The Nails in the Fence

A little boy had very bad temper.

His Father gave him a bag of nails

and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back

of the fence around their yard.

The first day the boy

drove 37 nails into the fence.

Over the next



few weeks, as he learned to control his

anger, the number of the nails hammered

dwindled down. He discovered

it was easier to hold his temper

than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't

lose his temper at all.

He told his father

about it and the father suggested that the

boy now pull out one nail for each day that he

was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally

able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand

and led him to the fence.

He said, 'You have done well, my son,

but look at the holes in the fence.

The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger,

they leave a scar just like this one.

After driving a knife into a man's heart and drawing it out,

it won't mean anything, how many times you say

'I'm sorry',

the wound will still be there.

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Friends are very rare jewels, indeed.

They

make you smile and encourage you to succeed.

They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to you.

Tell your friends how much you care...

yea, to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

and see the number of friends you are surrounded with.



YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!

Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole within you.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

Geo-engineering Emerges as Plan B at the 11th Hour.

How close are we to 'space sunshades', 'mountaintop painting',

'fertilizing' the oceans with iron,

and redirecting hurricanes?

Closer than you might imagine.

When it comes to climate change, any discussion of "cap and trade" legislation usually generates a lot of controversy, but there is another proposition for tackling our global warming woes that should be causing even more friction: the little-known set of futurist techno-scenarios collectively known as geoengineering. At the opening plenary of the Convention on Biological Diversity last week in Nagoya, Japan, the ETC Group- the same civil society outfit that led the charge for an international ban on Monsanto's infamous "terminator seed" a decade ago- called for a moratorium on geoengineering experiments. The group's new report, Geopiracy: The Case Against Geoengineering calls geoengineering, "a political strategy aimed at letting industrialized countries off the hook for their climate debt."

This emergent set of planetary-scale technologies is attracting millions of dollars in investment; it is high on the research agenda at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the UK's Royal Society; and it is being promoted by the scientists behind it as "the only practical way to protect biodiversity." At the same time, theWashington Post has called it, "Playing God with the weather," and a leading indigenous peoples' organization called it "an assault on the sacred."

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change defines geoengineering as, "The deliberate large-scale manipulation of the planetary environment." David Keith, a leading proponent, gave the definition a touch more animus when he noted, "Climatic geoengineering aims to mitigate the effect of fossil fuel combustion on the climate without abating fossil fuel use; for example, by placing shields in space to reduce the sunlight incident on earth."

The mental image conjured by "shields in space" begins to put flesh on the bones of what geoengineering is. Keith's declaration that a key objective of geoengineering is to maintain the status quo of fossil fuel use tells us its principal intent, and begins to hint at what its critics consider to be the grave error at the heart of the approach. Faith Gemmill, an indigenous woman from Arctic Village, Alaska and Director of REDOIL (Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands) says, "Geoengineering is a way for scientists to remain in denial and for governments to avoid responsibility."

The Shape of Things to Come:

Geoengineering technologies fall into three categories: Weather Modification, Solar Radiation Management, and Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration; each is already under intensive research, computer modeling and experimentation.

The first category, Weather Modification - generally covering "chemical cloud seeding" and "storm modification" (the redirecting of hurricanes) - is, conceptually, the mother of all geoengineering technologies, already practiced in significant scale in the U.S. and China. In the words of the ETC Group Report, such techniques demonstrate "a classic 'end-of-pipe' response that addresses neither the causes nor the mechanism of climate change, but seeks only to alter its outcomes."

May be I'll continue later, but my question to you this morning is:

What is your take on the new spin? shall we be averse to progress and turn our back to the new approach, in an effort to hold on to our faith?

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

How far are we still from freedom of thought and expression?

I think the following narration calls for a fresh look and a new analysis.

The prize-winning author Rohinton Mistry was today at the centre of a row in India after his novel Such a Long Journey was deleted from a university reading list after complaints from an extremist group.

