35 burnt alive as Tamil Nadu Express catches fire

Hyderabad/Chennai, July 30 (IANS) At least 35 passengers were killed and 25 injured when a coach of the Delhi-Chennai Tamil Nadu Express caught fire near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh early Monday, officials said.

The fire broke out between 4.30 a.m. and 4.45 a.m. in the S-11 compartment minutes after the Chennai-bound train left Nellore railway station in south coastal Andhra Pradesh, about 450 km from Hyderabad.

The death toll may go up as a total of 72 passengers were travelling in the second class reserved compartment, which was completely gutted in the fire. Some eyewitnesses have put the death toll at 50.

"More than 35 passengers are dead and 25 are injured. The injured have been admitted in hospitals," B. Rami Reddy, district revenue officer and additional district magistrate at Nellore, told IANS over phone.

While 15 passengers are believed to have jumped down from the burning compartment, there was no official word about others.

Rescue workers have recovered 12 bodies while efforts were on to retrieve others from the compartment.

Nellore District Collector B. Sridhar said the bodies were charred beyond recognition and they were trying to identify with the help of their relatives. He said the burning bogie was detached to prevent the fire from spreading to other compartments.

He quoted some witnesses as saying that the fire was caused by short circuit near the toilet.

As the train was not moving at full speed, some passengers either entered the adjoining compartment or jumped down. However, those sleeping on the upper berths could not escape as the smoke spread fast, and the doors also got jammed.

The injured were admitted to various government and private hospitals in Nellore town.

"There may be 30 bodies lying in the compartment. It is horrific," said Congress legislator Anam Vivekananda Reddy after visiting the accident site.

Barring the gutted coach and three other compartments, the train left for Chennai, 155 km from Nellore.

A special train from Chennai carrying the relatives of those travelling in the ill-fated coach was also sent to Nellore.

A senior Southern Railway official told IANS in Chennai: "The train will bring back the affected passengers from Nellore."

The list of passengers travelling in the S-11 coach of Tamil Nadu Express has been pasted at the Chennai Central station, added the official.

A witness told reporters that many were trapped inside when the flames engulfed the compartment.

"I was lucky to come out but many passengers could not escape as two doors were jammed and the smoke spread fast," said Sudhir.

Fire fighting personnel extinguished the fire and rescue workers were using gas cutters and other equipment to retrieve the bodies.

Ambulances were pressed into service to shift the injured to hospital.

Although sympathy would not bring back the dead but a word of sympathy does help in reducing your pain.

However, the silence of our Railway Minister is truly deafening. He does not have time to go out of Bengal and look after his ministry.

Ever since the introduction of the various "Duranto Expresses", the railways do not have time to lookaafter the othe trains. I observed this during my recent travels and that wea the comment of the other co-travellers and the people who serve the passengers.

..

Who is Narendra Modi

Shahid Siddiqui accuses SP of shooting the messenger

A day after the Samajwadi Party disowned him for his interview of Narendra Modi, an agitated Shahid Siddiqui on Sunday accused the party of shooting the messenger.

Defending his interview, Siddiqui said he had asked Modi tough questions on his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots which no one had done till now.

"I asked questions which nobody asks to Modi. People are scared even to see him in his eyes but I asked him tough questions. So there is no question of my favouring anybody," he said.

In the interview, Modi had refused to apologise for the 2002 post-Godhra riots and instead said he would prefer to be hanged if found guilty.

"They have shot the messenger. They are suffering from guilt as they have inducted people like Kalyan Singh and Sakshi Maharaj, who were responsible for demolishing the Babri Mosque, in the party and still there are such elements there," he told PTI.

Dubbing as a "white lie" SP claim that he was not its member, Siddiqui, a former Rajya Sabha SP MP, said he was reinducted by Mulayam Singh Yadav in the party fold in January this year as its spokesperson.

"They are telling white lies about my not being a party member. This year on January 6, Mulayam Singh had introduced me to the media as party spokesperson. Now, they are saying such things about me."

The SP had distanced itself from Siddiqui after the publication of his interview with the Gujarat Chief Minister for Urdu weekly 'Nai Duniya'. Siddiqui is the editor of the weekly.

SP leader Ramgopal Yadav had said, "Siddiqui is not a SP member and has nothing to do with the party" and asked the media not to project him as SP leader.

Asked about his future course of action, Siddiqui said political outfits were "family affairs and have no respect for freedom of speech and that is why I will stay away from party politics and continue to write and speak for a secular India."

Siddiqui alleged that ever since the SP had come to power in Uttar Pradesh, it had done nothing for Muslims "and by portraying me as pro-Modi, they are trying to win back the support of the community" to strengthen its vote bank.

Congress MP Darda calls Modi 'tiger' of Gujarat

Congress MP from Maharashtra Vijay Darda on Sunday praised Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's style of functioning and called him a "tiger".

"Modi's commitment and dedication towards work bears resemblance to that of a tiger," Darda, who shared dais with Modi at an award ceremony, said.

The Congress MP, who is also the editor-in-chief of a media house, was given the 'Tarun Kranti Award' at the event for his services rendered to the society through the media.

The other two recipients of the award for social service were yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Jain International Trade Organisation.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said Darda may have to pay a price for his comments made in Gujarat.

"It won't be surprising to read tomorrow's breaking news that Darda has been served a show-cause notice from the party high command for praising Modi," he said, taking a dig at the Congress leadership.

Darda later clarified that he did not mean anything political through his comments on Modi. "I was just expressing my heart-felt feelings at a religious function," he said.

"In our culture, we always speak good about the host and this is a religious function, so none of my comments should be misconstrued as political remarks," Darda said.

Given above are two diverse opinions of Narendra Modi.

Sidiqui has already paid the penalty and let us see tomorrow what penalty Darda pays. Probably he too will be suspended.

It is ironic, the SP would prefer to have dacoits and people with criminal records in its fold rather than intellectuals who can give a different opinion.

