came via email..
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>We have lost one of our finest and brightest stars. Akhil's murder is a cruel blow to his parents, family and many friends.
May this remarkable young man rest in eternal peace.
- Aum Shantih-</b>
Passer-by finds man dead in park
By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
A man was shot to death during an apparent robbery Thursday at a park in southwest Houston, police said.
A passerby spotted the body of Akhil Chopra, 26, about 1 p.m. on a picnic bench at Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza Park, 13500 Ashford Point Drive.
"Somebody held him up at gunpoint and shot him, point blank. It's a senseless crime," said co-worker Ramesh Bhutada, who called Chopra "one of the noblest souls."
Although there were no eyewitnesses to the fatal shooting, robbery is considered the most likely motive because the victim's wallet and a weapon were not found at the scene, police said.
Co-workers said Chopra, who moved to the United States about five years ago to attend graduate school,often walked and meditated at the park after lunch.
"He was a yoga teacher," Bhutada said. "He was always smiling (and) a very positively-natured guy. It's rare to find a fellow like that."
Chopra was single and lived with a roommate. His nearest family members were in India, co-workers said.
The victim's friends said they will contact Houston Crime Stoppers today and offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to the assailant's arrest.
"He's on the loose right now and he's going to hurt somebody else," Bhutada said.
<b>Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Houston Police homicide division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.</b>
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Our deepest condolences to friends and family of Akhil Chopra.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>My Country Awake</b>
Where the mind is without fear and the head held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
by Rabindranath Tagore
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Swatantra Devas ki Shubkamnay. <!--emo&:ind--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/india.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='india.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->* A missionary group also had opened a booth (indiafellowship.org) [any idea what they are upto?]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
another retirement programme. Any clue about those who were sitting on booth country/state origin?
They were doing some soul harvesting in Bay Area, pamplet with following content.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Stressed out? Troubled? Afraid of the future?
You are invited to:
FESTIVAL OF JOY
Mohan C Lazarus a renowned speaker from India will be in Bay Area Come and be <b>blessed</b>.
Please join us in <b>fasting </b>& <b>prayer </b>on Saturday July 16 at 10.00am
"Over 42 years I was suffering from acute back pain, I could not walk, bend down or stand straight. I was completely <b>healed </b>of this terrible pain when <b>Bro</b>. Mohan C. Lazarus <b>prayed </b>with me."
Ramaswamy of Kudur, India.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Highlighted some soul harvesting catch words <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Aug 15 2005, 10:56 PM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Aug 15 2005, 10:56 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> Any clue about those who were sitting on booth country/state origin? <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Most of the people there were phirangis, but some Indians were visiting the booth. May be they were innocent and looking for some fellowships to India. And there was big board "God Bless India"
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<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'><span style='font-family:Geneva'>Next Prez of USA : U Bet
While reading, I found :
NEW YORK, NY, Aug 17, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sportsbook.com says bettors are zeroing in on Vice President Cheney as the next American President. The world's largest online sportsbook and casino has seen a significant rise in wagering on Vice President Dick Cheney as the likely winner of the presidential race in 2008. Odds on Cheney have improved from 100-1, when betting on presidential candidates opened in May, to 20-1 currently.
The increase in betting activity comes in the wake of recent media coverage of Vice President Cheney's chances of winning the Republican nomination during the 2008 primaries. Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward said yesterday that it is 'highly likely' Cheney will take his shot at the White House. The Vice President is widely seen as the most powerful figure in George W. Bush's cabinet and the mastermind behind many of the administration's major policy initiatives.
Hillary Clinton continues to be the betting favorite for the Democrats. Odds on Senator Clinton have moved from 6-1 to 7-2.
Despite Cheney's improving odds, former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani remains the Republican favorite with 10-1 odds. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has gone from 15-1 to 25-1 odds. Barack Obama, Illinois Senator and darling of the Democratic Party, has also seen his stock decline and now sits as a 70-1 favorite from an opening line of 30-1.
"Wagering on the US presidential election continues to evolve alongside the ever-changing world of American politics," says Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director, Sportsbook.com. "Bettors are very much in tune with media reports and analyses of potential presidential candidates."
