Fox hunt in Manipal

Don't think that this is actual hunt for fox. Our ham club organised this interesting competition. I could not sleep due to excitement. Afternoon I met Mr. Mahabala Hegde, a senior ham from Surathkal, along with my friend Mr. Devdas Bhat. After lunch we went to his house to get our equipments. We proceeded to our hide out in his car. Eventhough he is nearing 70, Mr. Hegde, was happy and enthusiastic. He could manage different languages, even malayalam, which is my mother tongue. He is a retired bank manager.
We reached our hide out, what we call is the fox hole and started assembling various equipments. Hunters were 10 groups, each having 3 members. They have to use the antenna and the reciever to trace us.
We started transmitting, which according to Mr. Hegde, was the first howl. In every 5 minutes interval he was transmitting howls and speaking some words which they should copy. Time passed by. Mr. Bhat took out his SLR camera and started his second hobby, photography. They were transmitting in both high and low power. I tried to listen to the transmission using 2 meter hand held radio.

The teams were given grace period and in the end the hide out was disclosed. The first team we met were given hand shake. The students really enjoyed the whole exercise.
Ham radio is a really interesting hobby. But now less people are using it because of advancements in internet, like instant messenger, emails etc.
When we met the group, as a token of appreciation, they gave all 3, fantastic mementos.
Please visit my picasa web album on fox hunt.
http://picasaweb.google.com/manumohan73/FoxHunt#

Murudeshwar - must see

Kollur Mookambika temple visit got over early. We decided to move further north to our next location Murudeshwar. From kollur we reached Byndoor located on NH17. After that came Bhatkal and then Murudeshwar. From NH we took a left turn towards the sea.
A strip of land protected by rock project in to the sea. A temple is located at the foot of the hill and over the top is the Lord Shiva statue which is the land mark of this tourist location.
Sorrounding the area, near the sea is the RNS hotel. On the hill at different areas various other statues, like, Sun, Krishna and Arjuna in the chariot, Ganesha being taught by hermit, etc.
Bhukailasa is located underneath the Shiva statue which gives you really marvellous peice of art, and information regarding the myth behind this temple.
I personally feel that those who visit this place should stay for one day and enjoy the stay, with fantastic view of the beautiful arabian sea.

Children are amazing....

I saw one movie in HBO named "Daddy Day Care", today. Job lost male parents starting one day care center was the central theme. I am also a father of two kids. I know how difficult is to deal with kids and straighten the things. When you tell them something they will be doing something else. For each and every action they require our help. Some kids, particularly my elder one, now 3 years, need me for everything literally. This typing I am doing because she is busy reading and painting with her crayons. At times you feel very annoyed, but thinking about their relation with us when they grow up remind us to be more patient. As they grow, they become less attached to us. A time will come when they even hate to get them hugged by us. So better to care them gently now. My child is pulling my shirt to put her to bed. She require one story invariably at bed time. Now i am reading more, so that I can tell her stories. "Panchathantram" stories, I had asked my mother to bring when she come to visit us next time, which will help me to refresh my memories. My database of stories will increase so. Tired of her unsuccessful attempt to distract me, she started sleeping on my lap.

Manipal rain

Rainy season in Manipal is a great time. Only negative is our movements will be restricted. It pour heavily over here. One day, floor of my house was partly submerged. Many things which were kept on the floor got spoiled, including my marriage album. It took me 2 hours to clean the mess.
It is very beautiful to look out side window when it rains. By the end of May, we all will be longing for the rain. But once it start, the same mind will be praying daily for its cessation. Here it rains continuously, day and night, for initial days. Then the frequency reduces and mostly it rains at night.
Small children, they are the ones who really enjoy. Poor fellows are confined to home, not able to go out for any activities. Another sad thing is that most them will fall sick due to flu, common during this time.
Sunlight is the most welcomed guest during this period. Once in a while clouds will allow him to show his face, which will make all of us happy. Daily night you will sleep by listening to the raining music.
Talking about sleep, during this climate it is a luxury to sleep under a blanket listening to rain. I personally like this time in Manipal.

It really works

I am sending this email from my GMail account. Immediately it will be published here on blogspot. It is as simple as that. You have the option of keeping this emails as drafts, edit it later and publish. Thanks to google team.
Blogging made easy......
Hail Google

email blogging

Hello,

Daily I am surprised to see the development of Google. You cannot imagine a web browser with out google search box. Blogging is simplified by them. Now email also can be blogged. Let me see how it works...