What is it about Narendra Modi that if anyone expresses a positive opinion about him, the so called secular intellectuals pull them up so that they are made to withdraw their statement. Even Anna had to make a quick withdrawal after praising Anna.

Probably because he too did not want to lose the Muslim support.

In the meantime we see Gujarat growing from strength to strength.

On the other hand we see the Muslim population in The north east states and Bengal growing from strength to strength.

They now form 25% of the population.

The result we are seeing in Assam where we are seeing communal riots after a long time because of Assam's policy of welcoming all Muslims from Bangladesh, unhindered.

Anna Hazare gets support from Left, Right

New Delhi, July 29 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday extended their support to veteran social activist Anna

Hazare's indefinite fast against corruption.

Urging people not to weaken or downplay the movement, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it should not been seen as against democracy.

Interacting with media persons here, Naqvi said, "We should not try to either weaken or downplay the fight against corruption. On the other hand, people who are fighting against corruption should keep in mind that their agitation should not become rudderless. The movement should be against corruption and it should not been seen as against democracy."

Echoing similar sentiments senior leader of the CPI, D. Raja, said Team Anna shouldn't denigrate all political parties as corrupt.

"Team Anna shouldn't denigrate all the political parties as corrupt. After all we are a parliamentary democracy. All the politicians are not bad, one should understand. If all the politicians had been corrupt this country would have collapsed," Raja said.

Raja also favoured enactment of a strong and effective Lokpal Bill to counter corruption at higher places in government.

"There should be strong and effective Lokpal. In fact our party has been demanding an effective and strong Lokpal legislation to be passed by parliament. We may demand that it should be passed by monsoon session," Raja added.

Earlier in the day, Hazare began his crusade at Jantar Mantar, joining Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai, who have been fasting since Wednesday to press for a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, besides demanding an inquiry into allegations of corruption against 15 central ministers, including Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. (ANI)

It is good to see the BJP and CPM come out in support of Anna but don't be fooled.

It is all an eye wash.

It may be Naqvi and Raja's individual opinion but the opinions of their parties are completely different from their's.

If not then the BJP would not have been in such a mess as it is in Karnataka and the CPM in Kerala and W Bengal.

We saw the performance of both these parties in both houses of Parliament when the Lok Pal bill came up for discussion last time.

The way these MPs went back on the assurance they had given to Anna was shameless. But then what do you expect of MPs, 42 % of whom have criminal charges against them.

The only solution is for rejecting all these political parties and Anna should start selecting people who will fight the next elections to give us a corruption free government.

Hazare begins fast, calls for real 'swaraj'

New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) Social activist Anna Hazare began an indefinite fast against corruption here Sunday, calling for the establishment of real "swaraj" or people's rule in the country.

The 75-year-old began the hunger strike at 10.30 near the Jantar Mantar observatory demanding a stringent Jan Lokpal bill to check corruption.

A total of 350 others including three Team Anna members have been fasting since Wednesday. One of them was in hospital but stable after being in critical condition earlier.

Addressing thousands of supporters, Hazare said: "It is time for the return of swaraj in the country."

Using familiar idioms, he described politicians as "public servants" and the people as "owners" of the society.

"But the picture today is that people have become servants and politicians are the owners," he thundered to loud cheers.

"This movement is to awaken the people," Hazare said.

The soldier-turned-activist from Maharashtra denied accusations that Team Anna was deviating from its stated aim of getting the Jan Lokpal Bill passed in parliament. "It is the government which is moving away from its path. Our main demand is to get the Jan Lokpal Bill passed."

He quickly added that as long as all 15 ministers in the Manmohan Singh government who Hazare alleges are corrupt remain in parliament, the Lokpal Bill will not be passed.

"I am ready to sacrifice my life for the cause. I am confident that people will not let me die till Jan Lokpal bill is passed."

The three key Team Anna members on fast are Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai.

Meanwhile, 15 hunger strikers had to be taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after their condition deteriorated, a Team Anna member told IANS.

Earlier, Hazare used diplomatic language to criticised Saturday's surprise protest by some of his supporters outside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's official residence. He said the protest was a reaction by people angry with the government. However he advised his supporters to "think before doing any such things" in future.

"People are fed up and angry as they have been suffering for so long. We should think before taking any such step as it involves the country's prime minister," Hazare told reporters before starting his fast.

The crowds appeared to be more Sunday compared to earlier days.

Shilpa Gupta, an Anna supporter, told IANS: "I was not able to come the last four days. I decided to come to Jantar Mantar today to join the fight against corruption."

The Lokpal Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in the winter session last year, but got stuck in the Rajya Sabha and was referred to a parliamentary select committee.

It was expected to be tabled during the budget session but was not. Team Anna members are demanding that their version of the bill be incorporated and passed by parliament.

Team Anna has permission to fast at Jantar Mantar till Aug 8, the day the parliament's monsoon session is expected to begin.

This is Hazare's third indefinite hunger strike demanding a Jan Lokpal Bill.

At an age when most people retire this old man has to go on his third hunger strike to end corruption in India. Looking at our present lot of MPs I can say that India would never have acieved Independence if these MPs were in place of the Brtish during the time that Mahatma Gandhi had gone on Satyagraha. The British were decent people who valued world opinion. Our MPs do not care for the people's opinion

Not launching political party: Anna Hazare

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Anna Hazare Friday said he is neither joining politics nor launching a political party but will support "honest" and "good candidates" nominated by people in the 2014 general elections.

The 75-year-old anti-corruption crusader said several people have been asking him to come out with an "alternative" against corrupt politicians.

"I don't think I should launch a political party or stand in general elections... My heart does not go with it. But I will give an alternative to people," Hazare told IANS in an interview at the Maharashtra Sadan where he is staying.

The soldier-turned-activist, who last year shook the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with a spirited anti-corruption campaign, will Sunday join an indefinite fast now on near Jantar Mantar, an 18th century observatory, asking the government to introduce a Jan Lokpal Bill.

