Thursday, July 31, 2008

Inspirational/Interesting Read

Now I'm sure most of us have heard about Ivana Trump's wedding a while ago. Well, what was interesting for me though was the fact that her ex-husband "The Donald" was an active participant in the wedding events. Anyways, that apart, I came across this article on the web, Ivana Trump: 'I'd Rather Be a Nanny Than a Nursemaid'. I really liked what she wrote....very inspirational...especially the last para.
I would like to add that no one person is big or small, everyone is equal and everyone has something from their life that is invaluable to others in the form of advice. So, don't just think you are the best and the rest are below you...Think you are the best, but learn from others and also teach and spread positiveness towards life, people, situations, thoughts, everything. Life is beautiful and you have just one chance to live it to the fullest, even a millisecond of your past cannot return. What's gone is gone forever, make the best of what you have!

And I'm back!!

So, after a day's break from blogging......I missed writing! Much ado about nothing I think, but its something for me! Y'day was a really busy day, usually thoughts flow freely in the a.m., but when I am held up, then p.m. isn't so good for reflections. So I rely on morning freshness for inspiration! What's ironical though is that, I can't think of anything to write about yet, maybe for the lack of concentration.....what with so many voices in the air....my brain might just be short-circuited! I hope not though, well thatz why I plug in my headphones and get transported to the realm of music....where its more peaceful than listening to everyone's problems. No, I'm not being a self-serving individual, but I need to work too....moreover the problems are not even remotely understandable to me, I think Greek and Spanish are easier to comprehend!!
So, that's my ado for now, I'll get back if I come up with some thought provoking ideas! Adios.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Beauty Secrets Unveiled!

When I read this article, I almost puked. So, be prepped for that! I'm not entirely surely how valid this article really is, but it made an interestingly gross read.
So, all those beauty products that we use.....what really goes into them....have you ever thought about it?
Can you imagine this--
Applying the human placenta on your face to reduce wrinkles and also to hair coz its good?
Whale puke as fragrance?
Cochineal beetles red color as lipstick?
Cow Dung as vanilla essence?

I can't even go on, the others are still worse.....get a load of it here

Whoever came up with this stuff...must have the strangest imagination, since I refuse to believe all this nonsensical stuff! Let me know what you think about this article!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Welcome Cuil!

www.cuil.com is yet another startup search company with the idea of outsmarting Google. The interesting thing to notice here is that this company is the brainchild of former Googlers, claiming to have indexed 3 times more websites than Google currently is and also at a lower cost. So, I am really waiting to see how will this go. I'm sure Google will come up with something even better. Afterall, you need competition, only then will wonders be created and I'm sure this will be one helluva race. By the way, Google is not only about search engine....there is a lot more! So, Hello Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and now Cuil (pronounced Cool)....we are waiting for some dhamekedaar ideas! OH, did I mention Google hit the 40 language mark already? Check out what Google has to say here!

A unit of knowledge...by Google

Have you checked out Knol by Google? Its a knowledge base ....with articles written by everyone about anything. You can also write about something. Its cool. I must say, they have some brains working for them....coming up with such novel concepts! Mindblowing!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Sinfully delicious!

Alrit...now who doesnt find that tempting....? Too bad, coz I'm having some.......!
Go grab a slice of some delicious chocolate cake!

Baahar barsaat, andar main aur chocolate cake! Aur kya chahiye?
Sorry Mr., but a girl needs sometime off with her chocolate!
Thanks to Hershey's for the awesome picture.

good ones

"A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other." -- Charles Dickens

"Although a skillful flatterer is a most delightful companion if you have him all to yourself, his taste becomes very doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people. " -- Charles Dickens

"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere." --Groucho Marx

"Practically everybody in New York has half a mind to write a book, and does. " --
Groucho Marx

"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it. " -- Groucho Marx

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made. " -- Groucho Marx

"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book. " -- Groucho Marx

"Humor is reason gone mad. " -- Groucho Marx

Some reasearch

You don't need to major in Astronomy to know this, this or this or even more

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Quote

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. " - Calvin

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Enough already!

