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Air India Experience
2007-02-09 20:28:01
I often fly to New York to visit friends in the Sri Chinmoy Centre. I'm always keen to find the cheapest flight so often end up travelling with Air India . My first transatlantic flight to NY was with Air India in the company of my good friend Brian. (Brian, who is aged 67, last season still managed to take 7 wickets in an innings - a demon medium pacer.(cricket)) Anyway we both got a veggie curry. I like to eat my greens so went straight for the "haricot vert" They had placed on top of the curry. Except it wasn't a green bean, but a chilli. Having eating nothing other than mild Korma's, ingesting a whole chilli was too much for my sensitive pallette. I was dying with heat, pain and thirst. Such an experience! Brain couldn't quite grasp the gravity of the situation, thinking it all rather amusing. But lesson number 1 flying Air India. continued...
More About: Experience , Peri , Erie

World Championships and a hill climb
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  First hill climb of the year. I came 1st out of 13. It was at Watlington hill climb, a local club event. My time was 4.15 which is the same as I did 2 years ago I think. It is the World Cycling Champions hip , well done to Nicole Cooke GB for finishing 3rd in Womens Road Race. For the first time there was a team from Bukino Faso in the Championships. I read an interview with the team and they were really enthusiastic and happy to be representing their country.
More About: World Championships , Ships

Picture History - Man's First Flight
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  First Flight. 1903 Image from Picture History Picture History contains many fascinating photos from our modern era. Includes interesting stories about the picture in question.  
More About: Story , Stor , Light

Stupid Computer Users
2007-02-09 20:28:01
The Power Button Customer: "My computer won't work. You guys must have broken it when you installed the modem." Tech Support: "What happens when you turn it on?" Customer: "It won't turn on anymore!!!!!" Tech Support: "So you don't see any lights or hear any noise?" Customer: "I'm telling you it WON'T TURN ON." Tech Support: "Is it plugged in? Customer: "OF COURSE it's plugged in, you MORON!" Tech Support: "When you push the power button it--" Customer: "Power button? This computer doesn't have a power button." Tech Support: "Sir, all computers have power buttons. Look at the front of the case, find the word 'power,' and push the button." Customer: "YOU FIXED IT!! Thanks!!!!" more funny computer user stories . I would just like to say I am very proud of my mother who recently sent me her first email and I know she reads my blog. I look forward to the day when she has...
More About: Computer , Comp , Stupid , User , Users

Sri Chinmoy Lifting anniversary
2007-02-09 20:28:01
See video at Sri Chinmoy TV  Last weekend was Sri Chinmoy's 20th anniversary for weightlifting. Sri Chinmoy lifted some very heavy weights and honored some well known body builders and weighlifters. Always looking for new ways to lift Sri Chinmoy lifted some unusual objects. One of these lifts involved lifting a huge home grown 882 lb pumpkin with a standing calf raise machine. This huge vegetable, one of the largest ever recorded was grown by a Philadelphia farmer for competition rather than nourishment. More on Sri Chinmoy Weightlifting
More About: Anniversary , Lift , Lifting

British Time Trial Championships 2006
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Yesterday I rode the British Time Trial Champions hip s near Reading. I didn't do very well, I don't seem to be very fit this year. I didn't help myself by taking a wrong turn. I was lucky a car came past to tell me to turn round and go back to finish. My time was 1.22.?? The winner was Jason MacIntyre from Team Velo Ecosse. he won in a time of 1.11.15. 2nd was Michael Hutchinson On my second lap I came in between Hutchinson and Stuart Dangerfield. Stuart came flying past a lap later. By the third lap my legs were dead, so I was a bit annoyed I went the wrong way to the finish to make it further. Anyway the event was well organised and its good to ride with the best riders. Although unfortunately Bradley Wiggins didn't ride I think his team said he had to go ride the Tour of Poland or something. Next year I shall try be fitter for a 30 mile TT. 3rd was Jonathan Dayus with same time as Michael Hutchinson. Last year in hill...

Nepal Photo
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Photo by Ranjit, Sri Chinmoy Centre GalleriesFeatured at Poetseers Poem of the Day
More About: Photo , Nepal

Sri Chinmoy 75th Birthday Celebrations
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Pictures from Sri Chinmoy's 75th Birth day Celeb rationsA good write up from my friend Shardul about The Record breaking Popcorn cake at Sri Chinmoy Centre
More About: Celebrations , Celebration

The Goodies
2007-02-09 20:28:01
I have never seen The Good ies until the other evening I saw a highlight programme. I loved their anarchic humour and unique approach It was written by a trio of British comedians (Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie),  combining sketches and situation comedy. The picture with Zeebedee (or whatever its called) is about a sketch when Britain is taken over by a "puppet" government.The pupets including Bungle and Zeebeded and others. The puppets take over Britain and wreek havoc. The Goodies also produced a hit record called Funky GIbbon. In a question of good taste I shall put the picture hidden in the More section. Suffice to say it makes my fathers tastes in jumpers look rather good....
More About: The Good , Dies , The Go

