Here's a neat little article on techcrunch that breaks down your options with the iPhone 3GS
Read on...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Volunteering your time just got easier
"A coalition of non-profit organizations, technology developers, designers, marketers and others has unveiled the alpha version of a new Web service dubbed All for Good
in an effort to build some sort of ‘Craigslist for volunteer services’."
"All for Good basically lets you browse volunteer activities and find related events based on your geographical location and/or interests. The site brings together listings from organizations and local groups to help you find volunteer activities that fit your time and talent. "
Plan your next volunteering event here!!
Even Bangalore works as a search location for local activities :)
Read about this new cool approach to volunteering
No more excuses about volunteering!
in an effort to build some sort of ‘Craigslist for volunteer services’.""All for Good basically lets you browse volunteer activities and find related events based on your geographical location and/or interests. The site brings together listings from organizations and local groups to help you find volunteer activities that fit your time and talent. "
Plan your next volunteering event here!!
Even Bangalore works as a search location for local activities :)
Read about this new cool approach to volunteering
No more excuses about volunteering!
Paralyzed boy to gunman: 'I forgive you'
"The 12-year-old boy paralyzed by a robber's stray bullet as he was taking a piano lesson in Oakland last year had a message for the gunman Tuesday:
"I forgive you"
"
Read the whole inspiring story ...
"I forgive you"
"
Read the whole inspiring story ...
Help Others.org: A 10-Year Old Teacher Tips Us in Life -- A Kindness Story
This is a beautiful, short story
Help Others.org: A 10-Year Old Teacher Tips Us in Life -- A Kindness Story
Shared via AddThis
Help Others.org: A 10-Year Old Teacher Tips Us in Life -- A Kindness Story
Shared via AddThis
Indonesia's unique fight against corruption
"A country not known for its transparent practices in business, politics and many other areas, Indonesia is pressing ahead in its long-running anticorruption drive by opening up cashier-free “honesty cafes” across the archipelago."
Read the whole story of this inspiring transformation
Read the whole story of this inspiring transformation
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pay-it-forward lessons from Auto-Rik Driver
From: CF-Bunch
"(Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries shares his inspirational encounter with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai)
Last Sunday, my wife, kid and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra. When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this ride would be any different.
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver’s back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines. This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle. Then I looked around again, and discovered more -there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths – from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan. I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished. I gathered that he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer’s plastic company was shut down. He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night. No break unless he was unwell. “Sahab, ghar mein baith ke TV dekh kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega.” (Sir, what’s the use of simply sitting at home and watching TV? If I earn some income, then it will be useful in the future.)
We realised that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life. I asked him whether he does anything else as I figured that he did not have too much spare time. He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri once a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use. He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: “25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped. Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs50¡í. He also said that his auto was mentioned on Radio Mirchi twice by the station RJs. The Marathi press in Mumbai know about him and have written a few pieces on him and his vehicle.
My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO! A hero who deserves all our respect. I know that my son, once he grows up, will realise that we have met a genuine hero. He has put questions to me such as why should we help other people? I will try to keep this incident alive in his memory.
Our journey came to an end; 45 minutes of a lesson in humility, selflessness and of a hero-worshipping Mumbai – my temporary home. We disembarked, and all I could do was to pay him a tip that would hardly cover a free ride for a blind man.
(Its amazing there are ppl still alive like him in this world!
I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in his auto rickshaw – MH-02-Z-8508)
http://avinashjoshi.co.in/2009/04/13/the-rikshaw-story/
(Check this link for pictures)"
"(Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries shares his inspirational encounter with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai)
Last Sunday, my wife, kid and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra. When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this ride would be any different.
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver’s back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines. This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle. Then I looked around again, and discovered more -there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths – from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan. I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished. I gathered that he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer’s plastic company was shut down. He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night. No break unless he was unwell. “Sahab, ghar mein baith ke TV dekh kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega.” (Sir, what’s the use of simply sitting at home and watching TV? If I earn some income, then it will be useful in the future.)
