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Bill Marriott's Blog

Recently, I was struck by the 'blog reading bug' and i think its fun to read what people around the world relate to things that are happening around. It makes the world a smaller and much closer place. It ushers in a level of intimacy that definitely breaks so many boundaries.

Here is one that got my attention: http://www.blogs.marriott.com/archive/default.asp?item=2319978

No, before you suspect that I am promoting the Marriott, let me clarify. I am not a hospitality student or an employee hoping to move up the ladder in the Marriott but I definitely enjoy reading the blog by Bill Marriott, the CEO of Marriott group. His articles are so interesting without being boring. Nothing spells like a preachy business sermon. It makes sense. Yet, of course i am aware that he is promoting his brand in a most effective way. Still i like to relate to Bill's take on events that are happening around us, be it Obama's win or planning family holidays, things like that.

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Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. READ: Which type of Diya is good for your home What does Deepam represent? Attukal Pongala Story of Shivaji ] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. What is the purpose of lighting a diya? Light dispels darkness. When we light a diya, we bring light into our hopes and positive energy in our personal spaces. Nothing is more beautiful than Light. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. ...

A Book Review: Pervin Saket's novel 'Urmila' is a beautifully crafted, compelling story that you must read

At 4 AM, I almost fell asleep at the New Delhi airport while waiting for my flight to Bangalore. This is when Pervin Saket’s novel titled ‘Urmila’ caught my eye. I was suddenly wide awake. I was glued to the book ‘Urmila’ right from the moment I found my seat. Pervin Saket’s novel ‘Urmila’ makes the reader pause and wonder after every chapter, “What’s going through Urmila’s mind now? What will happen next?” Here’s a sentence that I particularly loved: “ The moment a desire dies is a sharp one. As pointed as the splutter of a mustard seed, as shrill as a whine, as heavy as a star on a clear night. ” Here’s another one: “ Marriage is an act of balance. On the one hand, you feel right about something and you make a decision. On the other hand, once you decide, you make it right. ” ‘Urmila’ is a contemporary take on a woman’s inner journey and the physical experience of a loveless marriage, where her spouse is more devoted to his sibling.  The au...

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

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Korean Instant Noodle Consumption Second Highest in the World

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