Gifting Tony's books

If there is one book I cannot live without, is Tony Robbins Awaken the Giant Within. What a book!  I can go on and on about this book, but I wanted to first demonstrate some of the principles discussed in this book.  I think I do so. 
This one book chose me as its reader.  I want to express my gratitude in some way. I was gifting this book to a few in the past.  From now, I would be gifting this book to atleast five every month.

Saturday weather

It's a pleasant Saturday weather and the creeper in front of my home is just beautiful.

Half Year Check Post

We all are crossing half the year now. The first 6 months was really packed for me - if not in physical life, atleast how my mental abilities were kept busy. I guess I was continuously on the run. Nevertheless, physical life too was very busy. I am enjoying what I am seeing here, what I am doing here. I pulled up my socks and took control of several things - yes, several things, - in my life.
I think it all happened because I had several moments of decisions. I took decisions - what is necessary at every stage. The phase that I am passing through is temporary. But I made a very strong, positive journey for myself.
Especially, I enjoyed talking to many people and was interested to know how contrast they could be in what they know and what they do. I really spent a great deal of time with several people.
I am looking forward to make 2013 another memorable year for me.

Director Manivannan

I could not believe that Director Manivannan is no more.  Whether he did a comedy role or supporting roles like father, mentor, uncle - he became one on the screen. Some of his movies that I remember at this moment is Sangamam (சங்கமம்) , Ullathai Alli Thaa (உள்ளத்தை  அள்ளித் தா), Mudhalvan (முதல்வன்), Amaidhi Padai (அமைதி படை). Sangamam (சங்கமம்) was the best I would say. I also still remember his movie Kodi Parakkudu (கொடி  பறக்குது) . In Padayappa (படையப்பா), he did a villain role. And how can we forget Avvai Shanmugi (அவ்வை சண்முகம்)? In Thambi (தம்பி), I remember the scene often where he tells Madhavan, "I see myself in you".
Now a personal secret - the influence of Director Manivannan is so much on me that his father character made me respect a security guard so much. 

How I ended the craze on new mobiles

At this time of writing this blog, I hope I have literally ended the craze on new mobiles. I dont know if it will pop up again by the time I finish writing this.
Like everyone, the advertisements on new mobiles lure me. The recent one being the exchange offer on buying Samsung Note II.  Somehow, I like the stylus feature. I researched on net whether to buy the Note II or not. It will help me to write and save the content for my blog while on the move. Its feature rich, trendy, wide screen etc. I can replace my laptop usage to large extent. I also went and spoke to friends who already have these gadgets and they seem to be enjoying these models.
I was undecided and I had to decide before the stocks are over. Then one night, I took the following thought process and killed the chase for a new model:
1. There are enough laptops, mobiles, tabs, televisions at home. Do I really need one more?
2. A best smartphone is yet to come in the market. Do I really need to pay 27K for this gadget which will get outdated soon?
3. By buying an advanced mobile which is feature rich, I am committing myself for more usage of it. Will that put my reading habits at risk?
4. Most of my friends to whose house I visit, they spend time in front of TV instead of engaging the guest (me!). Should I allow an electronic device take away the social interaction?
5. What impression am I giving to my child by buying this not-so-needed device?
6. What would be my reaction if I lose this mobile somewhere?
7. Am I truly practicing obsolescence management in my real life?
8. Will it be worth buying some great books for that 27K instead of a mobile. (Asking this question, there was a lust and twinkle in my eyes!!!)
9. Can a cheaper 10K Indian model will solve the urge, if I really need one big smartphone?
10. How different am I from the women folks who run after the jewel designs though they already have enough?

Yes, the madness is almost gone. In another one hour, I should be getting the morning newspapers. Hope the front page advertisements do not change my mind.
But the next monster is growing by now - Need for a smartbox - to make the not-so-smart-TV a smart ones. The battle starts now.

Great Men in My Hall

I woke up one day only to realize that I have some of the greatest men that history produced, have assembled in my hall. You guessed it - the books on / written by great men. This is not a standard statement. But when I look at the books on Benjamin Franklin, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Fredrich Nietzsche, Hellen Keller etc., I knew these are radiating special energy on my floor. Not because they are popular, but they are great people of our times.
On top of it, the books by my virtual mentor Anthony Robbins continue to guide me on everyday life. I am bibliophile, and I am feeling very responsible when I stand in front of my bookshelf.  I do not get fascinated by gold, house property, technology gadgets but the very sight of books make me a different person.
There are several great authors who have produced both best sellers and not best-selling ones. Though I can give several examples for best sellers, there are few non-best-selling books that fascinate me a lot: (1) Secret Life of Plants (2) Secret of the Soil  and few books I picked from British Library - Eating The Sun (Oliver Morton), Waste (by Tristram Stuart), Seasons of Life.
By NOT having read several good books, I know this world is immeasurable. I feel humbled at this very thought.