Adding to the fun and challenge, Sportsbook.com is offering odds on a number of less likely presidential candidates from film director Michael Moore to conservative news personality Bill O'Reilly and California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
For more information or to speak to Alex Czajkowski, please call 1.866.505.2900.
Latest odds on the 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections:
----------------------------------------------------
Hilary Clinton 7-2
Rudy Giuliani 10-1
John McCain 12-1
Dick Cheney 20-1
Colin Powell 25-1
Condoleezza Rice 25-1
Joe Biden 25-1
Bill Frist 30-1
John Edwards 30-1
Jeb Bush 35-1
Bill Richardson 40-1
Tom Vilsack 40-1
Mark Warner 45-1
Mitt Romney 50-1
Newt Gingrich 50-1
Tom Ridge 50-1
Barack Obama 70-1
Arnold Schwarzenegger 250-1
Bill Clinton 300-1
Bill O'Reilly 750-1
Michael Moore 7500-1 </span></span>
Detoxifies the body and regulates digestion. Helps to increase lean body mass & reduce fats. A natural source of Vitamin C.
Amla is perhaps the single most often mentioned herb in the Caraka Samhita. It has a reputation as a powerful rejuvenating herb. The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substances in nature. It promotes ojas and the reproductive fluids, and is useful in the treatment of ulcers and hyperacidity.
A research team discovered that when amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium, and nickel. These metals are prevalent in the environment of industrialized countries. In the studies the pro-oxidant or oxygen radical scavenger qualities of amla suggest that it is also very effective in lowering the risk of many cancers. Other studies indicate that it is much more effective than Vitamin C alone in reducing chromosomal abnormalities. Amla juice has twenty times more vitamin C than orange juice, and natural tannins prevent oxidation of the vitamin content in a dry condition â in other words, it is heat stable. Studies indicate that the naturally occurring vitamin C is easier for the body to absorb than synthetic vitamin C. This and other studies indicate that naturally occurring vitamin C may be ten times beneficial to the body than synthetic vitamins. The Vitamin C content of amla is between 625 mg â 1814 mg per 100 grams!
Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin percentages, and patients started their anabolic phase (metabolic processes involved in protein synthesis) sooner. The dried fruit reduced cholesterol levels, indicating that amla is safe to consume on a long term basis.
Amla reduces unwanted fat because it increases total protein levels; this is due to its ability to create a positive nitrogen balance and it also significantly reduces the levels of free fatty acids. In addition, amla, in a raw or natural form, reduces cholesterol and cholesterol induced atherosclerosis (Obstruction of the arteries), making it a useful natural product to fight obesity. One study shows that it prevented atheroma (degeneration of the artery walls due to fat and scar tissue). Furthermore, amla has exhibited considerable effect in inhibiting the HIV virus which ultimately results in the disease AIDS.
Therefore, one can draw the conclusion that amla is good for almost everyone on a regular basis. It reduces or eliminates the risk of environmental pollutants, normalizes cholesterol, reduces unwanted fat, cures ulcers, reduces or prevents cancer, has the highest content of vitamin C of any natural source, detoxifies the body, regulates digestion, has inhibiting effects against the HIV virus, promotes metabolic function and can produce these results in a dried, natural, unprocessed form. The only thing that could possibly be better than amla for a daily herbal supplement is the Triphala formula, of which amla constitutes one third.
Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus Niruri)
It is a safe lipotropic drug and its primary action is on the liver. Blumberg showed an inhibition of DNA polymerase of Hepatitis B virus and a viral-agglutinating activity.
The fresh root is used for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The plant is also used as a diuretic in oedema. It is also used to increase appetite and locally to relieve inflammations.
With the formulations and dosage used no adverse reactions have been reported
Sunthi / Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
It is used for abdominal pain, anorexia, arthritis, atonic dyspepsia, bleeding, cancer, chest congestion, chicken pox, cholera, chronic bronchitis, cold extremities, colic, colitis, common cold, cough, cystic fibrosis, diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing, dropsy, fever, flatulence, indigestion, disorders of gallbladder, hyperacidity, hypercholesterolemia, hypergly -cemia, indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, rheumatism, sore throat, throat ache, stomach ache and vomiting. Ginger form an important constituent of many Ayurvedic formulations.