Rain rain go away...come again some other day!

Thatz exactly what I want to say right now......its been raining every single day here for the past 2 weeks, and begins around 5 pm. I wonder how is that possible..... to start the downpour at almost the same time everyday. Alrit, today though its been going on since mornin'. Maybe hurricane Dolly has some effect on the east coast. I wonder how many gallons of water are stored up in the skies.....coz its raining like crazy....see now another symptom of global warming. Save the Earth!

This is it!

Last night was a lil better, I was able to get some sleep, atleast something is better than nothing right! I made dinner and cooking always helps me, one of my stress busters.....for me cooking is more of a therapy, I like to come up with new flavors for old favorites or new recipes altogether. Maybe its just my way of venting!
My sweet and dear cousin Y emailed me this morning and she wrote a poem for me to make me feel better, I wanted to share with everyone because it is very good. Here it is.

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line

Isn't that sweet?
Also, I got to think and I realised a few. I guess I'm feeling this way maybe coz I am not able to spend as much time as I would like to with my hubby and son, or maybe coz I am missing my dad (I've been thinking about him a lot lately), or maybe because I am not able to talk to my brother as much as I would love to!! But thank God for little mercies.....atleast I have my mom with me, after I go home, I sit down with her and we converse for a while. I know that she's safe and happy with me and that I can see her everyday. Maybe, I am also annoyed at myself for not being able to do anything for my mom, I wish my dad was here......atleast she wouldn't feel lonely. She never complains, but I always feel bad that she is alone inspite of having everyone, her life partner is missing, someone we all need as we grow older. I wish my dad were alive today, everything would be so different, I wish he could see and hold my son, he would be so happy and proud of us, I wish he met his son-in-law and see what a wonderful person he is.....I wish so much!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Whatz this?

For the past 2 nights, I have been counting sheep, tossing and turning in my bed, checking up on our son over and over again. When I awake in the mornings, I dont feel tired neither do I feel rested, just dazed. I'm assuring myself everything's normal, but I don't feel that way. My heart says something else. I am unable to intercept my heart's words. What is it that is bothering me, what is it that I am being scared of, what is it that is eating me up from the inside? I have yet to find out the answers to these questions. Will I ever be able to solve this issue in my heart and mind, will I ever get out of this? I dont know, I want to know, I will know. Am I fearing something? Am I missing something or someone? There are so many questions that need answering for me, maybe I'm not even aware of some inquiries. Does this happen to everyone, do everyone go through this kind of an ordeal, or is it just me? This has not happened to me before. Am I going crazy or am I getting old? Do I see a midlife crisis coming? I am lost in this maze called 'life', where everything is a haze. Will I ever find the way out? I am sad, I am annoyed, I am lost, I want to scream my lungs out and tell myself that I am alright. I want to go back in time to when I was a kid, safe and secure with my parents, I want to be a child again for sometime!

Did you know?

Did you know that among the top 10 emerging wineries in the world, Nasik, India is listed as number 3? Not only are they actively promoting the winery ......they are making Shiraz, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. Well, now that is a a reason for me to visit Nasik the next time I am in India. Well, to be honest, I didn't even know there were any wineries in India except for maybe one I thought might have been near Bangalore!! To hear that Nasik is in the top 10, I mean awesome right!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Guruji's quote for the day

"If you couldn't find any weirdness, maybe we'll just have to make some!" -- Calvin

Gosh!

It's a friggin' 103 F here.....and don't forget the humidity....man this is bad! My co-worker suggests the name, The Baked Potato State instead of the Sunshine State. Well, now that is a telltale sign of how hot it is. It is at times like these when I thank the great inventors of modern amenities/luxuries....Thank you very much for inventing the Air Conditioner....that is a life saver. So people, please take care of our planet.....these temperatures are not conventional here, and guess what ? global warming is to blame for this. Take small steps to SAVE OUR PLANET!

Hello Monday!