The decision to withdraw the book by the vice chancellor of Mumbai University, Dr Rajan M Welukar, shocked many in India's cosmopolitan commercial centre. Supporters of Mistry and free speech campaigners criticised the university for agreeing to the demands of the nationalist Shiv Sena, which has a reputation for using violence to intimidate opponents.

Mistry, an Indian-born Canadian, issued a statement decrying the "sorry spectacle of book-burning and book-banning", adding: "Mumbai University has come perilously close to institutionalising the ugly notion of self-censorship."

"The Shiv Sena has followed its depressingly familiar script of threats and intimidation that Mumbai has endured since the organisation's founding in 1966," the author said. "More bobbing, weaving, and slippery behaviour is no doubt in the offing. But one thing remains: a political party demanded an immediate change in syllabus, and Mumbai University [made] the book disappear the very next day."

The banned book is set in India in the 1970s. Published in 1991 and shortlisted for the Booker prize, it describes the life and loves of a bank clerk from Mumbai's Parsee community against a background of political unrest. The Shiv Sena ie described in broadly negative terms.

Mohan Rawale, a Shiv Sena official, said the book was full of "very bad, very insulting words", especially about Bal Thackeray, 83, the group's founder and leader.

"It is our culture that anything with insulting language should be deleted. Writers can't just write anything. They can't write wrong things," said Rawale, who admitted not having read the book.

The campaign to ban Such a Long Journey was launched by Aditya Thackeray, the leader's grandson and son of the current executive president of Shiv Sena, who is head of the group's youth wing. Analysts say the group is using the issue to launch Aditya Thackeray's political career.

"We have no issues with the book being available in the market but it is being forced upon us," Aditya Thackeray, who is studying history, told local reporters. "That is not acceptable."

In fact, the novel was an optional text on a second year literature reading list, sources at the university said.

Mistry added: "As for the grandson of the Shiv Sena leader, what can – what should – one feel about him? Pity, disappointment, compassion? Twenty years old, the beneficiary of a good education, he is about to embark on the Sena's well-trodden path, to appeal, like those before him, to all that is worst in human nature."

Supporters of Mistry packed meetings in Mumbai to protest against the ban. "We are headed towards a fascist ethos where someone decides what others think," said Anand Patwardhan, a respected filmmaker, at one event.

In recent years Shiv Sena's popularity has dwindled but its campaigns bring publicity. Muslims are a favourite target. Earlier this year the group tried to stop the Bollywood blockbuster My Name Is Khan going on release in Mumbai on the basis that the protagonist, Shahrukh Khan who is Muslim, had said that Mumbai was for "all Indians" and backed Pakistani cricketers playing in India. Sena's attempt failed.

An editorial today in the party mouthpiece, Saamna magazine, called for a ban on burqas, very rarely seen in India. The magazine said the veil was a threat to security and that criminals used it to commit crimes.

"Since they don't know what they are doing, may they be forgiven" is my prayer for them.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil.

A forgotten account

Imagine that you won the following prize in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $ 86,400.00 in your private account for your use.

However, this prize comes with strings attached and has rules, just as any game has certain rules.

The first set of rules would be:

1. Everything that you didn't spend in the course of the day would be taken back from you.
2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account or hoard it in any way.
3. You can only spend it.

Each morning, the bank adds another $86,400.00 into your account for that day.

The second set of rules:

1. The bank can call off the game without warning; at any time it can say, "The game is over!"
2. It can close the account without letting you open a new one.

What would you personally do?

You would buy anything and everything you want, right?
You will buy things for all people you love, right?
Even for people you don't know, because you can't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?

You would try to spend every dime, and finish it all, right?

D'you think this is a myth?

In fact, this is for real!

Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank.

But we just pretend not to see it.

THIS MAGICAL BANK IS TIME!

Every morning we receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.

When we go to sleep at night, any unused time is debited from our account.

What we haven't lived up to on that day is forever lost. The day is forever gone.

Each morning the account is replenished,

But the bank is free to dissolve our account at any time ...

THAT TOO WITHOUT WARNING.

WELL, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds?