We realised that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life. I asked him whether he does anything else as I figured that he did not have too much spare time. He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri once a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use. He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: “25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped. Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs50¡í. He also said that his auto was mentioned on Radio Mirchi twice by the station RJs. The Marathi press in Mumbai know about him and have written a few pieces on him and his vehicle.
My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO! A hero who deserves all our respect. I know that my son, once he grows up, will realise that we have met a genuine hero. He has put questions to me such as why should we help other people? I will try to keep this incident alive in his memory.
Our journey came to an end; 45 minutes of a lesson in humility, selflessness and of a hero-worshipping Mumbai – my temporary home. We disembarked, and all I could do was to pay him a tip that would hardly cover a free ride for a blind man.
(Its amazing there are ppl still alive like him in this world!
I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in his auto rickshaw – MH-02-Z-8508)
http://avinashjoshi.co.in/2009/04/13/the-rikshaw-story/
(Check this link for pictures)"
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The best health advise
I love this Doctor
Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise.
Everything wears out eventually.. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer;
that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.
Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn.
And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient
mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken.
Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).
And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine,
that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more
of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one.
If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.
In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger.
You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!!
It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways
Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other -
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and
screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'
AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.
It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise.
Everything wears out eventually.. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer;
that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.
Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn.
And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient
mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken.
Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).
And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine,
that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more
of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one.
If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.
In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger.
You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!!
It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways
Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other -
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and
screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'
AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.
It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Impermanence is Not Fragility, by Rachel Naomi Remen
"Anyone who has witnessed the recovery from such massive and invasive interventions as bone marrows transplant or open heart surgery comes away with a deep sense of respect, if not awe, for the ability of the body to survive. This is as true in age as it is in youth. There is a tenacity toward life which is present at the intracellular level without which even the most sophisticated of medical interventions would not succeed. The drive to live is strong even in the most tiny of human beings. "
Impermanence is Not Fragility, by Rachel Naomi Remen
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Impermanence is Not Fragility, by Rachel Naomi Remen
Shared via AddThis
Monday, June 22, 2009
iJourney: iJourney.org: An Inner Journey
"The more sophisticated my practice becomes, the more quickly I see this trap and return to experiencing the pain, the razor’s edge. And where I might once have stayed upset for two years, the upset shrinks to two months, two weeks, two minutes. Eventually I can experience an upset as it happens and stay right on the razor’s edge."
iJourney: iJourney.org: An Inner Journey
Shared via AddThis
iJourney: iJourney.org: An Inner Journey
Shared via AddThis
A 15 Year Old Invents the Future
"
At the tender age of 9, Javier Fernández-Han found his calling: design for the other 90 percent - help the world's poor meet their basic needs sustainably.
Several years of research and design have led to an innovative solution: The VERSATILE System - a mashup of new and adapted technology that treats waste, produces methane and bio-oil as fuel, produces food for humans and livestock, sequesters greenhouse gases, and produces oxygen.
What drives this complete energy resource system? Algae - the little organism that could.
For his work, Javier, 15, won the top prize in this year's Invent Your World Challenge, sponsored by Ashoka's Youth Venture and the Lemelson Foundation."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
11-yr old gives up her birthday gifts for Tanzanian orphans
"Lily Gordon wanted a big 11th birthday party.
No, her parents told her. It would be too expensive to invite all her classmates from Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito.
And that's how it all began. "
to
" "You are invited to Lily Gordon's Birthday Party"
"Saturday, April 30, 2005"
"Noon to 3:00 PM"
"I ask that everyone, instead of bringing a present, please bring a cash or check donation...which will be donated to the `Lily Gordon Scholarship' for HIV AIDS orphans in Nyamagongo, Tanzania, Africa."
To offset costs, Lily sought and received donations from Zachary's Pizza, Andronico's as well as from companies that provided a climbing wall, two jumping houses and the cake.
Lily had her big birthday party.
Dozens of children converged on Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley on that April day. And they brought money and checks.
The Lily Gordon Scholarship total: $1,300. "
Read this heartwarming story of how 11-year old kids in America are making a difference in Tanzania
No, her parents told her. It would be too expensive to invite all her classmates from Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito.
