" BOLDER BOULDER 2007 "

The last Monday in May, The United States of America celebrates its Memorial Day in honor of the warriors and for those who had served the U.S. Armed Forces. This year it was on 28th May which was observed as a National holiday. The Memorial day tribute is one of the largest in the world. In Colorado, the venue was at Folsom Field Stadium situated south of the University of Colorado in Boulder where 50000 Walkers and 50000 Spectators gather. The event is described as " BOLDER BOULDER ".

The Memorial Day tribute includes skydivers with streaming colorful flags, a 29 gun salute and fly over by 4 U.S. military jets. Bolder Boulder called the citizens to join in a celebration to honor those who had given so much to the country. So Aparna and Natarajan joined and participated in Bolder Boulder 2007.

Monday, the 28th May 2007 will be a day to remember for us. We answered the call " Oh, Yes You Can , Challenge ! "and participated in the 10k.m. race, one of the largest races in the world through the scenic streets of historic Down Town, Boulder . A sea of 50,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers were all seen standing in a wave pattern. The wave pattern was codified with letters , A, AA, AB and so on. Aparna and I were part of the wave " NB" with Bib No. 369 and 370 resply. The entire participants' timing of the 10 k.m. ( 6.124 miles ) was carried out by Timing Mats spread at every mile of the run. We wore the tag NB 369,70 over the shoe for this purpose.

Earlier, Aparna and I set the alarm overnight for 4.30a.m. After a quick and steaming coffee, we finished bath and wore the T-Shirt mailed to us by BOLDER Boulder which bore slogans " RUN TO LIVE" on the back and "LIVE TO RUN " on the front of the T-shirt.. Aparna drove the car up to the pick-up point and the RIDE bus took us at 6 a.m. along with other runners to Boulder which is a 70 minute drive from Denver. We wore the BIB Nos. NB 369 and NB 370 respectively on the T-Shirts and the tags on the shoes. The time of start for NB wave was announced as 8.50.10.

We were keeping a very steady pace through out the 10k.m. length, speeding up in between and jogging at some stretch, in order to finish the race with the least time possible. We breathed the fresh mountain air, enjoyed the blair of music being played by professional singers in groups at various locations. The volunteers and public were standing through out the stretch cheering the Walkers and Racers. There were 420 mobile toilets. 16000 gallons of drinking water was consumed on the run by 50000 participants. The prize money in stake was US$1,00,600. The entry fee was $43. We were walking at a height of 5280feet in the Rocky Mountain above the mean sea level and the highest point we touched was 5390'. The average age of the walkers was 33, the strength of the constituents in the age 50 and above was 18percent and in the age group 35to 45 was 21%.

We were walking thru' the scenic streets of Boulder, taking fresh water, juices that were offered en route. We both finished simultaneously in less than 1hr 29min 50 seconds as per our watches. We are waiting to hear the official results which may be announced by tomorrow.

There were 50000 spectators gathered and seated in the stadium cheering us and what a thrill it provided at the finishing line is left to your imagination. They served in pockets breads, buns, muffins. chips, nuts, ice fruits, energy bars, juices and drinks after we crossed the finish line.

The Ride Buses were waiting to carry the runners and walkers to their destinations. We alighted at Santafe where we had parked the car and reached home before 1p.m. We were greeted by a thunderous applause by Highland Ranch neighbors. Sekhar and Parvathy bore a proud smile and child Karthik and boy Vignesh who were missing their mother for the whole day came running to hug Aparna, as she came out of the car.

There was a Creek festival in Boulder on the previous day ( 27 May ). There was a big shopping Mal with variety of vendors and articles and merchandise. Many food Stalls with delicious savories and sweets were inviting and we chose a Bombay food stall and ordered our favorites. It was almost 2 hours when finished coming out of the exit gate and called it a day.

Late in the evening of 26 May , we went to a Club and played " Bowling " for an hour. I hit twice and cleared all the 10 standings in one bowling . The scores of Aparna and Sekhar were of course the highest and ended in a tie.

It gives pleasure to write to all of you about our week end activities. It also gives an opportunity for you to understand what is happening here and how U.S. celebrates the National Memorial Day !!

