிகச்சிறந்த யோகியான பீஷ்மர் உத்தராயண புண்ணிய காலம் வந்தபின்பே தன் உயிரை விட்டார் என்றும் சிறப்பாக விவரிக்கிறது.

இத்தகைய பவித்ரமான உத்தராயண புண்ணிய காலம் தொடங்கும் மகர சங்கராந்தி தினத்தன்று நாம் அனைவரும் சூரிய வழிபாடு செய்து, கிரக தோஷங்கள் நீங்கி எல்லா வளமும் பெறுவோமாக!

என்றும்  உங்க இல்லத்தில்  சந்தோஷம் பொங்க , அன்புடன்  பொங்கல் நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள் …..
நடராஜன்

Welcoming 2013…London Style !!!

Unbelievable London’s 2013 fireworks on New Year’s Day

London Fireworks 2013 with Music and Sound Bites

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Thames in London to watch a spectacular firework display mark the new year.
Rockets flared from the London Eye and the capital’s riverside landmarks were lit up in a display which lasted 11 minutes and featured 12,500 fireworks.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: “What an amazing end to an incredible year.”
About 250,000 were in the city to watch the show, which also involved clips from the 2012 Olympic Games.

London 2013 fireworks The firework display lasted for 11 minutes
Mr Johnson added: “Watched by hundreds of thousands in the capital and millions around the globe, London has proved, yet again, that it can pull off spectacular world-class events in style.”
Many of the revellers had waited hours to secure the best vantage points and fortunately it was a dry and mild night.
Rob Haine, 30, a computer game programmer from Wakefield, said: “The display was mesmerising, it was a joy to witness.
“I got here at 5pm and have been standing the whole time but it was worth it. It was cool that they got the Olympics into the fireworks.”
Sandro Benvenuti, 46, travelled from Italy with his wife and two daughters to see the display.
“We were waiting for six hours but it was fantastic,” he said.
“We have fireworks in Italy but those were much better. They went on for longer and the design and special effects were superior.”
Lynn Shepherd, 53, from North Newbald, East Yorkshire, praised the “electric atmosphere”.
She said: “There’s no trouble here. Everyone is having a good time and it’s the perfect way to finish 2012.”
The Metropolitan Police said as of 3:45 GMT, officers had made 96 arrests across the capital relating to the New Year’s Eve celebrations, mainly for being drunk, public order offences and assault.
More than 3,500 police supported the organisers and stewards of the event in central London, working alongside colleagues from the British Transport Police and other emergency services to keep revellers safe.
‘No major issues’Chief Inspector John Williams said: “This year has really been one to remember and what better way to top off the success of team GB at the Olympics and Paralympics and the pageantry of the Queens Diamond Jubilee than with a world-class firework display.
“This year saw the viewing areas fill up earlier than ever before with thousands of revellers coming to see in the new year London-style.
“There were no major issues reported to police and the crowds were good natured.
“Officers continue to work through the night to facilitate the clean-up operation, ensure roads are reopened and the area returns to normality in time for the New Year’s Day parade.”
The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London ran all night.
Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors volunteered during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
They gave out maps, directed people to the viewing areas and gave guidance and advice on getting home safely.

Habits Die Hard !!!

An excerpt from
Habits Die Hard
by Mac Anderson & John J. Murphy

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden.
I will push you up to success or down to disappointment.
I am at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me.
For I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably.
I am easily managed; just be firm with me.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with the precision of a
machine and the intelligence of a person.
You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin.
Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me.
Lead me. Reward me.
And I will then…do it automatically.
I am your servant.
Who am I?

I am your HABIT!!!!!!!!

Here’s the point: Habits—good or bad—are difficult to break. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act…it’s a habit.”

Think about it. There is nothing that will shape your destiny more than your habits. Why is that true? Because you are invariably the sum of the choices you will make in your life. And those choices are greatly influenced by your habits…good and bad.

Natarajan