Painting - wonderful art

Hello everyone,
Yesterday I attended one inaugural function of works done by various junior artists in manipal campus. The function was brief and well organised. The main artists whose work were put up there were of 9th and 8th standard siblings, children of our ENT surgeon. All the works were fantastic. The amount of effort they had put in creating such masterpieces are tremendous and highly appreciated. I was thinking the other way round, those artists who don't have this much facility to exhibit and support, will remain unknown to the whole world. They will stay where they are and these journalists and socialists wont bother. I bet lot many talented people shall be there in slums, like our slum dogs....
What to do to bring out these talented underprivilaged, I really don't know. Our great politicians should spare their some time. Shall try to upload some pictures of the exhibit, congratulations to all the junior artists. You have done a wonderful, extraordinary job. All the very best for you.

Snaps during my cycle ride

Series of shots when I reached "The End Point", Manipal. The view was marvelous. The sun was hiding behind the clouds, which I mistook for sunset. The reflection of sun from the sea also can be seen.

I think this an abandoned tile factory in Manipal, but the chimney is beautiful.

MIT (Manipal Institute of Technology) swimming pool, with the umbrella, over which the water splashes and get energized. Favorite spot for sparrows and crows to quench their thirst.

Hello KMC, phone in program on AIR, Mangalore

Me, Dr. Aswini and Dr. Sivasankar started off from Manipal, at 5.30pm. Our destination was AIR, Mangalore. The road after Surathkal was very bumpy. We reached Mangalore at around 7pm. We took a right turn from Kadri circle. Found huge gate of AIR. The gate was half open. Our car could just pass through the gap provided. The security personnel gave a uninviting welcome.
We had a warm reception by the duty officer. Florin Roche was on duty that time and she would be conducting the talk show. Oh I forgot to tell you, we are going to witness a live phone in program by my friends. In her room one Philips radio was constantly clattering. That is giving her update of the programs going on air.

At sharp 7.45pm we were led to the studio. I was made to sit in the control room next to the recording area, along with engineer. They checked the mics, adjusted the sound level, saw whether the telephone lines are working fine. Announcer, from a different studio told the listeners about the coming program.
Exactly at 8pm they were on air. The moment clock struck 8, phone calls started piling. One by one was attended by a person in the control room. Instructions were given to the caller to make the question to be asked to the doctor as short as possible and relevant.
The program went on very well. The presenters came out beaming. We thanked her and others. Went to a hotel and had dinner, which was tasty even though the serving was in snail pace.
We came back to Manipal at around 11.50pm. I went in to a good sleep immediately.

burns fire!!!!

Today morning I got up with lot of hopes. I had planned for a good, tasty breakfast. On the menu was Poori. I put the frying pan with oil on the gas stove. Waited for the oil to boil, then put the rolled wheat dough in to it, which was cut in to regular circle using a lid. Everything went on well till the phone rang. In the hurry some oil spashed on to my right thumb. Immediately I placed the hand under tap water and hence major damage was averted.
The phone continued to ring. I went to attend the call. It was my brother. After five minutes, when I came to kitchen, the scene was frightening. The frying pan was on fire. I had forgotten to simmer the flame while going to attend the phone. Thick smoke filled the room. I some how swiched off the stove. Even after that, fire continued to dance over the pan. For a few seconds I didn't know what to do. Pouring water will be dangerous. I put a lid on to the frying pan. Slowly the fire got put off after this.
I thanked God profusely, for saving me from the imminent danger. I opened the windows and doors, came out of the house for fresh air. Slowly everything got settled. I felt the need for a small fire extinguisher in every home particularly in flats. Definitely I am going to procure one.

Calicut - real queen, hats off

I went to calicut few days back. Got down at the railway station at 5.30am. The city was very reluctantly opening it's eyes. People on footpath had already left for their morning chores. Police man was sleeping soundly in the Outpost room. I decided to walk slowly through the SM street. Some are leisurely sitting and puffing there beedies. The dawn was still hot and humid. I reached in front of Calicut nursing home, where my friend is working and is my today's landlord. Took out my HTC mobile and called him. Sleepish voice answered. He agreed to keep the door open. Watchman reluctanly permitted me inside and to the first floor where my friend is staying.

