My Digital Thoughts : Shashi's Diary

Montgomery County officials are urging drivers to be especially alert for pedestrians walking in the roads because of snow-covered sidewalks.  Drivers should also be cautious when pulling out of side streets onto main roads. Pedestrians should: • Be careful crossing the street. • Wear appropriate shoes and brightly colored clothing while walking in snowy or icy conditions. • Be cautious of slippery crosswalks and sidewalks. • Be aware that drivers may have difficulty maneuvering or stopping their vehicles. • Wear reflective clothing or stickers for maximum protection, especially at dawn and dusk. • Make sure vehicles are stopped and that they are seen by drivers before proceeding in front of them. Some other safety tips for residents who are clearing snow and Ice are: • Slippery driveways and sidewalks can be hazardous. Keep them well shoveled and apply abrasive materials to improve traction. • When shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Take frequent brea...

Metrorail trains will stop serving above-ground stations at 1 p.m. today, Saturday, December 19, due to heavy snowfall that is covering the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains. Metro officials believe that by 1 p.m. the exposed third rail will be covered by snow. All Metrobus and MetroAccess service also will stop at 1 p.m. because roadways are quickly becoming impassable. Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City only Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only Orange Line – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only Blue Line – Service between Ballston (extended to Blue Line) and Stadium-Armory only Read more http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4196   Technorati Tags: #helpica...

Story from MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33873810 The parents of a Tri-State Marine killed in Iraq are sharing memories of their son, through a series of home movies that they didn't know existed until after he died. Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News , World News , and News about the Economy

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  I wanted to pass on this message from the American Red Cross Club :   The American Red Cross Club at the University of Maryland College Park 0208F Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=258017170315 I hope you all having an Awesome week! We have Three blood drives this week on campus: The first will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Stamp in the Atrium. The second is Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Hillel on North Campus. The third is Friday, November 20, 2009 at Stamp in the Atrium. We need donors AND volunteers for both dates! 1) If you would like to donate, please sign up for an appointment online at: https://www.membersforlife.org/rccm/mobilesch/login.php [Walk-ins are always encouraged to stop by!] Listed below are the sponsor/donor codes to use depending on when and where you want to donate: 13160 [Stamp Atrium] 105...

2008 trip to macchu picchu peru 843 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . 2008 trip to Macchu Pichu - This is a good pic that i took when we visited this village and learned how they use natural ingredients to dye their fabric. Tour was arranged by Kuoda Tours who I highly recommend http://www.inturkuoda.com/Projects_to%20Support/Projects_to_support.html

“some birds flying north are having a hard time on arrival because the bugs they eat emerged earlier than in the past, leaving less food available for the hungry birds and their offspring.” Says the website of University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) which includes its programs, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and its labs. See Hot Questions about Climate Change

I am reading the article "Isabel Sawhill and Ron Haskins -- Five myths about our land of opportunity in the washingtonpost.com ". The article mentions both positive things and also concerning things like - "rags to riches in a generation is rare" - Almost 30 percent of children now live in single-parent families - Among women under age 30, more than half of all births now occur outside marriage It is a must read article in reference to: "Among women under age 30, more than half of all births now occur outside marriage" - Isabel Sawhill and Ron Haskins -- Five myths about our land of opportunity - washingtonpost.com ( view on Google Sidewiki )

In today's Washington Post there was a article that I recommend everyone read http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/article/2009/ 10/30/AR2009103001849.html? sub=AR " Josef Joffe -- Until 1989, Berlin was Walltown - washingtonpost.com ". Josef was there when the wall dividing Berlin between the East and the West was built and when it came down. I defintely was not there for either occasion but I feel like being part of that history. On Nov. 9, 1989 I was in Moscow ( at that time the Capital of the USSR) and as news of the Berlin wall tickled to me , I am not sure if it was a Russian colleague or on TV where I could only understand very little of what was said. It was only months later that CNN would start broadcasting locally in Moscow. If you have a chance you should see a piece of the BErlin wall that is in the newseum and also read today's Outlook Section in the Washington Post. in reference to: "Nov. 9, 1989." - Josef Joffe -- Until 1989, Berl...