And that's how it all began. "
to
" "You are invited to Lily Gordon's Birthday Party"
"Saturday, April 30, 2005"
"Noon to 3:00 PM"
"I ask that everyone, instead of bringing a present, please bring a cash or check donation...which will be donated to the `Lily Gordon Scholarship' for HIV AIDS orphans in Nyamagongo, Tanzania, Africa."
To offset costs, Lily sought and received donations from Zachary's Pizza, Andronico's as well as from companies that provided a climbing wall, two jumping houses and the cake.
Lily had her big birthday party.
Dozens of children converged on Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley on that April day. And they brought money and checks.
The Lily Gordon Scholarship total: $1,300. "
Read this heartwarming story of how 11-year old kids in America are making a difference in Tanzania
Monday, June 15, 2009
Claire Russell: 14-Year-Old Humane Educator
"I had the privilege of mentoring a young friend of mine, Claire Russell, on her 8th grade project. At Claire’s school, all 8th graders complete a project of their choice and present it to the entire school community at the end of the school year. Most of the kids learn a new skill or make something. Many have built furniture, created art, written books, or learned a craft like mime or welding. Claire chose to do something different. She wanted to be a humane educator and create a presentation that taught her audience about a pressing issue and how to solve it. A huge animal lover and the foster mom of dozens of kittens, Claire chose to teach the school community about pet overpopulation."
Read the whole story about this cute young girl and her "pet" project
Read the whole story about this cute young girl and her "pet" project
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Angel in queens -- an inspiring video
"Jorge Munoz is one of the most inspiring people you'll ever meet. A school bus driver by day and an angel by night. Every night for the past 5 years, he has gone home and cooked food for hundreds of people on his old stove. He then goes to a street corner in Queens, New York and feeds those that are hungry. He does this with his own money because "it's the right thing to do". He is a man that wants to help, and is the epitome of an everyday hero."
Watch the video
Als visit his website
Watch the video
Als visit his website
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Good humor at World Cup T20
"In other news, Preity Zinta was reportedly seen looking for Kings XI player James Hopes in the men's rooms at Lord's, since she had read in a newspaper headline that "Australian hopes had disappeared down the toilet."
Read the whole funny story
Read the whole funny story
Friday, June 12, 2009
A surprise for Ahmedabad cops
Publication: Times Of India Ahmedabad; Date: May 18, 2009; Section: Dance Of Democracy; Page: 4
Traffic cops get ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ from youth
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Ahmedabad: They stand for hours at a stretch in the sun, take in lots of carbon dioxide to make sure of smooth flow and sometimes face public ire. But, no one seemed to care until on Sunday, the traffic policemen got a pleasant surprise.
A group of young volunteers visited different traffic junctions in the city and gave the traffic cops and home guards, a ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ and a ‘Thank You’ card specially made for them.
Touched by the kind gesture, Bhupendra Parmar, a traffic cop at Paldi said, “It is really great to see that some people do care for us.”
“Such gestures will help in dissolving the general perception about police. Just a little bit of co-operation is all we need. When everyone can follow traffic rules in Delhi and Mumbai, then why can’t we follow it here in Ahmedabad?” added Parmar. This is part of a campaign called ‘Kindness Acts for Traffic Police’ by the Ahmedabad-based volunteer organisation YUVA Unstoppable on Sunday. On the initiative, core committee member of the organisation, Hardeep Pathak said, “Traffic policemen manning various junctions remain unsung heroes. We thought of appreciating their work through our initiative and the whole campaign was greatly supported by everyone.”
Traffic cops get ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ from youth
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Ahmedabad: They stand for hours at a stretch in the sun, take in lots of carbon dioxide to make sure of smooth flow and sometimes face public ire. But, no one seemed to care until on Sunday, the traffic policemen got a pleasant surprise.
A group of young volunteers visited different traffic junctions in the city and gave the traffic cops and home guards, a ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ and a ‘Thank You’ card specially made for them.
Touched by the kind gesture, Bhupendra Parmar, a traffic cop at Paldi said, “It is really great to see that some people do care for us.”