" Eu-pho-ri-a " or " Eudaimonia "

Euphoria means a feeling of elation or wellbeing. Eudaimonia is a Greek word and etymologically, it consists of the word 'eu' meaning ' good or wellbeing '; and ' daimonia ' meaning ' spirit or deity used by extension to mean one's lot or future '. Eudaimonia is commonly translated as ' HAPPINESS ' in ENGLISH.

Humans place universal importance on happiness which is often associated with states like well-being, good health, safety, glad and delight. Happiness is influenced by the attitude, perspective taken on any circumstances. Bliss, joy, carefree, jovial, ecstatic, euphoric, thrilled, elated are common states of happiness.

' Eudaimonia ' , the term we translate for happiness, is for Aristotle, an activity rather than emotion or a state of being. People seek riches, wealth not for being rich but in order to be happy. Those who sought fame desired it not to be famous but they believed fame would bring happiness.

Happiness is characteristic of a good life which a man or woman fulfills human nature in an excellent way. Happiness is a virtuous activity of the soul in accordance with reason. Happiness is practice of virtue.

Americans refer happy life as "American Dream', which they believe can be achieved by hard work and determination.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. " If you love what you are doing, you will be successful" - "Albert Switzer"

Hellen Killer says " If one door of happiness closes, another one opens, but often we look at the door closed and not the door that has opened"

Happiness is not obtained through self gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy cause or purpose .

Happiness is all in away how we look at things around us and how we perceive them. How we interpret the state of affairs on the day to day basis carry a lot meaning to be happy. We don't take time in general to be happy and enjoy at what we have already achieved, but are carried away by future needs or goals. We feel we are still away from what we want to be.

If we can only admire the beauty of small things around us, the worthiness of little things what we already have, the tiny steps we have taken, we would truly feel a lot better. We should look or believe that life ahead is full of promise.

We shouldn't get obsessed with the future or too engulfed with the goals that WE FORGET TO LIVE OUR PRESENT and enjoy it. Keep your eyes on the future but keep your feet on the ground and the present for what it is worth.

" YOU CAN'T SHAKE HANDS WITH CLINCHED FIST "

Pinakapani was gazing the sky standing by the side of a garden on a Saturday late afternoon. He was pulled up by his manager in the office that day though he was not directly responsible for the happening. Krishna Rao, whom Pinalapani approaches normally whenever he had some problem, came that side by chance. Krishna Rao heard Pinakapani and felt sorry for what had happened. Nevertheless, he explained that it is necessary to subdue anger even though one may find it impossible to dissolve it.

Common causes of anger may be when one's security or defensive reactions which has been carefully built up over a period of time are being threatened or when one is questioned about his beliefs, sentiments or concepts. Instead of getting angry immediately, better to control oneself and make delay in answering. In the mean time, one can ask himself whether those concepts are really essential for one's comprehension of life. The thoughts of this nature, when some pause is intentionally created in the dialogs, will lead to cessation of anger.

Krishna Rao advised Pinakapani that " you can't shake hands with clinched fist '.
May be his manager has done some injustice. When we hear of injustice, we get angry.Is it because one is compassionate or love humanity ? Do compassion and anger dwell together? Will there be justice when hatred prevails in anger ?
Realization dawned on Pinakapani who shook his teacher's hand thankfully with a smile in his lips.

The Captain of the ' titanic ' ship could not have steered the ship to safety if his eyes and ears were blind folded. Even if his eyes were shut, he could have managed by allowing his ears to hear the directions given. Similarly when one becomes angry, he will not be able to see reason or hear advice from others. In a blindfolded condition, he will easily hurt others in anger.

When Ramesh was asked by his uncle, which parts of the body he liked most, he replied (1) tongue, (2) heart. His uncle followed up with another question, which two parts he disliked most. Ramesh hesitated for a while but replied this time also as (1) tongue, (2) heart. Ramesh volunteered to explain that his heart or mind creates temptation to eat the forbidden sweet and the tongue's taste buds enjoy the taste. Like wise when he is angry, the heart beats fast raising the b.p. and the tongue blasts at others in a foul manner. Neither we should allow ourselves to be blind folded nor refuse to seek good advice if we really to care to steer the ship to safety.