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DC Chamber of Commecre Gala oct 17 2009 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . Who has not heard of Marion Barry - The top thought on my mind when I saw him was - Wow ! I need to meet this Civil Rights movement leader and former DC mayor. He was nice and there was a line to get his pic , I was at the next table sponsored by Network Solutions . Thanks Marion Barry and the Dc chamber

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                                                    October 14, 2009 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT AAPI INITIATIVE EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNING AND DIWALI EVENT East Room 3:46 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Well, good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. Welcome to the White House. I'm glad you could join us today as I proudly sign this executive order reestablishing the President's Advisory Commission and White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Now, when we talk about America's AAPI communities, we're talking about the industry and entrepreneur...

India Trip 2007 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . In this picture taken in 2007 Allen ( center with beige jacket) had come to a get together in had helped organize in Bangalore to meet old friends. Allen Mendonca a world class Bangalore-based award-winning journalist with over two decades of experience in reporting and editing for some of the countries major newspapers and magazines worked for the Indian Express ( a leading Indian newspaper) when i first met him. Even though we had not kept in touch at this meeting we started off as if it as the old days again. He passed away in his sleep on Sept 28th at the young age of 49. Here is what my friend Vijay Bhasker chef of the LE Meridien hotel wrote: To write about a journalist friend – who wrote into people’s heart is some task that too for a Chef, Any way I am trying a bit. Our dear friend, Allen Mendonca, who left us late last month not only wrote his way into peoples’ hearts but every action of his was always that w...

#growsmartbiz keynote speaker wrote this book http://cli.gs/gsbagenda , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . There are several ways you can participate in the First ever GrowSMartBiz Small Business conference: 1) A few last minutes seats are available and you can register at http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz ( use code PowerGSB ) 2) Watch the conference live at http://livestream.com/networksolutions.com 3) Watch the Twitterstream at http://twubs.com/GrowSmartBiz If you are in town come to the meetup today Sept 29th at 7 p.m http://www.shashi.name/2009/09/come-to-growsmartbiz-pre-conference.html Hope to see you at any of these places

Email from Montgomery County Council Vice-President District 1 Roger Berliner. I am passing along to you a press release we received from the Montgomery County Police Department regarding multiple vehicle break-ins in Potomac The Police have observed that the break-ins typically occur on Saturdays and Sundays, and the victims are often walking or kayaking on the C&O Canal at the time of the theft.   I think crimes like these emphasize the importance of making sure that our car doors are locked at all times.  The press release is below. I also want to make you aware of a new online citizen reporting service , recently implemented by the Montgomery County Police Department, that will make filing certain police reports easier and faster. See Department of Police press release here http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Police/News/NA_details.asp?NaID=5018

Indian Village Water container made of clay , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . Indian Village Water container made of clay used today too

Here is a appeal from the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education "School’s Open - Drive Carefully" Campaign! Did you know that 50% of children struck by cars near schools are hit by parents driving other children to school? * This is one reason why the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education would like to remind you that in just a few days "School’s Open - Drive Carefully" . Here's a checklist of ways you can help to keep our children safe: Slow down near schools and in residential areas. Drive with your headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you. Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrollers, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area. Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children. Practice extra caution in bad weather. Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. Make a gift of $20.09 ...

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  http://www.flickr.com/photos/britopian/3851464046/

  o  Email from Barbara Conn of the Capital PC Users group Montgomery County Fair runs August 14 to 22. CPCUG needs help staffing our Internet Cafe, which will be  open to the the public from 10 am to 10 pm. If you can volunteer a few hours (most shifts are 4 hours), you'll have fun and get a free Fair Ticket for the day.        To volunteer, visit our signup form: http://www.cpcug.org/fair/fair.php        If you volunteered before this link was posted, please visit the Web page cited to ensure that  you are listed for your chosen timeslot(s). Thanks!     o  Get tweets with CPCUG event information, reminders, and computer and technology tips! http://www.twitter.com/cpcug .