“Such gestures will help in dissolving the general perception about police. Just a little bit of co-operation is all we need. When everyone can follow traffic rules in Delhi and Mumbai, then why can’t we follow it here in Ahmedabad?” added Parmar. This is part of a campaign called ‘Kindness Acts for Traffic Police’ by the Ahmedabad-based volunteer organisation YUVA Unstoppable on Sunday. On the initiative, core committee member of the organisation, Hardeep Pathak said, “Traffic policemen manning various junctions remain unsung heroes. We thought of appreciating their work through our initiative and the whole campaign was greatly supported by everyone.”
A beautiful story of mutual human help
This is a beautiful story of two human beings afflicted in their body are around for each other
Help Others.org: In Flight From San Francisco -- A Kindness Story
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Help Others.org: In Flight From San Francisco -- A Kindness Story
Shared via AddThis
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Tale of a Plastic Ship
"There’s a six-to-one ratio of plastic to plankton in certain areas like the gyres—there’s one off the coast of Japan, Antaractica, South Africa, and so on. Anywhere in our oceans where there’s a naturally forming gyre, you see a high concentration of plastics. There’s roughly 100 million tons of plastic in our oceans, which is shocking. The important point to convey is that it’s one body of water with huge concentrations of plastic across the entire oceans, not just in one area. It gets worse that chemicals flowing into our oceans are attracted to and absorbed by the plastic, which is ingested by the filter-feeders, the little guys who make it back into the food supply and back into you and me. When you start to see mothers not being able to breast-feed their children because of flame retardants in their breast milk, that’s a huge health issue. The gyre is not just about the marine mammals, it’s about us. And it’s tough to connect those things and communicate that we’re ultimately responsible and that we should care."
Read the whole interview
Read the whole interview
poverty is directly proportional to generosity
"The generosity of poor people isn't so much rare as rarely noticed, however. In fact, America's poor donate more, in percentage terms, than higher-income groups do, surveys of charitable giving show. What's more, their generosity declines less in hard times than the generosity of richer givers does."
Read this interesting and at the same time embarrassing discovery
Read this interesting and at the same time embarrassing discovery
Gotta do this atleast once in my life!
"...for 650 slots, almost 3000 folks apply every ten days. Lodging, food and everything else is paid for by some anonymous donor from a previous course; all you have to commit to doing is sit in silence for about thirteen hours of the day, per their schedule that starts at 4AM, and not read, write, or talk for the entire duration. "
Interested? Read all about this amazing activity.
Interested? Read all about this amazing activity.
Miami Dolphins' star goes from Drugs to Yoga!
Source http://ow.ly/aSsZ
"Dolphins' Ricky Williams keeps evolving at 32
Always interesting, mercurial Dolphin Williams gets wise at 32
Dave Hyde | Sports Columnist
He awakens by 6 a.m. each day and enters a room in his home set up just for this ritual. It's empty. It's quiet. He takes a seat and says a prayer, a simple prayer, often for the likes of good health and good friends.
"And that the linemen open holes," Ricky Williams says.
Amen.
He'll then concentrate on his surroundings — some noise outside, any spot on the wall — to begin clearing his head. Sometimes it takes a while. One night last week, for instance, he dreamed he had been cut by the Dolphins and couldn't chase the thought.
"That's my insecurity over turning 32," he said.
A focus on breathing comes next. Deep in. Cleansing out. Again. And again. And on his good mornings, as his mind relaxes, as his body follows, as his world fades into the next breath, Ricky enters a deep meditative state for 20, 30, even 60 minutes.
"That's my excitement these days," he says.
After all the years and all the stories, Ricky can laugh at himself. And still interest you. And surprise you. There's no one quite like him in sports. Maybe that's not a bad thing, either.
He has done it all. He led the league in rushing. He retired to a tent in Australia. He taught yoga in California under the Hindu name Rudra. He showed up at Dolphins camp wearing only white ("For purity," he said — and the next year said he was wearing anything but red (That's for a flashier personality than I am.")
Now, look, his calendar flipped to 32 last week.
"Older and wiser," he says, smiling softly.
Here's a story: Williams wanted a car for his birthday. A Dodge Challenger. Something about it appealed to him in the way his Ferrari and Hummer once did. But he resigned himself to the fact he wasn't getting it. No chance, he said. Why?
"My financial adviser says I can't," he said.