Some people are adept in controlling the anger. Instead of reacting in a bad manner, they resort to do good to others who lower their head in humiliation later.

When a person is asked his name or his spouse's name, what his children were doing, where his house was, etc., he answers. The same person when questioned whether he knows himself, he blinks. Why?

People, normally, make journeys or go out and thereby come to know people, places and details. Where as they don't make journey inside themselves. One's anger, likes, dislikes, hatred and so on, will disappear like ice melts under heat, when a person understands himself. According to Buddha, one can see the divine love residing inside if one cares to ponder himself. God resides inside oneself which reflects as " sublime love ". God should not be relegated to noun form alone. god needs to treated as a verb. The Earth revolves , the Sun revolves by itself without any fuel. How is it possible if we don't realize the ' doer '. " Do " functions relate to verbs and God is the doer in absence, as HE is omnipotent, omnipresent.

When in anger we don't think of God. Nevertheless, when we enter the exam hall, when we stand for election, when we are diseased or in situations where we are at loss to know what is happening, we think of the almighty and fold both our hands in prayer or in utter defense. In conditions of hale and healthy or when we feel lucky, we forget the name of God. This is a sort of ' escapist' theory.

Good habits, Prayers need to be inculcated at all stages of life to get rid of anger, ill feelings and for leading a purposeful life.

" Today is no Exception "

Sunday, May 20, 2007
" Today is no Exception "



A tangible benefit of staying for about 35 days after our arrival here,is seeing places - in a way I should say ' merry go round ' like. I used to think world is a very big place but after appreciating how Americagoes about, I am of the opinion that the world is a small business village due to globalisation techniques- a big globalfamily, beautiful in its diversity.

There has been a squeezing out of middle line in Corporate America - tobe more precise the middle man is out.

In today's world, the Society is becoming bi-polar, that is 'haves '
and ' have-nots'. America is a Nation of ' haves '. The Country realizes that " A CUSTOMER IS THE MAIN ACTOR IN THE MARKETING DRAMA '. Consumers demand a multiple of choices, varieties,etc. Consumers want it now.

" TODAY IS NO EXCEPTION ". This is the motto in the underlying commitment to provide the best service, overall value, and wide varieties of products possible - every day to the general public. There are many " Ways ", in U.S. to cater to this commitment.

1) " SUBWAY " is the name of a multinational flag ship fast food restaurant franchise that mainly sells Sandwiches and Salads. 'Live to eat'or 'eat to live' may be an enigmatic for a ready answer but an average American, male or female,live to eat, as evident from their healthy appearance. Subway meet their wants, which is the fastest growing chain. Subway functions inside Wall Mart Stores also. Their growth can be
attributed to the growing concern in health care which Subway has taken
advantage as a marketing strategy. Giant or King size sandwich is also available. They serve mainly Co-Cola. Pepsi , Pizzas , are added attraction, of late.

2) Subways also refer to mass transit system. Manhattan's sky-scrappers may be world famous but the Big-Apple's most impressive feat lies in the underground fast rail cars. Transportation needs are also taken care by call taxis, and "Ride"(s) .

3) Safe Way is a Fortune 500 company. It is the second largest Supermarket chain in U.S. Safe Way is a brand name used by several supermarket chains around the world. They are in Ireland, U.K., and Safe Way Australia is a subsidiary of Wool Worth Ltd, to site a few examples.

4) WALL * MART is currently world's second largest Corporation behind the oil giant Exxonmobil. It is the largest grocery retailer in U.S. WALL*MART Discount Stores sell general merchandise products and selective food items. Wall*MART operates Sam's Club , a chain of warehouse clubs that sell groceries and general merchandise.

5) KING SOOPERS is grocery chain stores with significant presence in Colorado. Bakery, diary , frozen foods, meat, pharmacy, snacks, liquor, books are the main products. Those who buy 20 items and more can move to the fast lane and make the payment. Self scan and check- out facility is also available. Baby seats are available in the cart to enable mothers to carry out the shopping needs along with the infants.

6) Home Depot is an American retailer for home improvement and construction products. There are more than 2000 stores where 35500 people are employed. They operate big box format stores for a turnover of US$ 91 billion and currently occupy the 20th spot in Fortune 500 .