I love the Rockville library and I wanted to seek the local area readers of this blog to see if they could help ; Message from Aileen Klein  : (I have removed her phone number and email but pls comment here or email me from my contact info on this blog and I will send the info to you-Thanks) We have just received an email from the manager of the Rockville library that the books donated to the FOL are becoming a problem.   The reason for this is that we do not have volunteers committed to a regular schedule who would come in to sort and pack the books.   Currently our books are taking up all of the staff work space and it is against county policy to have the library staff handle donated books (nor do they have the time).   As we are all aware, the library patronage has increased as the economic downturn has occurred and thus the library staff has their hands full handling all of the extra work that has created. As you know, book sales are our main...

This was part of the beer summit , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . Dana Milbank wrote a great article - " Beer Summit Wasn't One for the Guinness Book " where is concentrates on the brands , corporate origins and appropriateness and also gives a very colorful choice of beer selections for other politicians. While I thought the President's choice of a BudLight was as American as it gets - Dana Milbank says " The president's beer of choice was made by a Belgian conglomerate" LOL :) I hope in that same vein the King Fisher brewed in NJ/Ny becomes an American Beer ( I have to confirm that King Fisher US is brewed here and not Bangalore) I am beer fan and was thrilled that the US has gone from the Ping Pong Diplomacy to Beer Summits. If the US and the Russian presidents can solve the issue with a Vodka summit the Cold war will never be back . This takes care of the western world. Manmohan Singh India's Prime Minister according to pr...

Baltimore Inner Harbor July 2009 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . Baltimore Inner Harbor - Jason Moffett - Comedy Macgic. Have him for your next party - ph: 443-790-2646

Baltimore Inner Harbor July 2009 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . This guy is jumping over two volunteers on a skateboard that is on fire. his website mofferrmagic.com

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Boy ! Having a teenager ready for taking driving lessons can give many parent sleepless nights.   As part of the teen driver's procedure to get a provisional license after the learner's permit you have to take a driver education course which includes a 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. I did recollect that Montgomery College has a Driver Education program and of course it was my first choice.I love the Montgomery College and it has given me the opportunity to learn at my own pace so naturally I enrolled my kid also into this course. http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/bits/driversafety.html Montgomery College's Driver Education course consists 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours Behind the Wheel. The cost for the Driver Education course is $325.00; non-Maryland residents add $160.00. They send the results directly to the MVA and I was in the car for the 6 hours behind the wheel instruction and I am really impressed by the Montgomery College instructors ...

Puff ! puff ! ouch , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda . A salute to people who resisted

2008 trip to macchu picchu peru 777 , originally uploaded by ShashiBellamkonda .

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family of four on scooter , originally uploaded by Carol Mitchell . I was listening to a local Radio Station mock the features of the new Tata Nano - india's new car for only $2000. The Radio station discussed - no airbags, no airconditioning, no radio. Do they even know that anything is better and probably more safer than what is in the picture above. I know that because I have sat on a scooter as a kid and 15 years ago used to take the family out on a scooter. We should realize that starvation does not mean " room service is late" Flickr photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/sujatha_fan/2187478724/ courtesy Sujatha_fan here is an except from an article in the Economist ( One of the world's best magazines) But the Nano does not shake as it approaches its top speed of 105kph, and feels reassuringly stable. There is a crumple zone at the front, and a bar across the car, on which the front seats are mounted, improves rigidity in the event of a ...