Only Guy Who puts paper in Photocopier considers himself a hero
2007-02-09 20:28:01
BOSTON—You may not know him by name, but Eric Greeley is one of a new breed of Americans making a difference. While most employees at John Hancock Security and Financial Services just use the photocopier and walk away, Greeley considers it his duty to do the right thing: to make sure the machine is stocked and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Though he’d never say it himself, that’s just what a hero does. "I like to think that anyone in my position would do the same thing," said Greeley. "In the end, it’s such a small sacrifice for a far greater good. All you have to do is go get the paper, pop out the input tray, fill it to exactly the right level, and slide the tray carefully back in. I’m doing my part to make the world a little better, one ream at a time."  
More About: Photo , Self , Paper , Only , Side

Estimating the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  What do you mean, an African or European Swallow? ...   It’s a simple question of weight ratios   ...   In order to maintain airspeed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?   and there's more here An excerpt from Monty Python and the Holy Grail  
More About: Estima , Wall , City , Speed , The A

It was Not Death
2007-02-09 20:28:01
   It Was Not Death by Emily Dickinson   It was not death, for I stood up,And all the dead lie down.It was not night, for all the bellsPut out their tongues for noon. It was not frost, for on my fleshI felt siroccos crawl,Nor fire, for just my marble feetCould keep a chancel cool. And yet it tasted like them all,The figures I have seenSet orderly for burialReminded me of mine, - Full poem Photo by: Pranlobha Sri Chinmoy Centre gallery

Humming Bird
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  Alistair Benn Photography     " The butterfly counts not months but moments,    and has time enough." - Rabindranath Tagore  
More About: Bird , Ming

Ashrita Furman 119 Guiness Records...
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Ashrita Furman has always had a fascination with Guin ness World Record s. As a young boy he used to spend many hours reading the book. However it was his spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy who encouraged him to actually break records back in the 1970s. Since then Ashrita has been able to find many diverse and unique ways to practise self transcendence getting his own Guinness World Records for holding the most records.   Guiness Record for Largest Hula Hoop   I have been fortunate to see Ashrita attempt many records. I was once walking through Queens past Ashrita's house to see him attempting a record to balance the most number of pint glasses on his chin. He didn't actually break that record (although he did break many pint glasses...) However it illustrates how he is always thinking and attempting new records. This year has been a particularly good year. I think he has broken at least 14 records. Including 3 in the same Hour! See Video of 3 records in one ho...
More About: Ness

Cycling Results 2006
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  On Saturday came 2nd in 10 mile TT at Bentley:       Time = 21.00 av Speed 28.5 mph (New P.B) On Sunday came 2nd (I think) in 25 mile TT at Marlow 55.55       AvS = 26.5 mph Result s for 2006 2005 results
More About: Cycling

Yes Minister Quotes
2007-02-09 20:28:01
I am enjoying watching the 1980s BBC comedy series Yes Mini ster. It is about how politicians get frustrated by clever civil servants. It is a clever satire on the political life. Even though the civil service are scheming you have to admire their cleverness. Apparently Mrs Thatcher ( PM in 1980s) was a big fan. Quote s - Yes Minister "Politicians must be allowed to panic. They need activity. It is their substitute for achievement."   "Civil Service language: 'Sometimes one is forced to consider the possibility that affairs are being conducted in a manner which, all things being considered and making all possible allowances is, not to put too fine a point on it, perhaps not entirely straightforward. Translation: 'You are lying'." Bernard Woolley: "Minister, allow me to present Sir Humphrey Appleby, Permanent Under ...

World Harmony Run
2007-02-09 20:28:01
THere is a very good video on the World Harm ony Run which is currently passing through the north west of America. Some great images and music. See video of  World Harmony Run. The World Harmony Run is inspired by Sri Chinmoy and has been going since 1985. It shall be coming through Oxford later in the year
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Blog2
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Bolton Abbey in the Spring (Yorkshire)Today is Yorkshire Day "Tuesday is Yorkshire Day, when men and women from across this historic county gather to celebrate their... well, Yorkshireness - leaving outsiders baffled about why they have such a high opinion of themselves."Visit to Lake DistrictCheck out new Cycling Blog at  Sri Chinmoy Cycling TeamBig hello to Gail (my other sister)Thursday Like my blog Floyd Landis has seen his tour chances resurrected in spectacular style. i made the mistake of turning eurosport for a 5 min break from marking to "check the tour" 3 hours later i had watched one of the most remarkable breakaways in tour history.comment Friday (o dear another doping scandal in cycling) THis means this year all the winners of the big 3 tours have been implicated in drugs scandals ) Race results from Monday are up at Sri Chinmoy RacesStart of BlogI can't get my blog software to work so I shall improvise.My sister kindly offered some words of encouragement. re: no blo...