Three of his key aides have been fasting since Wednesday. Hazare sits at the venue eight-to-nine hours every day.

According to Hazare, people can pick their candidates and Team Anna will support them.

"I will tell people they should select their leaders themselves but not from the ruling or opposition parties. They should look for candidates with a clean background and those who have done something good for the society.

"We need good people to be elected to parliament as we don't have good leaders from the ruling or opposition parties. We saw how the ruling party and opposition joined hands for increasing their salaries and stopping Jan Lokpal bill," he said.

Hazare admitted there were not many people at the protest venue this time compared to last year when tens of thousands poured into Jantar Mantar and later the bigger Ramlila ground.

"Our protest is not (for) gathering crowds but (to attract) people who are passionate to work for the society and country," he said.

But he added that thousands were simultaneously protesting and fasting in 500 districts across India.

Last year, the Jan Lokpal Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha but could not get through the Rajya Sabha.

"I don't know why people are not coming," Hazare said of the thin crowds, wearing his trademark Gandhi cap and starched white kurta and dhoti. He quickly added that this did not intimidate him.

"I am not bothered about it. For so many years I protested in a room in (my Maharashtra village) Ralegan Siddhi. If I was bothered by crowds, I would have held those protests in a big ground," he said.

Hazare and his team want the Lokpal bill prepared by them to be passed by parliament in the monsoon session.

Hazare has given an ultimatum that if the government does not accept the demands by Saturday night, he will go on hunger strike along with his colleagues Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai at Jantar Mantar.

How long will his protest continue?

"I will continue to fast till I am alive to remove corruption from our system," he replied.

With 42% of our MPs facing corruption charges we cannot expect them to be Kalidas's to cut the branches they are sitting on.

We see with each elections, our MPs are becoming richer and richer while the poor are becoming poorer and poorer.Do you think our politicians will give up such a lucrative business, handed down from one generation to another.

At the centre the Nehru-Gandhi is the 4th generation.

In Kashmir and Maharashtra -3rd generation.

In MP,UP, Bengal, Tamilnadu and Haryana - 2nd generation.

If Anna and all others who are interested in fighting corruption want to really change the system, they will have to think in terms of putting up good, honest candidates who are into social work and who have a unblemished records. These candidates should be offered to people in all the 550 constituencies through mobile, internet and other media.

People should select candidates from three chosen candidates selected among the many people who will offer to serve the people.

The candidate selected by the people should then stand against the corrupt candidates of thee corrupt political parties.

This is the way to go about it. Fight them using their own weapons - elections.

Tamil Nadu school girl death: Motor vehicle inspector arrested

Chennai, July 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu police have arrested a motor vehicle inspector for issuing fitness certificate for a defective school bus that resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl here a day ago.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the government said the police have arrested motor vehicle inspector, P. Rajasekaran, posted at Tambaram office in the city suburb for serious lapse in issuing fitness certificate without properly inspecting the vehicle.

The government has also ordered a detailed enquiry by Deputy Transport Commissioner P. Vijayaraj.

Rajasekaran is also suspended from his service.

S. Shruti, who was returning home from her school in Tambaram city suburbs, was seated on the sixth row behind the driver in the school bus.

When she got up to get down, she slipped down to the road through a massive hole under her seat and was crushed to death by the same bus.

The cardboard which was used to cover the hole under her seat gave in under her weight as she stood up, and resulted in her death.

Unaware of the incident, driver Seeman continued to drive while the passersby along the road were horrified to witness the girl being crushed to death.

The driver was thrashed by the people as he refused to believe that such an accident had occurred. The mob set the bus on fire.

The authorities of Zion Matriculation School denied any responsibility and blamed the bus contractor for the vehicle's condition.

The vehicle was given a fitness certificate by the transport department only recently.

Mourning the death of Shruti, people wearing black badges took out a procession Thursday from the accident spot to her house and paid their homage by placing wreaths there.

The Madras High Court Thursday sought an explanation from the state transport department on how a bus, from which a minor girl slipped and was run over, was given a fitness certificate.

With the arrest of Rajasekaran, the total number of people taken to custody is five. The police had earlier arrested a senior school official N.Vijayan, bus owner Yogeswaran, driver Seeman and cleaner Shanmugham.

What has happened in Tamil Nadu is most unfrotunate.

However, these accidents are bound to happen because of the nexus between the Motor Vehicle Inspectors and the touts who stand outside who can get you a driving licence without even undergoing a test or get you a fitness cetrificate for your vehicle when it is still being driven hudreds of miles from the MV office.

Wherever, the government imposes restrictions, you may be sure the concerned government officials will be willing to cut corners to earn a tidy amount.

Everyone is aware of it but choose to shut their eyes - the chalega mentality.

This is what Anna is fighting against.

Five Rules of Life - For men

Headstone of Russell J. Larsen in the Logan City Cemetery , Logan , Utah.

I wonder if he died knowing he won the 'Coolest Headstone' contest?

His five rules for a happy life are at the bottom.

FIVE RULES FOR MEN TO FOLLOW FOR A HAPPY LIFE:

1. It's important to have a woman who helps at home, cooks from time to time, cleans up, and has a job.

2. It's important to have a woman who can make you laugh.

3. It's important to have a woman who you can trust, and doesn't lie to you.

4. It's important to have a woman who is good in bed, and likes to be with you.

5. It's very, very important that these four women do not know each other or you could end up dead like me.

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

Reducing your Medicine Bill

Dear Friends,

This is to inform you that medicines are prescribed (by our Great Doctors) by brand name & not by the generics (Ingredients). Hence we end up paying more money for the same medicine.

Follow these few steps to know more & start saving on your medical bills.

