Feb 2nd 2009 weekly updates

Quotable Quotes

Diversity in Christianity will no longer be a obstacle but richness in multiplicity of expressions of a common faith -- Pope Benedict XVI

The days of Washington dragging its heels are over. My administration will not deny facts; we will be guided by them - Barack Obama US President

I have always had a perfect connection with the audience. Marriage has only enhanced it -- Aiswaraya Rai Bacchan

A.R .Rahaman knows nothing about ghazals. Musicians like him just pick up tunes from the west- Jagajit Singh Ghazal Singer

At times, people are not performing their duties but are doing duties of others," - The prime minister of Pakistan Gilani.
Questioned about the statement by Pakistan's High Commissioner to Britain Wajid Shamsul Hassan that the probe had revealed that the Nov 26-29, 2008 attacks were planned outside this country, Gilani said he had sought an explanation from the envoy.-- Thanks Edara Srini for this one

Australian Open ( Contd )

There were two outstanding matches -- One was the semi final between Nadal and Verdasco that lasted for nearly fiver and half hours -- yes around 330 minutes with Nadal showing greater stamina to just about prevail over Verdasco in five gruelling sets -- The final was pure magic just as the last year Wimbledon final was .-- It was a pity that I could not watch the entire match due to travel -- Nadal won in five sets again and the match running long-- Federer broke down -- I felt sorry for this awesome champion who missed his 14th Grand Slam title -- One might wonder as to why am I pro Federer and still do not accept Nadal as a champion-- I simply think he does not play the sport as sport and -- I hope his stamina and his excellent stage on court are not induced and they are natural --

Golden Temple at Vellore
If you get time please visit this place -More than the religious sentiment attached , I was amazed that this was built the way it has been -- Outstanding planning only would have made this possible -- Spread out on a large tract of land , the entire design takes ones breath away-- there is shade across the open area as you get in to the main sanctum sanatorium with lot of messages on either side of the walkway-- the entire approach around the temple completes a " Star " shaped pattern and the main temple place ( roof ) has 1500 Kg gold covering the deity installed (yes 1500 Kgs of gold ) and hence the name Golden temple-- there is greenery all around and the administration ensures that there is no shoving or pushing in the Q-- they also space out the crowd so well that you think the inside area is empty -- but careful space out prior to the main entrance does this trick - The brainchild seems to be a very young person ( 33 years old , called Sakthi Amma by his followers ) who has many followers from whom the cash is ringing in -- lot of projects to the community is being done and they are being well broadcasted-- Once you see the deity and are on the way out , there is a counter that talks of Donations to various causes -- I stopped to donate and was surprised that they had a very good system in place , gave receipts immediately and on top of it accepted credit cards for the donation-- the place is 12 Km away from Vellore -- The trip is worth -- to pray as well appreciate the neat way of how this big temple is being handled so efficiently