There's no getting around it: The player no one was sure would grow up is getting old by football standards. And no one seems to understand it better than him.
"Two more years," he says of his career.
Outside of Hollywood and Hogwarts, NFL running backs don't last past 35. Most don't last past 30. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Lewis and Brian Westbrook are 30 now and seem like dinosaurs.
Only Warrick Dunn at 34, Fred Taylor at 33 and a two-months-older Sammy Morris have more mileage than Ricky and among the league's top 40 rushers (Ricky finished 33rd with 659 yards). You can say Williams is a young 32 because of injury and drug suspensions. But he carried offenses for years with a running style built on punishment.
"When I was younger, I got the benefit of the doubt from people because of my talent," he said. "Now, as I'm older, I won't get that. I don't deserve it. I never took a day off in practice, but now I make sure that I don't. I'm working hard. "
He likes it here, too. People always ask Williams if he's happy, as if that was his issue all those years. His story isn't complicated. Happiness was never the issue. Football was.
"I've been happy a lot in life, but the difference now is I'm happy in football," he said. "I fit in well here."
He talks of his respect for Tony Sparano, his friendship with Ronnie Brown, his first meeting Bill Parcells after a game in 2003 when Parcells, the Dallas coach, said, "I like the way you play."
His playing style was never the issue. His lifestyle was. Ask if he's still tempted by marijuana, and he answers the way most people with a problem do. "There's always temptation in life, and my life is no different," he said.
Ask how he's different now than a few years ago and he says, "Humility."
Ask what it's like to be 32, he says, "I know I've lived more in 32 years than many people live in their whole life."
Thankfully, the story line with Ricky has slowed some. But the story itself is just as interesting. Breathe in. Breathe out. Ricky, at 32, all grown up. It's something to meditate on."
"Dolphins' Ricky Williams keeps evolving at 32
Always interesting, mercurial Dolphin Williams gets wise at 32
Dave Hyde | Sports Columnist
He awakens by 6 a.m. each day and enters a room in his home set up just for this ritual. It's empty. It's quiet. He takes a seat and says a prayer, a simple prayer, often for the likes of good health and good friends.
"And that the linemen open holes," Ricky Williams says.
Amen.
He'll then concentrate on his surroundings — some noise outside, any spot on the wall — to begin clearing his head. Sometimes it takes a while. One night last week, for instance, he dreamed he had been cut by the Dolphins and couldn't chase the thought.
"That's my insecurity over turning 32," he said.
A focus on breathing comes next. Deep in. Cleansing out. Again. And again. And on his good mornings, as his mind relaxes, as his body follows, as his world fades into the next breath, Ricky enters a deep meditative state for 20, 30, even 60 minutes.
"That's my excitement these days," he says.
After all the years and all the stories, Ricky can laugh at himself. And still interest you. And surprise you. There's no one quite like him in sports. Maybe that's not a bad thing, either.
He has done it all. He led the league in rushing. He retired to a tent in Australia. He taught yoga in California under the Hindu name Rudra. He showed up at Dolphins camp wearing only white ("For purity," he said — and the next year said he was wearing anything but red (That's for a flashier personality than I am.")
Now, look, his calendar flipped to 32 last week.
"Older and wiser," he says, smiling softly.
Here's a story: Williams wanted a car for his birthday. A Dodge Challenger. Something about it appealed to him in the way his Ferrari and Hummer once did. But he resigned himself to the fact he wasn't getting it. No chance, he said. Why?
"My financial adviser says I can't," he said.
There's no getting around it: The player no one was sure would grow up is getting old by football standards. And no one seems to understand it better than him.
"Two more years," he says of his career.
Outside of Hollywood and Hogwarts, NFL running backs don't last past 35. Most don't last past 30. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Lewis and Brian Westbrook are 30 now and seem like dinosaurs.
Only Warrick Dunn at 34, Fred Taylor at 33 and a two-months-older Sammy Morris have more mileage than Ricky and among the league's top 40 rushers (Ricky finished 33rd with 659 yards). You can say Williams is a young 32 because of injury and drug suspensions. But he carried offenses for years with a running style built on punishment.