1. Log on to www.medguideindia.com

2. Click on 'Drugs'

3. Click on 'Brand'

4. Type the brand name which you are using (e. g. Metocard XL (50 mg). The site will also help you with drop down menu) & Click on 'Search'

5. Click on 'Generics'. It will display the ingredients of the tablet.

6. Click on 'matched brands'

7. Don't be surprised to see that same drug is available at very low cost also. And that to by other reputed manufacturer.

e. g. Metocard XL 50 is for Rs. 62.00 & same drug by Cipla (Mepol) is available ONLY @ Rs. 7.00

If you are convinced with the result, do forward this message to your near & dear ones.

The above is for those whose have to take medicines. However, if would like to avoid medicines totally, there is no better solution than going back to eating raw vegetables and fruits and drinking vegetable and fruit juices according to the diet I had recommended a few days back.

Anna Hazare back in action, to fast for effective Lokpal Bill

Pune, July 24 (ANI): Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who is scheduled to participate in an indefinite fast announced by his team in New Delhi tomorrow, on

Tuesday said the Lokpal Bill would put an end to at least 65 percent corruption.

Hazare said that the objective of the campaign against graft is aimed to press their demand for bringing a strong and effective anti-graft bill.

"Tomorrow's campaign is for Lokpal Bill. The government should pass the Lokpal Bill, so we are fighting for it from last one and a half years," said Hazare.

"Because the rise in corruption is making it difficult for the common man to survive and we have faith that once the Lokpal Bill is passed then it would put an end to 65 percent of corruption," he added.

Hazare also criticized the Central Government for 'misleading and cheating' the people of the country repeatedly.

"The government is continuously cheating people. They first formed a drafting committee to frame a good draft of the bill. When on 5th April, I began my hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar, the government agreed to our demands. I was asked to end my hunger strike and later backtracked," said Hazare.

"Firstly, the government backtracked in the joint committee, second time the standing committee backtracked and for the third time the Parliament backtracked," he added. Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal had earlier on Friday appealed to the public to support its indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from July 25 against the UPA Government on the issue of corruption.

Team Anna has got permission to fast at Jantar Mantar till August 8, the day the Monsoon Session of Parliament is expected to begin.

Team Anna has announced the indefinite protest against the UPA Government and its failure to enact a strong Lokpal as well as not setting up a special investigation team to probe corruption charges. (ANI)

We must all support Anna in his endeavour to cleanse our country of corruption

Tourist attraction - Agra

This has got to be THE cleverest advertising slogan for traveling to Agra in India !

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

Auto rogues whisk away lady

A STAFF REPORTER Calcutta, July 19: A group of autorickshaw drivers today assaulted a young couple at a south Calcutta crossing before driving off with the wife to a lane where she was again attacked for daring to question one of them who had scraped their car.

Boutique owner Liza Biswas, 28, was whisked away in full view of motorists and a home guard on duty at Padmapukur on Sarat Bose Road around 5.15pm even as her husband Sandip, a merchant navy officer, was being assaulted by the other drivers.

Liza had got off her car, an Indigo Manza, moments earlier to stop an auto that had grazed their car while waiting at a traffic signal and damaged the right side of the bumper and the front wheel.

“I was still at the wheel when the auto driver pushed my wife and charged at her menacingly. I got off the car and he did the same to me. Suddenly, a group of auto drivers surrounded and started hitting me,” Sandip told The Telegraph.

In the melee, the merchant navy officer didn’t notice that a woman accompanying the prime accused had pushed Liza into the three-wheeler. As the auto sped away with her, bystanders screamed: “Niye gechhe… niye gechhe (They took her away).”

The auto driver who had damaged the Indigo Manza and his female accomplice apparently took Liza to a lane leading to a slum near the public vehicles department’s Beltala office, 200 metres from the crossing where Sandip was being repeatedly assaulted.

By the time the home guard who witnessed the incident had called Bhowanipore police station, another group of auto drivers joined the prime accused in allegedly molesting her. The woman who had forced her into the auto allegedly grabbed her by the hair and banged her head against the three-wheeler.

According to the complaint lodged by Liza and Sandip with Bhowanipore police station, a couple of elderly auto drivers came to her rescue and shooed away the rogue drivers.

Liza, who suffered multiple bruises, ran back to the spot where husband Sandip was still standing. “I was frantically searching for her and she was worried that I was still being beaten up. I spotted her running towards me right through the middle of the road. I sprinted towards her but she fainted before I could reach her,” Sandip recounted.

A team from Bhowanipore police station took Liza and her husband to SSKM Hospital, where they were given first aid. “Liza has bruises on her hands and legs. Her forehead is still swollen,” Sandip said.

Liza underwent a medical examination before she and her husband went to Bhowanipore police station to lodge a complaint.

“We have already got the auto registration number from witnesses and have launched a manhunt for the driver and his associates,” said an officer at the police station.

The unidentified driver and his associates, including the woman who had forced Liza into the auto, have been charged under Sections 354 (molestation), 323 (assault), 341 (wrongful restraint), 427 (mischief causing damage), 114 (abettor present when offence was committed) and 279 (rash and negligent driving) of the IPC. All are bailable offences.

The auto rickshaw drivers in Kolkata are a rule unto themselves. They obey no rules and act like crows when as eagle happens to come near its nest. Once I was walking on the road when a crow came and pecked me hard on the head. On looking for the reason, I found that its baby had fallen on the road and I just happened to go very near it. We have a mango and neem tree behind our verandah. One crow or other normally builds its nest in there trees. When the eggs are laid and the babies are hatched, we cannot go in the verandah for the crow pecks us on the head as soon as we go near the branch where the nest is. Just like that, these auto drivers gang up belligerantly to attack anyone who happen to question them. I think many Kolkatans must have faced their wrath some time or the other. They should be reined in. I suggest politicians stop interfering in the police's affair. I know this is a laughable suggestion. Alternately, since the administration is not taking requisite action, the high court may be asked to monitor the activities of these auto rickshaws who have become a menace to society.