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The first idea is in the Metro Section of the post where a fiscally responsible single mom Shawn Goldstein of Chevy Chase  - recently laid off from her job as construction manager - writes :   Why not have the mortgage payments of the unemployed reduced to 31 percent of their current income and tack on the unpaid monthly amount to the end of the loan? This would keep responsible people, who are in their current financial situation because of layoffs in this economy, in their homes. Read the rest of the 'Close to home" story   The second is a Op-Ed by RICARDO J. CABALLERO called "How to Lift a Falling Economy" . Ricardo is  head of the Economics Department and director of the World Economics Laboratory at MIT. The proposal: The government pledges to buy up to twice the number of bank shares currently available, at twice some recent average price, in five years. How much would this cost taxpayers? Probably nothing. Read the article...

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This was the second tweet-up this year at the Indique Heights. When I first started engaging in the social media there were a lot more impromptu Tweetups and then came a flurry of corporate sponsored events which got too frequent. I feel 2009 will bring about a consolidation of "social" social events and learn as you dine events.   Today I met new friends  many whom I have known online and some I met for the first time. The merry tweeters who came to Indique Heights Chantelle Karl  @cckarl Yelp.com's Communication manager for the East coast ( That includes Canada and UK !- figure that out ) Nakeva @nakeva http://www.meeid.com/nakeva/ Gaurav Sharma @gauravonomics   http://www.gauravonomics.com/ ( Steven Fisher after probably a huge does of Slum Dog Millionaire called Guarav's Hair style a Bollywood actor style)   Lisa Throckmorton @lkthrock   http://www.speakerboxpr.com/plugged-in/ Kim Oser @putitaway   http://www.puti...

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Message to parents of children  living in the Churchill Cluster of schools and other parents who would like to support the PTSA.   URGENT NOTICE - The County Council just informed MCCPTA that public testimony for the Capital Budget is on Tuesday, Feb. 10 (1 days from now!) at 7:30 PM The Churchill Cluster Coordinators will be testifying on the Capital Budget and Amendments to the FY 2009-2014 CIP.  MCCPTA was originally told by the County Council that this testimony would occur in April, not in February as is usually the case, but the Council suddenly changed their decision, much to our dismay. YOUR ATTENDANCE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE - we hope you can join us - we need parents, students, teachers and staff to come support our testimony. Many of our cluster schools are scheduled for modernizations and upgrades - the County Council is responsible for allocating the funds to MCPS for these projects.  Please wear your sc...

What behaviors are changing as a result of the economy ? What is the stimulus package and how will it affect your life? I had interviewed Guy Kawasaki for the Network Solutions' Blog in March last year  and his advice was if you get up in the morning and your business is going normally you should not worry about  what the economists and the newspapers are telling you. This may be a period for businesses to excel at what they do. Here are the signs: House values have fallen Companies are down sizing Stock market is down Banks are going bankrupt Cars are selling less What are the pundit's advising : Live within your salary Reduce unnecessary expenses Save 15 to 20% of your salary or rainy day What are the opportunities: Do the remodeling/painting now: If you have already saved for the home remodeling or painting project. This is a good time since the construction industry is feeling the pain this is a good time to find someone to ...

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Words of wisdom? , originally uploaded by shashiBellamkonda . My vote for picture of the day :)

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Mobile post sent by shashib using Utterli .    Replies .   mp3 See the article in the Washington Post here.  http://cli.gs/tUnJzQ

A very interesting article in today's Washington Post Outlook section by George McGovern, a former senator from South Dakota who was the Democratic nominee for president in 1972. Read the full article here  and here are some highlights of George McGovern's : To send our troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan would be a near-perfect example of going from the frying pan into the fire. British Empire a century ago when it tried to pacify the warlords and tribes of Afghanistan, only to be forced out after excruciating losses. Soviet Union was also a superpower when it poured some 100,000 troops into Afghanistan in 1979. They limped home, broken and defeated, a decade later, having helped pave the way for the collapse of the Soviet Union. logic does not always prevail in South Asia.  The one factor that could unite  Afghan War lords is the invasion of their country by a foreign power, whether British, Russian or American. That war has clearly weakened our ...

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inaugural poem recited by Elizabeth Alexander , originally uploaded by shashiBellamkonda . Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin." We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something b...