Aren't they worth much more than the same amount in dollars?

Think about it, and always think of this:

Enjoy every second of your life, because time races so much faster than you think.

Take care of yourself, and enjoy life!

Use time wisely for yourself, your loved ones & others.

Enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

Are you about to repeat a rumour or spread a gossip?

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day an acquaintance ran up to him excitedly and said,

"Socrates, do you know what I just heard about Diogenes?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied, "Before you tell me I'd like

you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?" asked the acquaintance.

"That's right," Socrates continued, "Before you talk to me about Diogenes
let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say.

The first filter is Truth.

Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "Actually I just heard about it."

"Alright," said Socrates, "So you don't really know if it's true or not.
Now let's try the second filter:

The filter of Goodness.

Is what you are about to tell me about Diogenes something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "You want to tell me something about Diogenes
that may be bad, even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed. Socrates continued, "You may still
pass the test because there is a third filter:

The filter of usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about Diogenes going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "If what you want to tell me is neither True
nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me or to anyone at all?"

The man was bewildered and ashamed.

This is why Socrates was a great philosopher and was held in such high esteem.

************************************************************

It also explains why Socrates never found out that Diogenes was having an affair with his wife.

*******************************************************************

Still keep this in mind the next time you are about to repeat a rumour or spread a gossip.

******************************************************************

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

Ten Secrets To A Happy Life To Whosoever That Wishes So...

They might be more. They come in all hues, shapes and sizes.

It doesn't matter how long they've been together.

Whatever the demographics, when you see a happy couple, you just feel it!

How do these couples stay in love- whether in good or bad times?

It isn't through luck or chance.

As a result of hard work and commitment, they figure out the importance of the following relationship 'musts.'

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Develop a realistic view of committed relationships. Recognize that the crazy infatuation you experienced when your romance was new is unlikely to last. A deeper, richer relationship and one that should still include romance, should replace it. A long-term relationship has ups and downs, and expecting it will be all sunny and roses all the time is unrealistic, leading to disappointment and disgust.

2. Work on the relationship. An untended garden develops weeds that can ultimately kill even the best plants. And so it is with relationships. It is important to address problems and misunderstandings immediately. Some people believe good relationships just happen naturally. The truth is that a good relationship must be worked upon and tended to on a regular basis. Neglect the relationship, and it will go downhill.

3. Spend time together. There is no substitute for shared quality time. When you make a point of being together, without kids, pets and other interruptions, you will form a bond that will get you through life's roughest spots. Time spent together should be doing a shared activity, not just watching television.

4. Make room for "separateness." Perhaps going against conventional wisdom, spending time apart is also an important component of a happy relationship. It is healthy to have some separate interests and activities and to come back to the relationship refreshed and ready to share your experiences. Missing your partner helps remind you how important he or she is to you.

5. Make the most of your differences. Stop and think: What most attracted you to your partner at the beginning? I'll almost guarantee that it was exactly the thing that drives you most insane today. Take a fresh look at these differences. Try to focus on their positive aspects and find an appreciation for those exact things that make the two of you different from one another. It's likely that your differences balance one another out and make you a great team.

6. Don't expect your partner to change; but at the same time give them more of what they want. If both you and your partner stop trying to change each other, you will eliminate the source of most of your arguments. At the same time, each of you should focus on giving one another more of what you know the other person wants, even if it doesn't come naturally. For instance, instead of complaining how your partner never cleans out the dishwasher, try just doing it yourself once in a while without complaint. Your partner will likely notice your effort and make more of an effort himself/ herself around the house.

7. Accept that some problems can't be solved. There may be issues upon which you cannot agree. Rather than expending wasted energy, agree to disagree, and attempt to compromise or to work around the issue. Two people cannot spend years together without having legitimate areas of disagreement. The test of a happy relationship is how they choose to work through such issues — through change, compromise or finding it’s just not that important to sweat over.