Arrogance

AN OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR SHUFFLED INTO TOWN LEADING A TIRED OLD MULE. THE OLD WOMAN HEADED STRAIGHT FOR THE ONLY SALOON TO CLEAR HER PARCHED THROAT.

SHE WALKED UP AND TIED HER OLD MULE TO THE HITCH RAIL. AS SHE STOOD THERE, BRUSHING SOME OF THE DUST FROM HER FACE AND CLOTHES, A YOUNG GUNSLINGER STEPPED OUT OF THE SALOON WITH A GUN IN ONE HAND AND A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN THE OTHER.

THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER LOOKED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND LAUGHED, SAYING, "Hey Old WOMAN, HAVE YOU EVER DANCED?"

THE OLD WOMAN LOOKED UP AT THE GUNSLINGER AND SAID, "NO, I NEVER DID DANCE... NEVER REALLY WANTED TO."

A CROWD HAD GATHERED AS THE GUNSLINGER GRINNED AND SAID, "WELL, YOU OLD BAG, YOU'RE GONNA DANCE NOW," AND STARTED SHOOTING AT THE OLD WOMAN'S FEET.

THE OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR - NOT WANTING TO GET HER TOE BLOWN OFF - STARTED HOPPING AROUND. EVERYBODY WAS LAUGHING.

WHEN HIS LAST BULLET HAD BEEN FIRED, THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER, STILL LAUGHING, HOLSTERED HIS GUN AND TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK INTO THE SALOON.

THE OLD WOMAN TURNED TO HER PACK MULE, PULLED OUT A DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN, AND COCKED BOTH HAMMERS.

THE LOUD CLICKS CARRIED CLEARLY THROUGH THE DESERT AIR. THE CROWD STOPPED LAUGHING IMMEDIATELY.

THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER HEARD THE SOUNDS TOO, AND HE TURNED AROUND VERY SLOWLY. THE SILENCE WAS ALMOST DEAFENING.

THE CROWD WATCHED AS THE YOUNG GUNMAN STARED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND THE LARGE GAPING HOLES OF THOSE TWIN BARRELS.

THE BARRELS OF THE SHOTGUN NEVER WAVERED IN THE OLD WOMAN'S HANDS, AS SHE QUIETLY SAID, "SON, HAVE YOU EVER LICKED A MULE'S ASS?"

THE GUNSLINGER SWALLOWED HARD AND SAID, "NO MAM... BUT... I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO."

THERE ARE A FEW LESSONS FOR US ALL HERE:

1 - NEVER BE ARROGANT.

2 - Don't waste ammunition.

3 - Whiskey makes you think you're smarter than you are.

4 - Always, always make sure you know who has the power.

5 - Don't mess with old women; they didn't get old by being stupid...

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

Microwaving

A 26-year old guy decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before).

I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven.. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup 'blew-up' into his face.

The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as: a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc. It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a teakettle.

Sent by Krishna Joshi

Some Home Cures

CURE FOR ACIDITY

Acidity, it is said, is worse than Cancer. It is one of the most common dis-ease people encounter in their daily life. The home remedy for Acidity is Raw Grains of Rice.

The Process:

1. Take 8 - 10 grains of raw uncooked rice

2. Swallow it with water before having your breakfast or eating anything in the morning

3. Do this for 21 days to see effective results and continuously for 3 months to eliminate acidity from the body

The Cure:

Reduces acid levels in the body and makes you feel better by the day.

CURE FOR CHOLESTEROL:

Cholesterol problem accompanies with Hypertension and Heart Problems. This is also one of the common problems in people who have High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. The home remedy for Cholesterol problem is RAW SUPARI.

The Process:

1. Take Raw Supari (Betel Nut that is not flavoured) and slice them or make

pieces of the same

2. Chew it for about 20 - 40 minutes after every meal

3. Spit it out

The Cure:

When you chew the supari, the saliva takes in the juice that is generated and this acts like a Blood Thinner. Once your blood becomes free flowing, it brings down the pressure in the blood flow, thereby reducing Blood Pressure too.

CURE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE:

One of the simple home remedy cure for Blood Pressure is Methi Seeds or Fenugreek Seeds.

The Process:

1. Take a pinch of Raw Fenugreek Seeds, about 8 - 10 seeds

2. Swallow it with water before taking your breakfast, every morning

The Cure:

The seeds of Fenugreek are considered good to reduce the blood pressure.

CURE FOR DIABETES:

There are 2 home remedies for Diabetes. One is Ladies Finger and the other is Black Tea.

BLACK TEA: Due to high medication, the organ that is worst affected is the Kidney. It has been observed that Black Tea (tea without milk, sugar or lemon) is good for the Kidney. Hence a cup of black tea every morning is highly advisable.

The Process:

1. Boil water along with the tea leaves (any tea leaves will do).

2. Drink the concoction without addingmilk, sugar or lemon.

The Cure:

Black Tea will help in enhancing the function of the kidney, thereby not affecting it more.

LADIES FINGER or OKRA:

Ladies finger is considered to be a good home medicine for diabetes.

The Process:

1. Slit the ladies finger into 2 halves vertically and soak it in water overnight.

2. The next morning, remove the ladies fingers and drink the water, before eating your breakfast.

The Cure:

After the ladies fingers are soaked overnight in the water, you can observe that the water becomes sticky in the morning. This sticky water is considered to be good for people who suffer from Diabetes.

Sent by Arun Shroff

Dropping names

An elderly lady was invited to an old friend’s home for dinner one evening.

She was impressed by the way her lady friend preceded every request to her husband with endearing terms such as: Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart, etc.

The couple had been married almost 70 years and, clearly, they were still very much in love.

While the husband was in the living room, her lady friend leaned over to her hostess to say, 'I think it's wonderful that, after all these years, you still call your husband all those loving names.'

The elderly lady hung her head, 'I have to tell you the truth,' she said, 'his name slipped my mind about 10 years ago, and I'm scared to death to ask the cranky old asshole what his name is.'