'Twas a pretty good weekend. We finally did hit the beach, JIT, on our way back it was pouring like mad, no visibility, my Mr. did a very good job driving. My Master was scared at first at the beach, later he caught up and then he didn't want to leave. He was a bit overwhelmed with the water and vast expanse. He played, and played and played and when we got home, he was too tired. Then we caught up on a few movies, JTYJN(a very sweet and feel good movie), Namaste London(boring!) and TZP (2nd time is too much). Made some awesome Mutton Biriyani, y'day! hah, my Hyderabadi roots do show, dont they! Well, you ought to love biriyani, if you are a Hyderabadi...... period. Mr. and mom loved it, and so it passed the test and I know it was really good. Oh nono, I won't be sharing my recipe, its a secret! I'd like to call myself the self proclaimed queen of biriyani! So much for modesty huh!
The week has just begun, long way to go...so have a great week everyone and don't think too much of my biriyani!

Friday, July 18, 2008

CYA!

TGIF- I'm just waiting to go home and relax, I dont think I've waited for any weekend as much. I hope rain doesn't ruin my plans, but I checked the weather channel and its going to pour this weekend, too bad for my plans! Well, I hope to come up with another alternative though. So have a great weekend everyone and I'll get back with my updates Monday!

Taking over..

I was watching So You Think You Can Dance, on Fox last night and I was pretty surprised when the show started with a familiar song...Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, the 10 dancers did an amazing job and so did the choreographer, it was a beautiful routine. I was pretty sure the choreographer was an Indian, but it wasn't so. I must admit it was really good, so synchronized and so fusioned and so well dressed. The original with Bobby Deol, Abhishek B, Preity Z, Lara D, was also good, that caters to a different audience more like a mixture of the mass and class. This one on SYTYCD was pure class and choreography at its best. Previously on the show too, one dancer performed to Dhoom Taana from Om Shanti Om. So is Indian music and Indianness becoming the new hot thing for Americans now? Did they get jaded from the British? Lets wait and watch.

Quote from the guru

"It seems like once people grow up, they have no idea what's cool." -- Calvin

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Camera, Lights and Action.....what no?

Have you ever thought of making a video with no camera??
Well, I've got some news.....Radiohead has done just that with lasers and data.
Here is the link
http://code.google.com/radiohead/.

Music......fuel for life.

Sonu Nigam, Shantanu Mukherjee, Sukhwinder Singh, Kay Kay ..... are no doubt some of the best male playback singers in our country currently. They have such command over the voices, even one note doesnt slip. Expertise/experience?...it shows, oh yes. The connection that they make with the Lord.....I like to call it Khuda Konnexion, surely connects the listener too. Just recently, on a reality television show, Sonu, Shaan and Sukhi made an appearance and when they rendered some of their compositions, I was totally spellbound, they strike a chord....some people just do that to you. My Mr. wasn't too happy about me being so involved in that show though, but honey I'm sorry, I love music, pls bear with me! Well, I'm watching out for Atif Aslam, Toshi and Neeraj Shridhar (of Bombay Vikings...remember?), I hope they live upto my expectations. The Khuda Konnexion is the essential element here. Check out Bachna Ae Haseeno and Kismat Konnection.

The road taken

My little one was a little off mood yesterday evening, so we went for a stroll around the block before dinner. As soon as I stepped out, I was sweetly surprised by the cool breeze and pleasant climate. As we kept walking, it was quite a treat for my olfactory senses. Someone was barbecuing, and I felt like Tom from the Tom and Jerry cartoons, when he flies towards the source of the smell....made me hungry. Then there was the smell of a freshly mowed lawn
and then I passed by this house, where one could find all colors of roses blooming, I really love walking by that house, its a pretty sight. Then I didnt want to go back home, so we kept walking a little more, and it was worth it. Thats when I decided I should make this a daily ordeal, the little roobaroo with nature refreshed me more than anything else would have. What better way to end the day with a glass of some really good Cabernet, followed by chocolate ice cream?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The Great Gatsby

Finally, I did receive the books I've ordered ....YAY!!! and I started reading The Great Gatsby, and was quite impressed with the first para itself. A father advices his son not to criticise anyone because not everyone has had the same advantages in life. That is some real good advice I'd say, which I think all of us must follow. I'll get back with any other interesting facts that I come across!

I wish....

Last Thursday I bought a Dairy Milk chocolate bar and the goodness of it....WOW! The lexicon of bliss. But, I kept it so far away from me so that I don't end up eating the entire bar! I am thinking of it this morning, wishing I had the bar with me, so maybe I could nibble on it...just a tad bit. Talk about cravings huh! Will make do with gum for now.....I miss you DM. sob sob!

Monday, July 14, 2008

So cute!

Y'day I was trying my hand at the guitar.....I have to admit, except for the major chords, I forgot everything else! I have Esteban composed chord chart.....so was following that. So, I was in my room practicing, when my son comes in and he starts smiling and blushing and after a while he started dancing. Now, that was a real booster, I started playing better! He was dancing to my beat and that too so perfectly...that was the cutest thing I ever saw.....made my day! I wished I had a camera nearby, but unfortunately I didn't. Next time I hope I can take some shots.!

Believe it!

Ever since I saw the movie "Black", I thought it was absolute nonsense. How could anyone who is visually challenged and also hearing impaired achieve all that. But then again I was proved wrong. I was watching Extreme Makeover on ABC last night, and one of the designers had met up with this really old guy who is an artist and he is blind and deaf . He communicates through an interpreter, but he works by himself....needling the thread and then stitching, I was just amazed at his skill. Now, this is a miracle or determination, I have yet to figure out, but since I've seen someone like that for real, I believe in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's concept and hats off to him for making such a beautiful movie, and also to Rani and that little girl for enacting their roles in the best manner possible.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Optimist or not?

Is the glass half full or half empty.....well, I think it would be more appropriate if we realise there is atleast a glass. Do you call that optimism? Well, that depends on your outlook. For now, let me drink that water in the half glass, then there will be no questions to ponder on. :)

And it continues.....

I have this really bad habit(if you think so) of correcting people, with their grammar, I don't do it on purpose, it just happens impromptu. So, my mom tells me that one day my son will grow up to correct me, and I reply, well I'm sure he will and I want him to. I will be proud of him when that day comes....and also myself, I'll know I raised him right! I think the next generation always does that to the previous, its natural and obvious. I wonder what my husband has to say about this.....will have a round table with him tonight. Will get back with his reply soon..

Some silly PJ's

Q: What do you call a fish with no eyes?
A: fsh

Q: What do you get when you cross a brown horse and a brown chicken?
A: A brown horse and a brown chicken

Q: What does a gay horse say?
A: HAAYYY

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Yay...new books for me

I just bought a couple of books .....I'm so excited and eager. The Great Gatsby and Huckleberry Finn. I think I'll isolate myself after I receive them. Waiting.....tick tock tick tock.....

Maa tujhe salaam.

We were driving back from the temple one day and my mom begins telling a religious story which I thought everyone should know. So here goes....I'm cutting it short, just to give a gist of it.

One day Lord Narada comes to know that God himself worships someone else, so he is curious to know who is it. N confronts Lord Krishna, to which K asks N to visit his house at a certain time the next day. The next morning N is at K's home, where he is stopped by the guards outside. He waits quite a bit and finally after a few hours, K appears and asks him to come inside. When inside, N asks him to show the idol or picture of whom K worships. So K points towards a huge box and says thatz it. Now, N as curious as he is, asks what is in the box, to which K asks him to open it himself. N starts to open the box and finds another box nestled within, then he keeps doing that with all the boxes that are in each other. Finally, the tiniest box is revealed and N asks K what can be in this box, there is hardly any space. So K asks N to open that too and in there is just a pinch of soil. K worships Mother Earth, because of all the abuse that we people put our Earth through, God himself prays to Earth so that all of us can be safe.
So to all of you, please treat the Earth with respect and use but don't abuse our earth's rich resources atleast for our future generations to see and enjoy what we did. Thank you mom, for sharing this story with us, which otherwise I wouldn't have known.
Similarly, respect and love your parents, the hardships and sacrifices they make for us usually go unnoticeable. We are where we are because of them and the good life they gave us, not everyone is as fortunate as us. Mom you are the best, love ya, I wish a lot of things for you!

Something about nothing.

Ironically, I dont have much to write about today, I wonder how would I do if I was a journalist for a newspaper. What if there was no news, maybe I would've had to cook up some story and I am sure most of the current journalists do just that. My fave on TV is Brian Williams and Indian TV journalist is Barkha Dutt.....she is just too smart for anyone. The right mix of poise and attitude with intelligence. No wonder she gets so many awards! Sometimes, I wish I was a journalist, but then again I think nah thatz just too much to handle. I'm happy being in IT, and I think I am in my zen state.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Analysis

This one is for a friend of mine, who said I mostly write about food and reading my blog makes him hungry........well, news for you...out of the 23 posts, just 5 are on food....so I don't think thats too bad considering my love for food.

Good job Google!

Yet another accomplishment from Google......now who would've thought of this concept. Check it out for yourself. Google rocks!
http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/remote-sign-out-and-info-to-help-you.html

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Books are better

I was thinking there are so many movies that have been adaptations of books. To name a few, Jurassic Park, The DaVinci Code, Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings, The Namesake, The Firm, In Her Shoes and so many more....but how many of these movies really make an impact on us, especially when we read the book before we watch the movie? Well, not many according to me, the reason being when we read, we tend to imagine and form our own mini movie in our heads, which is great. But when we see the movie, it is someone else's imagination/adaptation of the same version which we might not want to accept that readily. Some movies though, are really as good as the book itself.....on my list right now are The DaVinci Code, The Namesake and definitely the Harry Potter series. I don't quite agree with the rest of them though. These movies are made beautifully, trying to fit the book in just about a 2 hour movie and that too with such efficiency. That is where the genius filmmakers come in and kudos to them. Better yet, read the book first, improves your imagination, think Alice in Wonderland. Well, I'm waiting for the next season of Lipstick Jungle....this one I havent read the book yet.

Forget it!

If mom's start forgetting stuff then you know what it's called? Well, my husband says its "Momnesia"...which I am experiencing quite a bit. It's quite unlike me though. Yesterday, I knew I had my phone with me in my hand...but I wasn't sure where I placed it later...I checked all over the place and even my bag, but to no avail. This morning I even checked our mailbox, thinking I must've kept it there when I got the mail...unbelievable right. Finally, I thought I would give my bag a thorough check and voila, there it was sitting right there.....as if mocking at me. Sometimes, when I forget something, I just do....and I think this is Momnesia. The stuff motherhood does to you......but its all worth it!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Silence Please!

How is it possible that I dont have much to talk about today?? I've been like this all morning, maybe the MM blues finally did get to me huh! So I was solving this math problem....took me back to my algebra days.
There are 5 digits the sum of which equals 30
The sum of 3rd and 5th digits is 14
The 4th digit is one more than the 2nd
The 1st digit is is one less than twice the 2nd
The sum of 2nd and 3rd digits is 10
Its pretty easy....try it.

Hello Monday!

It's Monday...I know everyone has the Monday morning blues...especially after a nice long weekend. But guess what, I'm actually happy to be at work, my husband says I'm probably the only one in the world to think so. I had a great weekend, my cousin came over and we went around visiting a few people and my mom made some really good Hyderabadi food y'day, so what better to do than eat good old Hyd khaana watching a hindi movie and also watching the rains lash outside? Oh yeah, I caught up on a few Hindi movies, these days the movies are pretty good. All in all, it was a pretty good weekend for us, spent some quality family time after long.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Veg or Non-Veg egg?