7) Target is the 3rd largest seller of music in U.S. They are mass merchandise seller and 6th largest retailer behind WALL*MART in U.S. Target is recognized as the largest seller of gift cards in America.

8) India Market or India Stores operate in most of the counties in U.S.A. They take care of the needs of Indians. Most of the vegetables, Pickles, Basmati Rice, Atta, snacks like'murrukku', 'thenkoszal' etc., groceries & provision and masala items are shipped from India. Indians manage the stores and U.S.Indians have no grudge in not locating their sweet home nostalgia products, some of them, though at a premium..

9) Walgreens is a pharmacy chain, mail service pharmacy, in U.S. There are more than 5500 walgreens and annual sales from each store amounts to US$7.9 million. they operate 24 hours, all days in a week. They also have a photo lab, cosmetics and select merchandise. In selected cities, certified staff diagnosis, treatment for general illness is available.

10) Communication needs are met in a novel way in U.S. I find " NEWS STAND " in all locations where movement of people in their vehicles are more. There are two are three green colored boxes stand on the floor with suitable titles. " Denver Post ", other popular magazines like ' Home ', "Mail', etc., are all available and one can pick up their likes on pay and carry basis. They have a system of dropping the news paper wrapped in a polythene cover at the outside of the house which will be lying unattended in sun, rain, snow and mist. People take them home as when they return or at their leisure if at home. The news papers are dropped by the driver of the carrier vehicle.

11) Besides this, there are full pledged libraries for every county and the residents become automatic members. We have started reading New York Times Best selling authors like Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Noel Hynd, Gresham etc. When we return the books, there is no need to go into the library. We can simply drop the Books in the four big drop boxes kept in the run way. As we are taking the turn in the car, we can drive near to the drop boxes and just shove the books and keep going. The computerized system take care of the records towards books issued and returned.

12) Fuel filling is carried out by the respective vehicle owners by swapping the card and setting the gauges.

12) Monday is one day fixed in a week for clearing the garbages for which every house is provided with a 4' high, green colored container with wheels. The house wife are seen busy on Monday early mornings to dump all the week's garbage in the green container and move it just up to the elevated curve outside the house. A vehicle between 7 to 8 a.m. will clear the debris and leave the empty greens inside the car garage.

Note : - There are many other retail markets in U.S. which may not find mention in this article, probably we might not have had a chance to pass thru' or visit so far.

The retail markets ask the consumers " Tell us how we are doing " by opinion survey with a printed format where the evaluation is carried out by the consumers in 1 to 5 rating scale about the produce , price and services. Customer Service Specialists are available for this purpose. Take for instance any retail market say King soopers or SubWay. Each one of them is standardised in respect of space, inside lay out, design of stores, type of produces, service area, number employed, through out United States , so much so the King Soopers in New York , Colorado or Ohio may all look alike.

Pl.read the third line in para 3 above where I have commented that a customer is the main actor in this marketing drama. The U.S. is conscious about the strategy and en devours to keep this important actor satisfied always - today is no exception.

" VISIT TO COLORADO'S NATURAL WONDER "

Saturday , May 12th , 2007 morning, we saw a clear blue sky and being the week end, we made up our mind to visit Colorado's Springs to see Royal Gorge Bridge and the Park. There was a spring in our steps, joy in our hearts as we know we will be visiting Colorado's Natural Wonder. The place is situated at a distance of about 200 k.m. from our residence. Aparna made some food for baby Karthik, bought some crisp snacks, and it was also decided to have the lunch out. karthik and Vignesh were seated in the baby seats, we both in the rear, Aparna in the front and Sekhar took the wheels of Honda Oddessy and it was 10.30 a.m., the car started moving south words and started speeding up to 110 k.m. The music system started playing melodious songs while the TV showed a Spider Man movie which Vignesh stared enjoying.

We had a sumptuous lunch at about 12.45 p.m. before buying the entry tickets to Royal Gorge and the Park. A Gorge is a passage with steep sides enclosed on each side by the mountains. In fact, as we were driving south, we saw the ROCKY MOUNTAIN Stretch on the west and as we were nearing the place, the stretch of the mountains were in all the four sides which meant we were driving into the mountain. A long green stretch at the ground level and the scenic mountain sight all around made us to wonder what " NATURE " is !!

NATURE IS MANIFESTATION OF GOD. STUDY NATURE, LOVE NATURE, STAY CLOSE TO NATURE. IT WILL NEVER FAIL YOU. Togetherness is a bond which one enjoys in the midst of the family members. Love is a canvas furnished by NATURE and embroidered by imagination. In my opinion, nothing occurs contrary to Nature except the impossible and that never happens.

WORLD'S HIGHEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE:

The Royal gorge Bridge & Park is a great attraction for all ages. It is a world's highest suspension bridge stung 1053 feet above the Arkansas River. Baby Karthik was put in the stroller and all of us started walking through the bridge whose length is 1260 feet, width 18 feet. the towers stood 150' high and galvanised wire strands in each cables of huge weight in suspension. The cost of building such a suspension bridge today will certainly amount over US$15 million.

WORLD'S STEEPEST INCLINE RAILWAY ;

We, next boarded this world's steepest railway and started going down 1550feet, at 45 degree angle. It is an OTIS Elevator with SCR Drive system. We descended at a speed of 3mph and in 5.5 minutes we were at the bottom of the Canyon. We dipped our feet in the White water of the Arkansas river. Arkansas River water was transported as drinking water by wood stock pipes till 1974 to Colorado city.

World's Longest Single-Span Aerial Tram ;

The tram drive is at a height of 1178' and the distance travelled is 2200'. It is world's longest single span aerial tram.

World's highest Sky coaster:

Height: 100', height above Arkansas River:1300'. one to three people harnessed in the drive. The Royal Rush Sky Coaster releases harnessed riders a 100' tower and swings out over the Royal gorge. The swing at a height of 1200' thrills the riders. Thrill seekers will love the Free fall plummeting up to 50 miles per hour with nothing but the air between them and the canyon floor.

Water Clock :

One of only three in the world, the water clock is electronically powered. The gushing water is turning the medium sized wheel. Visitors can read exact time, day, month and year.

Wild Life Park:

Native Colorado animals - royal Mountain Bighorn sheep generally found at 8000' elevation. American Bi sons with a heavily mantled shoulders, Rocky mountain Elks, the vanishing tribes were all seen in a calm atmosphere, though they are wild species

' Buckskin Joe '. This a model town of the famous frontier town of 1860s where bull fighters hold shootouts on the streets. Buckskin Joe attraction in Royal Gorge is just an inspiration of the old town faithfully restored.

Note: In 1880s passengers began experiencing the spectacular beauty of the royal gorge from the rails of the Denver & Rio Grandee western Train line.

We enjoyed some of the most breath taking scenery in the world. Besides all we enjoyed FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR IN COLORADO'S WORLD WONDER.
We did not take the Raft Master adventure , an enjoyable trip over the white water of Arkansas river through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We believe it is a world class excitement over water !!

After some finishing touches, we had juicy three in one fantasies, before we decided to call it a day. The return drive lasting a little less than three hours was equally enjoyable. We reached home by 6.45p.m. The children enjoyed the fun. We enjoyed the Nature's wonder!!

Art begins where Nature ends! Every Artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his picture !!

" THE RED STONE PARK "

" The Red Stone Park in Highlands Ranch "

Last Sunday by 10.00 a.m., we all had a drive to Red Stone Park in Denver, which is situated at a short distance from High Lands Ranch where we stay. The Park is one of the Highlands Ranch outdoors and the development of such outdoors is a part of the community involvement.The High lands Ranch boasts 17 parks, more than 50 miles of trials and 2000 acres of open space. In fact Chat field State Park is said to be a jewel featuring water recreation opportunity and unique Rock formations and wild life.

" ONE TOUCH OF NATURE MAKES THE WHOLE WORLD KIN " - so says Shakespeare. We go to Nature to be soothed and healed and have our senses put in order. The strength of recreation facility in America stems from a deep feeling of community responsibilities.

The Red Stone Park is a vast outdoor of 22, 000 Sq.foot skate area. Parks are great social gathering places that help give neighborhoods a common bond. The green field spreads through out where we saw four foot ball matches were being played simultaneously. The players were young boys and girls only. They were representing different Schools and to our delight we saw the matches in thick of competition but in a true sporting spirit. A girl, may be 11 year old, was anticipating a pass from the sides and the moment the ball reached near, she swung at it and carried it in a serpentine route, overtaking the hurdlers and went near the goal post and without making any mistake , gently pushed into the goal, a perfect winner !!. . We joined the crowd and gave a hearty round of applause. The parents rushed to the girl for a hug and gave her a sweet drink.

There was a fishing pond in the park where the habitual fishing men and women were seen in action. The walking way was around the park and I started walking. A round makes it to almost half a k.m. which I derived by experience from the time consumed for making the round. There were other sports going on in groups. The School children were wearing colorful jackets with red, yellow or blue stripes.

There were enough shelters in the park where the visitors were spreading. Some were seen taking sun-bath. Dog-walking was also a common feature and varieties include Dalmatian, Rottle, Dingo, Daisy, Australian Bull dog and Shepherd, Silky Jack, Husky, Mountain Dog, Japillon. The walkers while crossing others greet each other with a smile. I was cautious while crossing a dog-walker. There were rest rooms also for answering nature's calls.

Well laid Tennis Courts which I counted as five are added facility in the park arena.. The small baby , Karthik , was under care of Parvathy , while the elder boy Vignesh was with his father. Vignesh brought his cycle (RPT> bicycle), a new one, and was seen cycling without any fear in a swift way. His father was taking care of his needs. It was also nice to see other parents giving coaching to their off-springs in different sports. Rugby, soccer to soft ball were all in play.

The outdoor amenities reduce stress, improve personal fitness and health and heralds an active life style. What a way to live !

" LOOK DEEP INTO THE NATURE AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING BETTER " . These are the words of THE GREAT ALBERT EINSTEIN which come in my mind at this opportune moment.

I came to know that Highlands Ranch, has been named a " TREE CITY USA ". In addition, the Metro city received a Sterling Tree City USA Award in 2001. They celebrate this day in every April with volunteer tree planting event.

There are two new colonies coming up in Highlands ranch in Denver County and I learn that with this expansion, the number of total houses will amount to one lakh and the county has decided not to allow any further expansion.

We returned home from the park by 1 p.m. and sat for a sumptuous lunch.

" Denver Museum of Nature & Science "

I have a lot to say after our visit to Denver Museum of NATURE & SCIENCE during the first week end of May. I know not how far I will be able to describe. The Museum is located in Colorado Blvd, about 45 minutes drive from our place of stay.

The entry fee for an adult is US$10 and we started the round around Noon. The Museum has separate sections for anthropology,zoology,paleontology,health Sciences. Rocky Mountain Region's most enduring and inspiring Institution is this Museum which is renowned exploratory research of nature and science that affect our lives everyday.

The Museum houses :-

1) PHIPPS IMAX THEATER
2) GATES PLANETARIUM
3) THE MUSEUM SHOP
4) T-REX CAFE

THE EXHIBITIONS - CURRENT:-

1) BENJAMIN FRANKLIN IN SEARCH OF A BETTER WORLD - ( We were lucky to see this special as the exhibition has been sponsered for two weeks only by Philadelphia, the native town of Franklin)

2)ART IN SCIENCE/ SCIENCE IN ART
3)DISCOVERY ZONE
4)EGYPTIAN MUMMIES
5)GEMS & MINERALS
6)HALL OF LIFE
7)NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURES
8) PREHISTORIC JOURNEY
9)SPACE ODYSSEY
10) WILD LIFE EXHIBITION

Benjamin Franklin's contributions in search of a better world even today resonate in U.S.A. He was a Scientist, Entrepreneur, Diplomat, Inventor and Philanthropist. He started his life as Master Printer. His inventions includes bbifocals, swim fins, flexible catheter. He served as the Post master General of north America, co-founder of first public hospital, circulating library, to name a few. He had his quirts aswell in playing Guitar & violin.

As a diplomat, he is involved in signing FIVE major documents. The declaration of independence in July4, 1776 when colonial America freed itself from the clutches of Great Briton. The second one is Constitution of the United states of America on sep17,1787.

the Franklin Exhibition has many computer based interactive kiosks, hands-on displays that borrow Benjamin Franklin's curiosity, wit and wisdom. His quotes are famous and you all can have a feel of them:-

*“Time is money.”

“There never was a good war or a bad peace.”
“I would rather have it said, He lived usefully, than, He died rich.”
“Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”
“He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
“To pour forth benefits for the common good is divine.”
“If any form of government is capable of making a nation happy, ours I think bids fair now for producing that effect. But after all, much depends on the people who are to be governed.”
“Reading makes a full Man, Meditation a profound Man, discourse a clear Man.”
“I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly...the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America...He is besides, tho’ a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.”
“Work as if you were to live 100 Years, Pray as if you were to die To-morrow.”
“The noblest question in the world is What Good may I do in it?”
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
“A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.”
I leave it to the readers' imagination for the details of other exhibitions. It was almost 5p.m. when we decided to call it a day, as my two grand sons became hungry and restless.

' Money Matters "

The weather in Denver, after 3 weeks after our landing, seems to proclaim that this part of the year and the time to come would prove more favorable, as viewed from the visitors' angle.

A sandwich and a shower is preferred before going for a brisk and long walk say after 9 a.m. when the sun is just good enough to ensure warm atmosphere,
and the wind optimum. My daughter's residence is situated in cul-de-sack in Bucknelll Ct in High lands Ranch and I take the Bucknell Way towards west where the view of the Colorado mountain will stand majestic before the eyes and will also appear as close as possible. Coloradans call it affectionately as " ROCKY MOUNTAINS " and they go cycling up the Rocky Mountains. We are also planning a picnic in the Springs.

As I walk along, the sight of the green meadows on either side will be pleasing and I started wondering how they remain ever green in this cold and hot weather. As if somebody heard my question, the answer came before me when water started gushing from different pipes installed at various angles, through out the stretch. The copious water was pouring fountain like and splashing across the green grass. I turned to see if anybody is operating and my guess was right. A tall fat American with dense side burns, thinning hair, in a fitting brown or khaki dress was using a cell phone with remote control buttons and was seen in action. As he was pressing the buttons, it seemed the water which started pouring from the near by pipes was about to hit me as I was walking along the meadows. The fat American smiled at me as I was speeding my steps.

I changed my direction of walk towards north and took the way via Forest Hills to Kite H auk and down. The row of houses on either side with a court yard and surrounding lawn looked fabulous. The first two lines of ' pride and prejudice ' flashed in my mind. " It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighborhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families that he is considered as the rightful property of some or other of their daughters." I quoted Jane Austen here as I thought it was fitting into the scenario under description.

However when talking about good fortune or money-matters , a short story which I had heard long before comes in my thoughts. Raghuvaran is the hero of this story who used to go daily to a particular tree at forlorn and sit at the foot of the tree. He would fix his eyes exactly at the roots of a tree situated diagonally opposite and he used to spend quite sometime in this way daily. His friends, neighbors, passers by queried what was his purpose, but in vain. They also stopped disturbing his mood. One day a thief who spread his boot in a bush near by, suddenly was taken aback to notice Raghuvaran gazing something . He thanked God that Raghuvaran had no interest in seeing around. The thief started noting the place where Raghuvaran's eyes were fixed. The thief made his plans to search that place at a lonely time. The thief dug open the place in two days time and to his dismay found a treasure box full of currencies, jewels and ornaments. Suffice to say this booty , the thief told himself , was indeed a big golden fish. He pocketed them and ran away unnoticed.

The next day proved horrible to Raghuvaran . It dawned on him from the scratches on the ground some thief had swallowed his hard earned money which he had kept as a treasure deep under the tree. He was crying loud when an elderly man attempted to pacify his grouse. He heard Raghuvaran and told him that the money buried would never be of use to him. Raghuvaran also admitted in the negative, when the elderly man asked him, whether he would spend the money if he got back. The money which is not in circulation has no value and the elderly man advised him not to repent on the matter and call it ' good riddance '.

' The money is that which money does ' is by definition in economics and my illustrious friends may know more about it.