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

Allowing people to live as they want

An old man, staying in a small south Indian town came to visit his son in Bombay recently. The son in his early thirties is a successful businessman living with his wife and son. The father, having spent most of his life at his birthplace, hardly understands a splatter of Hindi or English, forget Marathi. But he doesn't care. 'I have come here to spend a few days with my son and his family. I don't have to go out and socialize with the city people,' he said.

But the son is very excited about his father's rare visit to Bombay. He wants to make the best of it. He and his wife want to show him around the city. And yes, the son enjoys those evening hours too, when he and his father go out and sit in a good bar, sipping their favorite drink.

Last week he was in a very good mood. 'Let's go to a five star hotel's bar tonight,' he told his father. It was a beautiful evening. Talking about everything under the sun they had a few drinks. As usual they were offered some salad, peanuts, wafers etc .as accompaniments with their drinks. The old man being almost toothless was not much interested in eating. But that day when they got up to leave, he simply took a handful of chana (roasted grams) and stuffed it in the fold of his dhoti. He might have thought about munching on them, sitting in the car, or whatever. Unfortunately while walking in the lobby, he missed a step and stumbled. Down he went, scattering the chana on the plush carpet.

No problem .Now try to visualize that scenario. Someone else in his son's place would have been mortified, embarrassed to death. He might have cursed not his father but his own self for causing this awkward situation.

'Never again will I take my old man to such hotels', he would have vowed. No sir, not this son. Gently, with a smile, he helped his father get back on his feet. Instead of feeling irritated or angry, he was amused. He found the whole incident very funny. Laughing, they both went home and on the way they decided to return to the same place the following Sunday.

The old man liked the place and liked the chana too.

Few days back, at a friend's place they both described this event and made everybody laugh.

Weren't you embarrassed? Somebody asked the son. 'Oh, come on now' replied the son. 'He is my father. He talks in his native language, prefers to wear a dhoti even to a posh city hotel, takes chana from the bar to eat later, does whatever he feels like.... So what?

Why should I feel embarrassed with his nature and habits? Nobody has a right to stop him from doing whatever he feels comfortable with, as long as it is not harmful to others.'

The son doesn't care what the staff in the hotel thought about that incident. He says 'they should be concerned only with their bills and tips. I am concerned about my father's happiness.' The wife too totally agrees with the husband on this issue. She feels there are enough other qualities in her father- in- law to feel proud of. Accept them .The above incident is not mentioned just to show the love and devotion of a son for his father. More than love it is a matter of understanding and a healthy respect for the other person's lifestyle.

A seventy plus old man doesn't want to change his lifestyle now. He likes the way he eats or dresses or talks. In his eyes there is nothing wrong with the old ways of living. And the son says, ok, fine. Every body has a right to live as per his wish. Now at his age, why should he be forced to learn to eat with a fork and knife, if he doesn't want to? I will feel bad if he is doing something morally wrong or indulging in some harmful activities. But otherwise it is fine. I am not going to try to change him at this stage. He is my father. I love him, respect him.

Hey folks, can you think this way? So many times we see people getting embarrassed by the so called unsophisticated behavior of their family members. They keep on apologizing about their lack of class and manners or about their drawbacks to outsiders. My wife can't speak proper English; she doesn't know what's happening in the world, so I avoid taking her out or introducing her to my friends and business associates... My parents can't eat with a spoon and fork, so I don't take them to restaurants My husband is working as an ordinary clerk, so I feel awkward when I introduce him to my rich friends. My brother is mentally challenged, so I don't feel like going out with him...

Are you plagued with such thoughts or do you meet such people who think alike? If you do, please ask yourself. Why do others or I feel this way? Really what is there to feel ashamed of? Most of the people always have this fear of other peoples' opinions and comments. What would others say?

Nothing.. You are what you are..

Too big huh?? But it's a brain drain... Think over it..

Sent by Rudra Roychowdhury

President of India to Be Elected by Tainted MPs

Bangalore: The next President of India will be chosen by the Electoral College which consists of 141 murder accused, six alleged rapists and 90 members charged with kidnapping

As people’s representatives are set to elect a new president soon, data compiled by a think tank shows nearly a third of the Electoral College which will vote in the 19 July polls have criminal cases like attempt to murder, kidnapping and theft, pending against them.

The Electoral College that elects the president consists of elected members of parliament (MPs) – of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha – and members of legislative assemblies (MLAs) from all states.

According to data collected by think tank National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Research, of a total 4,835 MPs and MLAs who will be voting in this election, 1,448 have in their own election affidavits declared that criminal cases are pending against them.

These tainted MPs and MLAs represent nearly 31 percent of the vote share.

Based on the number of votes that these tainted MPs/MLAs are entitled to cast, it was noted that a total of 3,35,089 votes out of 10,89,287 analyzed are of MPs/MLAs who have declared criminal cases against themselves on self-sworn affidavits submitted to the ECI at the time of filing their nomination papers for elections.

Uttar Pradesh leads in term of number of votes represented by tainted leaders, with 189 MPs and MLAs being tainted. They represent nearly 47 percent of the state’s voters.

Maharashtra comes second, with 146 MPs and MLAs with criminal background, having nearly 51 percent of the state’s voter percentage behind them.

Bihar comes third with 139 tainted representatives in the Electoral College, accounting for 58 percent of the state’s vote share.

The criminal charges against these tainted MPs and MLAs range from attempt to murder, theft, kidnapping, dacoity, and a few even stand accused of rape.

Interestingly, crime is not the only phenomenon marking out the Electoral College. More than half of the Electoral College consists of crorepatis (Rs 10 million).

Uttar Pradesh again has the highest number of crorepati or millionaire MPs and MLAs at 271. They represent 67 percent of the votes from the state.

Women representation in the Electoral College, meanwhile, remains dismayingly low at a mere nine percent.