8. Communicate. Lack of communication is the number one reason why even good relationships fail. And here is a useful format for doing so, especially when dealing with incendiary topics: Listen to your partner's position, without interrupting him/ her. Just listen. When he/ she is finished, summarize what you heard him/ her say. If you can, empathize with your significant other even though you don't agree. This will take your partner off the defensive, and make it easier for him/ her to hear your thoughts and feelings. There's no room for argument when you use this format, and best of all, you may come up with an understanding or a solution.

9. Honesty is essential. You may share with your partner the things he doesn't want to hear. Better this than to have him doubt your honesty. Mistrust is one of the key deal breakers in relationships. And once trust is lost or broken, it can take a very long time to re-establish. The happiest couples are the ones where honesty is as natural and incessant as breathing.

10. Respect your partner, and don't take him for granted. Treating your sweetheart with respect is likely to get you the same in return. And regularly reminding him how much he means to you will enrich your relationship in indescribable ways. When you say, “I love you,” pause for a moment to really mean it. And don’t be afraid to express your feelings of appreciation with your partner — he will be thankful that you did.

Making these secrets an integral part of your relationship won't be easy...

In fact, your efforts may initially seem like seeds planted, but refusing to germinate.

If you maintain your efforts, however, you will likely reap what you sow...

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

God said, " let there be light " and there was light.

A newborn asked God, " They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow: but how am I going to live there alone, being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you." The child inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy, perhaps..." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and will be very happy." Again the little child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me in a different language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak." "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life." "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name, lest I..." God said, You will simply call her M- My O- Own M- Mentor Enjoy the rest of your week-end, love, Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

This ought to give you chills...

A young man had been to the Saturday Night Bible Study.
The Preacher had shared his thoughts about listening to God and obeying His voice.

The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?.. Absurd??...'"

After service, he went out with a few friends for a cup of coffee and they discussed the message.
Each one talked about how God had led him/her in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving back home.

While behind the wheels, he prayed,

"God, if you still speak to people, speak to me. I am willing to listen. I will do my best to obey."

Then, as he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest of thoughts to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and asked loudly,"God is that you?"

He didn't get a reply and so continued towards his home.

But again the thought... to buy a gallon of milk...

The young man thought about Samuel in the Bible and how he didn't recognize the voice of God.

"Okay, God, in case it is you, I will buy the milk."

It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk.

He stopped and purchased a gallon of milk and started off towards his home.

As he passed the Seventh Street , he felt another urge, "Turn Down the street."

"This is crazy", he thought, and drove on past the intersection.

But the urge did not subside..

Again, he felt that he should turn down the Seventh Street ...

At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down the Seventh.

Half jokingly, he spoke out aloud,

"Okay, God, I will."

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop.

He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of the town..

It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either...
The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark

as if the people had already gone to bed.

Again, he heard as if somebody asking, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street."

The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the occupants had either left or were asleep. He wanted to open the door but chose to sit back in his seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up,

they are going to be mad and I will look stupid," he thought.

But again, he felt like he should go and give them the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you speaking to me, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, its okay.

Still I want to be obedient, if its your will. I guess that will count for some thing..

But if they don't answer me right away, I am out of here, no matter what."

So he crossed the street and rang the bell.

He could hear some noises inside.

A man yelled, "Who is it? What do you want?"

And the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in jeans and a T-shirt.

He looked like he just struggled out of bed.

He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy

to have some stranger standing on his doorsteps at that hour.

To his "What is it?", the young man thrust out the gallon of milk,

"Here, I brought this for you."

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway...

Then from down the hallway, came a woman carrying the milk towards the kitchen.

The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying...

The man had tears streaming down his face.

He began speaking and crying, "We were just praying .. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money.. We didn't have any milk for our baby... I was praying and asking God to tell me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out,

"I asked him to send an Angel with some... Are you an Angel?'"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him

and put it in the man's cupped hand. He turned and walked back towards his car with tears rushing down his cheeks.

He understood that God still answers prayers.

Want to call me a sentimental humbug?

Sure, you may.

But,

"If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father."

Heed to your inner voice... its divine.

Enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Love,

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil