Expansion

It is a well established scientific fact that the entropy of universe is increasing. This is true for Earth as well. Expansion at a rapid rate lesser physical and social space available. Perhaps the Sci-fi notion of colonies in moon and mars might be commonplace in the next few decades!

No. of people with pot-belly has increased in recent times, so has average size of breasts. Weight of school bags has increased, so has the marks students get in board exams! Internet is used by many new people every next day, content on the internet is increasing as well.

Expansion in human settlements is nothing new, but the expansion rate has increased manifold in recent times. While some own a lot of land, some others cringe and sleep due to scarcity of it.

Automation in most of our daily activities has in turn seen people taking part in many art forms, i.e., expansion in participation of people, be it as a participant or audience. Parents so happily send their kids to hobby classes, adult professionals form clubs or communities based on similar interests. Another reason for expansion in participation could be convenience due to technology, especially in case of writing (blogs) and photography (digicam & flickr).

Inflation, it is said is good for the growth of economy and has been there for a very long time.

Gas expands when given more space to occupy. Most of us are also like that, scattering things here and there if given a large space to stay. In a small room, all the scattering is done in a limited space. :D

While playing Age of Empires (AOE), I learnt that expansion of one's empire is very important for survival, especially if the enemy is stronger. The enemy takes longer time to hunt and kill when one has expanded one's empire, or vice-versa. Same is true for businesses and associated ventures as well! Expansion means growth.
Can it be said that diseases spread, or expand over a larger no. of people to sustain itself for a longer time!

There is no conclusion of this post, it'll be updated and expanded now and then.

Skeptical

My friend asks me, "What does skeptical mean?"
I hear his faint voice but am not sure if I should respond. He then nudges me.
I unplug my earphones, look at him.
He repeat his question, I ask, "where?"
He points at a comment on his post.
I say, "Not sure."

Okay (OK)

"Okay"
A ready response to any kind of conversation.

OK or Okay is quintessentially an American English word, one of the few, that has spread to other languages.
The story of origin of OK is quite interesting.

Okay is convenient, easy to use, short and suits almost anywhere and everywhere in the conversation, except as response to a question!

I remember reading "Horn O.K. Please" at the back of Indian trucks, but why O.K. written in between still perplexed me. Finally I found a satisfying answer:
"My logic to this 'Horn OK Please' is: Truck is informing the vehicle behind, 'Horn Please', if it has to overtake. In reply, the vehicle behind agrees and says,'OK'. That's why the fonts are different for these 2 terms." - K G Pawan Kumar, Mumbai.
So simple!
Okay?
Okay!
Okay. :)
Okay. :D
Okay. :(
Okay. X(
Okay. :O
It fits in everywhere !!
Okay, or OK has been shrunk to 'k' in online chats and SMSs. It can't get any shorter!

P.S. - Any other word with universal/widespread utility? Fuck.
To avoid using the F word, a person might forcefully use the O word, OK! :D

Cleanliness is goodliness

True. Not debatable... or maybe it is.
Clean living conditions, clean neighborhood act as good living conditions and keeps the dwellers in a pleasant mood in general. It also adds to one's good habits, helps keeping good health and gives good impression. Maintaining cleanliness does take a little extra effort but its worth it.
But as for everything, obsession spoils. A person obsessed with cleanliness can't and won't tolerate anything otherwise. Sometimes it does get difficult to stay in presence of such a person. The obsession with cleanliness takes away the goodliness factor.
Interestingly when I start cleaning up my room I enjoy it. Its quite a recreational activity, sweeping, cleaning up the cob webs from all the corners of the room, collecting empty packets and wrappers from under the table and under the bed etc.

Easiest and most convenient, which apparently looks inconvenient, way is to always keep things at their properly assigned place. A well organized space (in this case, a room) has maximum chances of remaining clean. A rack for clothes, for shoes, for books, a dustbin for garbage etc.

Making one's bed after waking up is a good habit and adds to cleanliness and goodliness.

Before arrival of guests, people sincerely tidy their room, spray perfume/deo in the air, spread clean bedsheet and maybe stuff the closets and cupboard with things, assign kids responsibility of tidying up their respective rooms etc.

P.S. - My mother cleaned up my room when she visited me this week in college... felt ashamed of myself. :(

I am "scientist".

Nicknames, or Petnames... everybody has one, right? They're short, amusing or hilarious at times, and almost everytime called out with a hint of affection and suggests a sense of familiarity.
The origin of Nicknames are the most interesting part, especially if the birth of the nickname was in a friends' circle... one of my batchmates got bald and friends started calling him ganja (bald), one of my friend's surname rhymes closely with DVD, so people call him DVD, which later changed to dude as well!
People often ask me why I was/am called "scientist" by my batchmates. Perhaps because of my style of cracking PJs or some of my unique responses during a group BC (or chat), mixing scientific facts with nuances of our daily lives or perhaps because I got highest marks in the first exam taken in IIIT for UG2K5.
Whatever the reason be, Nicknames or petnames make life interesting and evidently show the level of innovation people can be capable of!
Nicknames or petnames are generally shorter than the name or has a more appealing intonation or meaning, or is amusing! For example, my batchmate and friend Manish Kumar Sharma is called MKS or Mux! My batchmate and friend Mohit was called Muggles (borrowed from Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling) which was later changed to Mugglu by others, and it really suits him, such a cute name! :D

Bowing and Touching Feet

Bowing and touching feet of elders and teachers has been an integral part of Hindu culture. I believe that bowing and touching feet is the greatest gesture of respect one can show. Sadly, I don't feel like bowing and touching feet.
My parents, especially my father often make it a point that I touch feet of elders in our family. And its only for guys to do so, not for daughters, still don't know why! I forget to touch feet because I don't feel like, and prior to meeting the elders, my parents remind me that I have to touch their feet. :D
I have never touched feet of my parents, I don't know why, sometimes I feel guilty about it, other times I feel my parents understand me and I feel grateful about it. I don't have any problem with touching feet but it doesn't come naturally to me.
In a social gathering, I have to remind myself to touch feet of elders of the age of my grandparents, and shake hands with others, else I forget what to do! I become a dud in a social gathering, especially among strangers, and I hate that.
I somehow tend to respect those who touch feet of elders, because its the greatest gesture of respect one can show.
Bowing had been there in other cultures, but bowing and touching feet is a part of Hindu culture and its one of many things I love about Hindu culture!

P.S. - It is said in Hindu Culture that if someone touches your feet, you are obliged to bless that person! So beware, don't let anyone whom you don't wish to bless, touch your feet. :D Something of this sort happened in Mahabharata, but I can't seem to recall what!

My First Mobile Phone

is no more with me. I had to give it to my mother because she wanted a sturdy model, rather than an expensive and frilly one. Owing to my long time laziness, I didn't buy another mobile phone and now I am mobile phone less.
After my mother left, I missed my phone terribly. I missed the vibration it emanated while it rang, followed by the ring-tone which was self-designed. I missed rotating it between my thumb and middle finger, I missed calling anyone anytime of the day. It was always there with me and for me. It was quite efficient, even at low battery power, or in switched off state, it rung its alarm so that I wake up. It was my first mobile... Nokia 1100... efficient and sturdy.
But, now without a mobile phone, I do like it for some other reasons! I am not disturbed by the useless automatic calls with synthetic voice on the other side, I don't get useless SMSs, I don't get call from anywhere! :D It is I who can call others, so I am in control as to whom I would talk to!
Now I do have to buy a new mobile phone... my SIM card is getting bored! Any suggestions?!
Oh yes, I would like to have a camera (atleast 2 Megapixel), sturdy (i.e., water resistant and could withstand shock like hitting the concrete floor from bed or chair and surviving), FM and MP3 player not really compulsary, budget Rs. 5000/-

My Favorite Songs

"How to save a life" - The Fray
"What hurts the most" - Rascal Flatts
"The Man Who Sold The World" - Nirvana
"Brand New Day" - Ryan Star
"This Time (Acoustic)" - DJ Antonio
"Believe" - Bravery
"Eye of the Tiger" - Survivor
"Bubbly" - Colbie Caillat.
"Friend or Foe" - t.A.T.u
"Ever Dream" - Nightwish
"Still got the blues" - Gary Moore
"Out in the fields" - Gary Moore and Phil Lynott
"Broken Arrow" - Pixie Lott
"The Sound of Silence" - Simon and Garfunkel
"In the Shadows" - The Rasmus
"The Final Countdown" - Europe
"Enjoy the Silence" - Depeche Mode
"Butterfly Kisses" - Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas
"Join me in death" - HIM
"Halleluja" - Rammstein
"Just give me a reason" - Pink.
"Sleepthief" - Eurydice feat. Jody Quine
"Need you now" - Lady Antebellum
"Till summer comes around" - Keith Urban
"The Way I Are" - Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson and D.O.E.
"Overkill" - Colin Hay
"Cheri Cheri lady" - Modern Talking
"Don't dream It's over" - Sixpence None The Richer
"Dracula From Houston" - Butthole Surfers
"Paparazzi" - Lady Gaga
"Fireflies" - Owl City
"Get busy" - Sean Paul
"Frozen" - Madonna
"Do you remember" - Jay Sean
"When I grow up" - Pussy Cat Dolls
"Stayin' Alive" - Bee Gees
"It's not my time" - 3 doors down
"Moon River" - Johnny Mercer (lyrics) and Henry Mancini (music)
"Dare you to move" - Switchfoot
"Fernando" - ABBA
"Real world" - The All American Rejects
"A walk in the rain" - Yanni
"Making love out nothing at all" - Air Supply
"Rumors" - Lindsay Lohan
"Fly" - Hilary Duff
"Flowers on the grave" - September
"Tattoo" - Jordin Sparks
"complicated" - Avril
"wish you were here" - Pink Floyd
"We didn't start the fire" - Billy Joel
"Hotel California" - Eagles
"Animal Instincts" - Cranberries
"Hanging by the moment" - Lifehouse
"Shine" - Collective Soul
"Ulysses" - Franz Ferdinand
"Beautiful" - Akon
"I gotta feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
"Brighter Than Sunshine" - Aqualung
"These Two Hands" - Hana Pestle
"Unbreak my heart" - Tony Braxton
"7 days" - Craig David
"Anybody seen my baby?" - The Rolling Stones
"Bodies" - Robbie Williams
"Drops of Jupiter" - Train
"Alive" - Pearl Jam.
"Losing my religion" - R.E.M.
"Love Hurts" - Incubus.
"When I dream at night" - Marc Anthony.
"Breathless" - The Corrs.
"Colorblind" - Darius.
"How you remind me" - Nickelback.
"Helpless when she smiles" - Backstreet Boys.
"Apologize" - One Republic.
"Walk On" - U2.
"Smack That" - Akon, with Eminem.
"Turn the page" - Metallica.
"Blood Brothers" - Iron Maiden.
"Its my life" - Bon Jovi.
"The Reason" - Hoobastank.
"Numb" - Linkin Park.
"Diary of Jane" - Breaking Benjamin.
"Carnival of Rust" - Poets of the Fall.
"These Two Hands" - Hana Pestle.
"Layla" - Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton).
"Right Round" - Flo Rida.

"Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho.
"Aashayein" - Iqbal.
"Lakshya ko har haal mein paana hai" - Lakshya
"Aazaadiyan Pairon Ki Bediyan"- Amit Trivedi et al.

The list would be updated now and then!

Bathing

Bathing is one of the most vital human ritual and must be done regularly, or on regular basis. Cleansing one's body is very important. Apart from possibility of skin diseases and stinking after a few days, one starts feeling not so good and bathing at once refreshes one's body and mind.
Bathing in summers is fun, but bathing in winters can be a punishment for some (that includes me). Water has inherent quality of a coolant and even warm water can provide relief from cold for only some time.
Bathing should not be a compulsion as much as a fun activity. Many people sing fondly while bathing, and one might even get some useful ideas while bathing (personal experience). Also, since a person is alone while bathing, it could be added to the quality time spent with oneself. :D
Bathing under shower is best, as it requires minimum effort. Bathing under tube well in open is supposed to be exciting, haven't had the pleasure to do so.
Many people start their day with bathing, while some others don't bathe for days (including me). Whatever be the behavior towards bathing, an irregular bather also enjoys bathing.
Bathing is not a compulsory activity and life without bathing isn't much different. But like all the other good habits, bathing helps in maintaining healthy body and mind!

P.S. - Swimming doesn't count as bathing
P.S. - Dipping in holy waters polluted over the years might have reverse bathing effect. :D

Curiosity

Curiosity takes the better of everyone of us at some point of time in life. It took the better of Eve when she ate the apple.
Sometimes, and almost all of us must have observed this, while sitting in an organized group for a purpose, be it for listening to someone talk or sing or play, or maybe at mess during a meal, a voice/noise is heard from a certain direction and almost everyone turns towards that direction to see what happened... a few times I tried not to turn and look and felt uncomfortable, as if I was opposing my natural instincts.
Sometimes in movies I see a character, alone, walking in a dark alley or a corridor with a lantern, or a candle or a weapon maybe, looking for something/someone or following a noise/voice and I wonder, why does he/she have to be so inquisitive about it, he/she would definitely die, the ghost/killer would kill him/her too. Ghosts do use this technique of making sounds or voices to isolate a person and scare them in a lonely place and perhaps kill him/her in the process. :D
Curiosity made Newton wonder why the apple falls down, Galileo/Copernicus about the planetary motions, and Einstein about the nature of light. Curiosity propels progress, retains interest, and make life less boring, even if it means death in the process.
Getting attracted by sounds, light or other form of senses is a basic instinct found in almost all living species. Its a response to stimuli and but natural. Besides, one does discover wonderful things in the process. Moreover, being curious and asking questions is a part of growing. Nature teaches us some things before birth and other things are left for us to discover.

Don't give up

He tries very hard, tells himself not to give up. His body is aching, he is shivering, can barely sit up, but it has to be done. With shaky movements he walks to the loo, and back, feeling dizzy, quickly lies on bed, a blanket on himself. He feels thirsty, looks at his empty bottle,
"Not again!"