The above is from Silicon India. It needs no explanation. Government of the corrupt, by the corrupt. I cannot say for the corrupt because the common man has no say. Anna raised his voice for the common man but that was stifled by these same corrupt politicians for they felt threatened.

Negligence death: Docs, hospital to pay 29 lakh

Kolkata: Two doctors and a leading cardiac hospital of Kolkata have been directed by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to pay a compensation to the tune of Rs 18 lakh for negligence leading to the death of a 23-year-old patient in 2005.

Parents of Gaurav Khanna had complained to the consumer forum of medical negligence, deficiency in service and unfair trade practice, following which the state forum, chaired by Justice Kalidas Mukherjee, passed the verdict. The hospital said it may contest the verdict and move the Supreme Court.

The consumer court has also directed the hospital and the two doctors - Srirup Chatterjee and Anil Mishra - to pay an additional litigation fee of Rs 5 lakh to Gaurav's parents Vijay and Madhubala Khanna. The hospital has also been asked to refund Rs 6,15,000 to the Khannas, as it was found to have been wrongly charged.

On January 17, 2005, Gaurav was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. He was put in the cardiac care unit (CCU). Anil Mishra and Srirup Chatterjee of the hospital diagnosed that Gaurav had an aortic valve leakage and advised a replacement. A surgery was done on January 22, but it failed to improve his condition. Gaurav suffered a renal failure and was put on a ventilator. He was put through multiple surgeries, without their consent, the parents have alleged. But the operations couldn't revive the youngster. Gaurav died on February 5.

His parents complained to the consumer court that he was shifted to a room from the CCU and was charged Rs 1400 daily. "The hospital authority had offered a package of Rs 1.35 lakh for the operation. But since Gaurav wanted a TV in the room, the package went up to Rs 1.75. It's strange that Rs 40,000 was charged for a TV," said Vinod Kumar Khanna, the victim's uncle, who fought the case.

The above pertains to a friend of mine. Why should these moneyed class of people be allowed to appeal to in the Supreme Court. If they do appeal, they should be made to pay the legal and other fees for the aggrieved person's lawyer. As the law presently stands, the poor can never receive justice for these people will continue to file appeals and revision petitions until the poor person run's out of money. THIS SHOULD STOP. Let them bear the costs of both sides, if they are to files appeals.

New Diet system for Health

Hello friends,

I was recently on my annual pilgrimage to Ahmedabad for a darshan of my Gurudev Shri Asharam Bapu.

Whenever, I go there, I learn a few things. This time too I have learnt some things which will benefit a vast majority of our boys.

If you have any of the following illness, I would suggest you read the following post on our blog.

• Acidity

• Colitis

• Cancer

• Arthritis

• Ear & Eye Diseases

• Migraine

• Indigestion

• High BP

• Jaundice

• Malarial fever

• Obesity and over weight

• Thyroid

• Constipation

• Leprosy

• Cholesterol

• Overweight or Underweight

• Ulcer

• T.B.

• Eczema

• Elephantiasis

• Anemia

• Asthma

• Bleeding piles

• Enlarged Prostrate

• Bronchitis

• Burning of the feet

• Calculi

• Conjunctivitis

• Psoriasis

• Skin Diseases

• Triglyceride

• Diabetes

There are no medicines, no strenuous exercises or yoga poises or morning and evening walks or laughing like hyenas in the park in early mornings throwing your hands all around.

Just diet and that too you are not to go hungry for days on end. Neither do you have to undergo surgery to tuck in your stomach.

The only condition is you have to be a vegetarian. No meat, fish or eggs and also no milk in any form, not even as curds or cheese or paneer or in India sweets.

In spite of the above restriction if you are ready to improve your health, read on.

The diet is made on the premise that God has made the human body fit to eat a vegetarian diet and that also to eat green vegetables.

However, in our endeavour to expedite everything we have started cooking everything and destroying everything. Further, just as all machines require idle time to recoup the human body requires rest. Yes, we do sleep but during sleep our digestive system continues to work.

In India we have introduced fasting in our religion when we are supposed to fast on Ekadashi, i.e the 11th day after the new moon and full moon. Unfortunately very few Indians (Including myself) nowadays do the fasting on Ekadashi. However, that has now changed for me.

The Muslims too have incorporated fasting in their religion during the month of Ramzan. This is to accustom their body to hardship in case they have to face such a situation in which they do not get anything to eat.

The diet consists of fasting up 12.00 noon. During this time you do not take anything, including water.

From 12.00 noon you can drink vegetable juice.

The juice can be made with a combination of any of the following vegetables according to your taste.

Carrot, Cucumber, Radish, Tomatoes, Tindora (ivy gourd), Cabbage, Leaves of carrot, Beet root and its leaves, Galka, Bottle Gourd (Dudhi), Turia, Ladies finger (Bhindi), Brinjal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Kolu, Padval, Spinach (Palak), Fenugreek leaves (Methi), Coriander leaves (Dhania), Bilipatra, sacred grass(Durva/Dharo), Alfaalfa (Rajko) or any eatable vegetables and leaf locally available.

Presently we are using Lauki (bottle gourd),Pattagobi (cauliflower),Palak (Spinach),Khira (Cucumber) Dhaniapatta (coriander leaves), Pudina (Mint), Adarak (ginger), and Nimbu (Lime) to make the juice and adding some rock salt for taste.

We make two or three glasses per person so that it can be drunk at one to two hours interval. I also eat cucumber and Bhindi (ladies finger), or sprouted Chana, Mung, Soyabean, cucumber, tomato salad ,in between, if hungry.

You can make prouts with any of the following grains.

Alfalfa seeds(rajko), barley (jav), chickpeas (desi chana), corn (makai), fenugreek (methi), lentils,mung, beans(val), peas (vatana), soya beans, various legumes such as rajma, urad, vaal, desi chana, kabuli chana, toor, moong, matar, etc

From 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, you can eat any combination of the following seasonal fruits

Apple, Orange, Sapota (Chickoo), Banana, Grapes, Papaya, Pineapple, Custard apple(Sitaphal), Strawberry, Cherry, Watermelon, Musk melon (sakkar teti), Pomegranate(Dadam), Avocado, Guava (Jamphal), Pear (naspati), Peach, Mango, Almond (badam), Cashew nut (kaju), Apricot (jardalu), Dates (khajoor), Dry dates (Khareek), Walnut (akhrot), Pistachio Nuts (Pista), Fig (anjeer), Blueberry (Phalsa), Green berry (bor), Star fruit (kamrakh), Raisins (Kishmish) etc.

We are presently taking apples, bananas, guavas, papayas and mangoes.

Since we are habituated to eating some grains, an allowance has been made by allowing us to eat cooked food and grains at night but the proportion of 70/30, i.e. 70 % cooked vegetables and 30% grains in the form of chapattis or rice.

We are veggies as such and so have no problem in giving up meat but we have also given up cow/buffalo milk. Instead, we take soyabean milk which we make ourselves. I won’t explain how we make this as there are many sites which gives you the nitty gritty of making soya milk.

Now the best part. This is part of the diet system.

To clean your bowels, you take enema, once in the morning and once in the initial stages for about three month until you large intestine is cleared of the shit you have accumulated since you were born. Then you can do once a week and then once a month or after returning from a marriage party.

I have set up the contraption as shown in the picture attached which is very convenient for taking enema at home. Now, no more sitting on the commode for long periods using force. Within five minutes we are finished. And the best part is that we old people are accused of emitting copious quantities of gases. This has reduced all that embarrassment.

This diet system has been developed and promoted by one Mr. B V Chawhan in Gujarat, retired Electrical Engineer of G E B.You can read more abut the system on his site http://www.newdiet4health.org/default.htm

Why have I been converted to this system?

In Gujarat I have come across many people who have benefitted from it.

One old friend, aged 93 years had been suffering from Diabetes for the last 15 years. He had even lost his eue sight because of Diabetes. He also had High BP and enlarged prostrate.

Within three months of following the system, his sugar and BP had come within normal limits and his prostrate had reduced in size.

He has stopped taking medicines, under the advise of the doctor.

My Fasting sugar, with medicine Volibo .3M, was 110 on the 9th after coming back from Ahmedabad.

After one week of adopting the system, on the 15th, it had become 93 with the same medicine.

I have medicine for two more weeks. If it reduces further, I too will stop medication after discussing with my doctor.

Justice system

Russ and Sam, two friends, met in the park every day to feed the pigeons, watch the squirrels and discuss world problems.

One day Russ didn't show up. Sam didn't think much about it and figured maybe he had a cold or something.. But after Russ hadn't shown up for a week or so, Sam really got worried. However, since the only time they ever got together was at the park, Sam didn't know where Russ lived, so he was unable to find out what had happened to him.

A month had passed, and Sam figured he had seen the last of Russ, but one day, Sam approached the park and -- lo and behold -- there sat Russ!

Sam was very excited and happy to see him and told him so. Then he said,'For crying out loud Russ, what in the world happened to you?'

Russ replied, 'I have been in jail.'

'Jail!' cried Sam. What in the world for?'

'Well,' Russ said, 'you know Sue, that cute little blonde waitress at the coffee shop where I sometimes go?'

'Yeah,' said Sam, 'I remember her. What about her?

'Well, one day she filed rape charges against me; and, at 89 years old, I was so proud that when I got into court,

I pled 'guilty'.

'The damn judge gave me 30 days for perjury’

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

The Best Shut-Up Line Ever

General Cosgrove was interviewed on the radio recently.

Read his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children.

Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this!

This is one of the best comeback lines of all time.

It is a portion of an ABC radio interview between a female broadcaster and

General Cosgrove who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military

Headquarters.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER:

So, General Cosgrove, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?

GENERAL COSGROVE:

We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery and shooting.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER:

Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?

GENERAL COSGROVE:

I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER:

Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?

GENERAL COSGROVE:

I don't see how.. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER:

But you're equipping them to become violent killers.

GENERAL COSGROVE:

Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?

The radiocast went silent for 46 seconds and when it returned, the interview was over.

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

FIVE RULES TO REMEMBER IN LIFE

1. Money cannot buy happiness, but it’s more comfortable to cry in an Aston Martin than on a bicycle.

2. Forgive your enemy, but remember the ass-hole’s name.

3. If you help someone when they're in trouble, they will remember you when they're in trouble again.

4. Many people are alive only because it’s illegal to shoot them.

5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk.

Sent by Prakash Bhartia

Four different Thoughts

Thought 1

When we are born, our mothers get the compliments and the flowers.

When we are married, our brides get the presents and the publicity.

When we die, our widows get the life insurance.

What do women want to be liberated from?

Thought 2

The average man's life consists of:

Twenty years of having his mother ask him where is he going?

forty years of having his wife ask the same question;

and at the end, the mourners wondering too.

Thought 3

A Man was walking down a street when he heard a voice from behind,

"If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill

you." The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished.

He went on, and after a while he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted, "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step a car will run over you, and you will die." The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him.

The man asked. "Who are you?" "I am your guardian angel," the voice answered. "Oh, yeah?" the man asked "And where the hell were you, when I got married?"

Thought 4

Everyone in the wedding ceremony was watching the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle to give away to the groom. They reached the altar and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed some thing in his hand. Everyone in the room was wondering what was given to the father by the bride.

The father could feel the suspense in the air and all eyes were on him to divulge the secret and say something. So he announced "Ladies and Gentlemen today is the luckiest day of my life." Then he raised his hands with what his daughter gave him and continued, "My daughter finally, finally returned my credit card to me." The whole audience including priest started laughing.......... but not the poor groom !!

Sent by Prakash Bhartia