So how many of you consider the incredible edible egg to be vegetarian? Well, I do....my reason is....in the eggs that we eat, the baby is not yet formed...so its not non-veg. Anybody care to differ?
I guess this would be as controversial as the "which came first, chicken or egg" issue!
Anyways, keep eating the Incredible Edible Egg....its good for you.

Beautiful day...good day

It is so beautiful today.....the sun was shy, peeking from behind a thin veil of clouds.
Giving out just enough sunshine and warmth.
The breeze is cool and refreshingly gentle bringing with it the scents of nature.
I wish it would remain like this all day...too bad I have to stay indoors.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Culinary skills

I enjoy cooking, it's more like a therapy for me and I think I'm pretty innovative at that. Well, I just love to experiment with food...mostly I'm making fusion food (aha, now thats a new term). So I came up with this recipe "Chicken stuffed with Spinach and Carrots" last week. As always, my husband is the taste tester and also my best critique, so now my mom also joined and they both loved it, I must admit even I liked my creation. My cousin then suggested that maybe I should start a blog just for recipes, I think thats an excellent idea, I might just do that. So be on the look out ...coming soon.

Just follow the map!

Yesterday, on my way back home.....I thought I would explore on a new route which was supposedly quicker. Well, sure why not...if only I had taken the right turn. I ended up driving for an extra 15 minutes as compared to my regular route. Thanks to GPS, else I would've been going all around with no clue to get in the right path. Sometimes, instincts work well, but then there are other times when, well...just follow the map.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Humor for the day from Calvin and Hobbes!

Calvin: Dad, I know what I want to be when I grow up!
Dad: Oh that is great, what do you want to be?
Calvin: A millionaire!
Dad: Well, you have to work hard to be a millionaire.
Calvin: No I don't, you do the hard work and I'll just inherit it!

Happiness is .....

I came across this article, in a survey....it was revealed that the most happiest country is Denmark and the unhappiest is Zimbabwe. So I was thinking what is it that makes a person happy or sad?
As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Well, that sentence said it...its in our minds, so bring back those happy memories and positive thoughts and live life to the fullest. Invest your time in family and friends and set your priorities, there is no reason to not be happy.
Monalisa was 83% happy!

Chocolate on Orkut.

The Chocolate community on Orkut is pretty big. Have you ever noticed the community's desc? Well, here it is
"Its not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate. Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man (and sometimes a woman). So forget love, I'd rather fall in Chocolate!!! ;)"
This is so true.....but why is it that anything that tastes excellent is bad for you? Let's see maybe dark chocolate is good and all that, but does it really taste that good? I dont think so...milk chocolate is the best esp...Symphony the one with toffee and almonds...its awesome! Then there is white chocolate, its good but tooo sweet. Moreover, I think one eats chokie to taste the choc flavor, not bitterness or just milk (as in white). MC clears my mind...invigorates and makes me happy...esp when I'm feeling low. Even my 18 mth old is always bribing me for some M&M's, when it comes to chocolate, everyone is demanding. My husband thinks otherwise...he doesnt let me eat too much, says its not good for my diet plan...but good for his?? Now what kind of equality is that I ask? My mom is a bigger chocolate lover than me...lets just say shez got the sweetest tooth, i keep asking her to cut down on her sweet intake, i wish she wud agree with me!
When we were at Hershey's PA, I went crazy seeing all that chocolate and I secretly wished I could take all this home! Wouldn't that be interesting?
Try chocolate with wine....and cheese...even better...trust me you wont go elsewhere. All this talk about chocolate is making me crave for some....cya later! Eat Chocolate...heals everything!

Google CodeJam

Google....a thousand gun salute! The ideas these guys come up with is just mindblowing. Of course MS has changed the way we use the PC and internet....but Google has altered our perspective and has brought the world closer. CodeJam is one thing I love about Google...its something all programmers should attempt atleast once. Try it, registration ends soon. Also, when you are on Google home page...check out the Street View on Maps...its awesome...of course the cameras are only in the US for now...hopefully they will go international soon. So to all Googlers out there hats off to you guys, and I am your faithful follower........anything Google comes up with is the best.