I entered the room which resembled a garage. Several years daily newspaper was piles up everywhere even on toilet flush. Soiled and cleaned clothes were nicely bundled up together. Only few square feet were available for me to keep my feet. I requested him to continue his sleep which he readily agreed. I went ahead boldly with my morning rituals, I mean brushing, bathing etc.
I called my another friend who is organizing the get together of my batch. To my joy, he had already arranged an innova from Hotel Renaissance, Palayam. I made up my mind to get out of this den. I set out towards Palayam. The road was full of petty vendors collecting there goods particularly fruits. The union leaders and others were shouting at the height of there voice. Small teashop was having heavy business. People were relishing there morning tea and 'Pathiri' a calicut specialty.
I wanted to eat some thing. Went directly to Hotel Ansar. Took some time for the waiter to recognize me. 'Noolputtu' (noodles) and egg curry was served. I wanted to have a tea but could not fulfill the desire as my watch showed I am running short of time.
I inquired to one taxi driver the whereabouts of Hotel Renaissance. Calicut people are very special in this regard. They will be ready to help you and see that you reach the correct spot. Same phenomena recurred. When I was standing near the entrance of the hotel I could recognize my older friends passing by even though could not exactly decipher the names.
We reached the place where the actual get together was arranged. Greeted by my friends whom I could, by Gods grace could recognize. Some have lost there hair and grown there paunch. Most of them have built there family in strength. Minimum was two kids. I could not find the basic instinct of some, who were considered as chronic irritants. Very polished, speaking only relevantly.
I returned back to calicut town with my soul full. I could spent time again, as a student among my friends. I went to KR Bakery in Palayam. From there went to Jaya auditorium, Tali to meet another friend and his family. I preferred to walk. No much changes.
He took me to his house where I took my food. I had luck to visit calicut beach. We both sat on the newly structured beach wall. Even though time was over 11pm people were still there on the beach, thanks to the humid climate. Except for a clash (minor) with a drunk beggar who wanted fiscal help, which we summarily rejected, everything went on well.
My return train came in the fourth platform, which I was unaware of the existence. There also calicutian helped. I rushed towards the new platform through the neo-overbridge. Luckily I got the train......

Watermelon tips

I was wondering how to buy a perfect watermelon. I ventured in to the internet jungle.

http://www.almanac.com/food/watermelontips.php

Came across the above webpage.......

When shopping for the perfect whole specimen, look for a symmetrical round, oval, or oblong watermelon with a buttery yellow underbelly. Pick it up -- it should feel heavy for its size, which tells you it is juicy and fresh. Avoid melons with soft spots or bruises. And although the rind should have a healthy sheen, color isn't a good guide to ripeness. Depending on the variety, a fine, ripe melon can vary from deep emerald green to very light green to various shades of green with pronounced stripes.
If you prefer to buy a smaller, cut melon, choose one with a bright color and firm-looking flesh. Don't buy it if it looks mealy or water-soaked.
Put the whole watermelon into the sink, gently wash with cool water, and dry with paper towels before cutting.
Store uncut watermelon at room temperature for longest life. It will stay fresh-tasting and sweet for up to two weeks after you purchase it if you keep it around 60°F. In hot weather, use it within a week.
If you have leftover cut melon, refrigerate it in an airtight container, or wrap loosely with plastic. Use within two days.
Never cook watermelon flesh; it loses texture and flavor when it is heated.
Be careful not to chop watermelon too fine or be too aggressive when chopping; it will disintegrate.
A watermelon won't grow in your stomach if you swallow a seed or two, but remove what you can to make it easier to eat. Or leave a few in. The world record for watermelon seed-spitting is held by Lee Wheelis, who propelled the winning seed 68 feet, 9-1/8 inches during the Luling Watermelon Thump festival in Texas in 1989.
The average melon yields about 1/2 cup of seeds. Put them into a skillet with 1/4 cup water and a sprinkling of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 10 minutes, until the water evaporates and the seeds are toasted and have lost all their moisture. Cool and use to garnish your next salad.
Watermelons are well named: They are 92 percent water. Fat free as well, a 2-cup serving contains 90 calories and is a good source of vitamins A and C.

Thanks for the tips. Great job ........

Puppy in Ajjarakkad Government Hospital, Udupi

Breakfast was too hot for her......

Posing to take her proper snap..........

Waiting for her friend kitten to come......