"When I was younger, I got the benefit of the doubt from people because of my talent," he said. "Now, as I'm older, I won't get that. I don't deserve it. I never took a day off in practice, but now I make sure that I don't. I'm working hard. "
He likes it here, too. People always ask Williams if he's happy, as if that was his issue all those years. His story isn't complicated. Happiness was never the issue. Football was.
"I've been happy a lot in life, but the difference now is I'm happy in football," he said. "I fit in well here."
He talks of his respect for Tony Sparano, his friendship with Ronnie Brown, his first meeting Bill Parcells after a game in 2003 when Parcells, the Dallas coach, said, "I like the way you play."
His playing style was never the issue. His lifestyle was. Ask if he's still tempted by marijuana, and he answers the way most people with a problem do. "There's always temptation in life, and my life is no different," he said.
Ask how he's different now than a few years ago and he says, "Humility."
Ask what it's like to be 32, he says, "I know I've lived more in 32 years than many people live in their whole life."
Thankfully, the story line with Ricky has slowed some. But the story itself is just as interesting. Breathe in. Breathe out. Ricky, at 32, all grown up. It's something to meditate on."
80 Rupees of Kindness in Bangalore
A very beautiful story of kindness' victory over skepticism and selfishness ... and that too in our own aDDa!
read on ...
read on ...
Monday, June 8, 2009
Shocking! Rajeev Motwani - angel of google - dead at 47
Dr. Rajeev Motwani, a Professor at Stanford, whose work guided what became Google and a myriad other startups in the valley died in a 'freak' accident at his home yesterday.
Here is the Stanford tribute
Here is a tribute on Techcrunch
Here is his page on Stanford
Here is the Stanford tribute
Here is a tribute on Techcrunch
Here is his page on Stanford
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Expedition about hazards of Plastics
"There’s roughly 100 million tons of plastic in our oceans, which is shocking. The important point to convey is that it’s one body of water with huge concentrations of plastic across the entire oceans, not just in one area. It gets worse that chemicals flowing into our oceans are attracted to and absorbed by the plastic, which is ingested by the filter-feeders, the little guys who make it back into the food supply and back into you and me. When you start to see mothers not being able to breast-feed their children because of flame retardants in their breast milk, that’s a huge health issue."
Read this interesting interview
Read this interesting interview
Dog saved from certain death pays it forward
"A dog rescued in March at Blewett Pass, has now become a rescue dog. Dozens of people tried to rescue the black Lab this winter after he was seen huddling in the snow at the top of Blewett Pass for a week. Wary of strangers, the dog, named Blewett, accepted food and was finally adopted into a home. On Monday the canine survivor returned the favor and helped rescue another imperiled black Lab. Jay Smith said his wife was walking Blewett on a trail high above the Wenatchee River when Blewett started barking and raced down the steep bank to sniff out another animal close to the river's edge ..."
Read the whole story
Read the whole story
A Toddler, An Open Window And An Amazing Catch
This is a very awesome story
"Marvin Goldstein was a toddler in 1945 when he experienced a catch rivaling any you'd see at a baseball game.
"The windows at that time did not have window guards," Goldstein remembers. "I leaned out, and I had one hand on the window inside and the other hand I was leaning out. [I] let go and fell five stories."
Read the whole story
"Marvin Goldstein was a toddler in 1945 when he experienced a catch rivaling any you'd see at a baseball game.
"The windows at that time did not have window guards," Goldstein remembers. "I leaned out, and I had one hand on the window inside and the other hand I was leaning out. [I] let go and fell five stories."
Read the whole story
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The humble savior of life on Yangtze
"A burly Chinese man with binoculars slowly scans the centre span of the massive Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, looking intently at people standing along the walkway, searching for the telltale signs he has seen so many times.
The self-appointed guardian angel of the bridge, Chen Si has over the past five years coaxed – and sometimes physically wrestled – down no less than 153 people intent on leaping to a certain death in the murky waters 90 metres below."
Read the whole story
The self-appointed guardian angel of the bridge, Chen Si has over the past five years coaxed – and sometimes physically wrestled – down no less than 153 people intent on leaping to a certain death in the murky waters 90 metres below."
Read the whole story
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