Photos of Indigenous People
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Photo from Phil Borges My photographic projects are devoted to the welfare of indigenous and tribal people. My intention is to help bring attention to the value these cultures represent and the challenges they face.
More About: Photo , People , Photos , Indigenous

Oxford Botanic Gardens
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Some Pictures from the Botanic Garden s   
More About: Ford , Oxford , Gardens , Arden

How to Write a good blogg
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Firstly learn to spell Blog At Vasudeva Server we are using a Plone Blogg ing tool called Easy Blog. It has a few rough edges but is generally easy to work with. I have written a short guide to using Easy Blog. Also advice on writing blogs in general
More About: How To , Write , Good

Photos of Oxford from the Sky
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Images of Oxford from the Rooftops - recent photos
More About: Photo , Ford , Photos

Self Transcendence Marathon
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Today was the 5th edition of the Self Trans cendence Mara thon .The race was started by Sri Chinmoy who offered a brief meditation and some kind words of encouragement to the runners. However as one of the lead cyclists I was someway off and didn't here the exact words. I usually enjoy the job of being a lead cyclist but after half an hour the heavens opened and I got quite wet. At least it was warmer rain than English rain. 
More About: Transcend

Yoga Bear
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Yoga Bear was the pioneer of the modern form of Yoga. Originating in Yellowstone National Park, USA. Yoga and his little friend Boga, practiced Yoga at 7am every morning, much to the dismay of the park ranger, the evil Shogi. Shogi took revenge by stealing all of the park visitor's pic-a-nic baskets and framing Yoga and Boga and having them banished from the park forever. The two amigos then began a crusade and travelled across the world, practicing their mystical excercises and attracting a band of followers that increased exponentially. Yoga Bear lived to be 99 years and 364 days old, when, while on his way to pick up his telegram from the British Queen, he was squashed by a tomato while he was crossing the road - an event he had feared for 50 years. Meanwhile, the malevolent Shogi lives on, hoping to end yoga, once and for all. Will he succeed? Or will Yoga Bear's legacy live on? Who knows? from: Wikipedia Yoga
More About: Yoga

Spike Milligan Quotes
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Are you going to come quietly, or do I have to use earplugs?~"The boy stood on the burning deck, whence all but he had fled. Twit"~"I can't see the sense in it really. It makes me a Commander of the British Empire. They might as well make me a Commander of Milton Keynes - at least that exists." * upon receiving his Knighthood More Spike Milligan Quote s   
More About: Liga , Pike

Happy Birthday
2007-02-09 20:28:01
Today,  28th August is the birthday of my father.  Happy Birth day Your present is in the post..._______________________________Yes terday was the 75th birthday of my Spiritual Teacher. Sri ChinmoyBirthday celebrations included a new Guiness World Record for Ashrita Furman who helped organise the worlds biggest cake made out of popcorn.It was 24 feet high and was a very impressive cakePhotos to follow soon.
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Fancy Running for a 1000 days in Himalayas?
2007-02-09 20:28:01
This is an extraordinary article about some Buddhist monks who undertake a 1000 day long running pilgrimage.Not for the faint hearted to say the least: article on: Tendai Marathon Monks"...What makes all these distances even more amazing is the manner and the conditions in which the monks run. These runs are usually begun at night and are over mountain paths that are uneven and poorly marked. During the winter months the low temperatures and snow are a great hindrance to the runners. These monks do not wear the latest in footwear and clothing, but run in straw sandals, an all-white outfit and a straw hat. They also run on a diet of vegetables, tofu and miso soup, which modern athletes and nutritionists would deem to be unsuitable for endurance events...."
More About: Running , Malaya , Days , Malay , Mala

What a Monster
2007-02-09 20:28:01
My friend Chanakhya Jakovic has posted a very popular video to You Tube.  It is entitled the Mons ter and is about a caterpillar growing into a ... You Tube video
More About: What , Hat

A gardeners Tale
2007-02-09 20:28:01
  After finishing my degree In PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics)  * at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. I made (a not very common) career choice and got a job as a gardener in my own college.  At the time I flirted with become a professional gardener and when revising for my final exams I used to intersperse bit of Keynes and Friedman with memorising Latin names for plants.  View: Pictures from my garden  
More About: Garden , Tale , Gardener , Gardeners , Arden

Self Transcendence
2007-02-09 20:28:01
I have another blog about Self Tran s cendence. It includes features from the 3100 Mile Self Transcend ence Race and some of Ashrita's world records.As well as encompassing physical feats "Self Transcendence "also embodies a spiritual concept of transcending the ego. I came across a site with some interviews of different people's views on what self transcendence means. The blog entry is here "What is Self Transcendence" I was pleased to see an Oxford don taking part and also Karen Armstrong who has written many informative books on spirituality and religion. Sri Chinmoy places great importance to self transcendence and it is an integral part of his own philosophy. I will be leaving for New York tomorrow to take part in Sri Chinmoy's 75th Birthday celebrations.On the 25th I will be one of the leading cyclists in the Self Transcendence Marathon. (This by the way is the best way to take part in a marathon)