Tulsi / Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Develops real strength in the body & gives protection against stress & common ailments. It clears the aura and strengthens the immune system.
Next to the Lotus, Basil is perhaps the most sacred plant of India. Basil opens the heart and mind. Basil gives the protection of the divine by clearing the aura and strengthening the immune system.
It contains natural mercury, which, give the seed power of pure awareness. Basil is an effective diaphoretic and febrifuge in most colds, flus and lung problems. It removes excess Kapha from the lungs and nasal passages, increasing Prana and promoting sensory acuity.
It also removes high Vata from the colon, improves absorption and strengthens the nerve tissue, increasing memory. Basil contains eugenol, carvacrol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. It has the property of destroying bacteria and insects. Basil is regarded as an adaptogen or antistress agent. Recent studies have shown that it affords significant protection against stress. It is good for maintaining dental health counteracting bad breath.
Vasa (Justicia adhatoda)
It is a small tree which flowers in cold season. There is a saying is Sanskrit about this drug meaning of which is that as long as Vasa will remain, patients suffering from spitting of blood, phthisis and common cold and cough need not despair. The physicians confidently proclaim that no death can take. place from cough of any kind if Vasa can play its role and find time to display its healing properties. Traditionally it has long been used as a great remedy for respiratory disorders.
Traditional Ayurvedic Uses: intestinal parasites, intestinal worms, skin fungal infections, obesity, sore throat, digestive strengthener.
While an excellent "deworming" remedy, it is a safe and invaluable herb to strengthen the body, especially the digestive system if it has been chronically stressed. Keeps the intestines free of toxins.
Bilva (Aegle Marmelos)
In chronic dysenteric conditions, accompanied by loose stools alternating with occasional constipation, the ripe fruit is widely used in different formulations. Chronic diarrhea or dysentery responds well to bilva, this therapeutic effect being included in the British Pharmacopoeia. It is also been used for treating giardiasis. The bark and leaves are used in medicated retention enema. The root improves appetite and relieves nausea. It is also used as a mild sedative. The extract of leaves is used in diabetes mellitus. The root is administered with other plants during post-partum period. The oil is used as ear drops.
Bilva has been used very widely for thousands of years in India. Occasionally constipation has been reported with larger doses of root bark. The extract of leaves has shown isotropic effects on the heart in experimental animals. Hypoglycemic effects have been reported.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Various extracts have been prepared from the powdered fruits. It contains a constituent which has a wide anti- bacterial and antifungal spectrum. The most common organism responsible for urinary tract infection. The oil in the kernel increased the motility, of the gastrointestinal tract of the mouse. The action was comparable with castor oil. The oil by itself is non-irritant but releases an irritant principle when incubated with lipase. The laxative activity of Triphala has been tested on albino mice. The laxative activity is also exhibited by the fruit pulp.
The plant is used extensively in the preparation of many ayurvedic formulations for infectious diseases such as chronic ulcers, leucorrhoea, pyorrhoea and fungal infections of the skin. Short term clinical trials have been carried out on patients with simple constipation. Haritaki increases the frequency of stools and has got the property of evacuating the bowel completely. The total response of the drug is excellent in 90% cases and good in 80% cases. No side effects were noted. Triphala is an important formulation in the ayurvedic pharmacopoeia containing haritaki. Triphala and each of its constituents are well known rasayana drugs. They are used to prevent aging and impart longevity, immunity and body resistance against disease. They have beneficial effects on all the tissues.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
'Triphala' and each of its three constituents- Haritaki, Bibhitaka and Amalaki are well known Rasayana drugs (rejuvenating agents). They prevent aging and impart longevity, immunity, enhance body resistance against disease and improve mental faculties. The beneficial effects are studied on all seven dhatus. Unripe fruit is purgative. Dried ripe fruit is astringent and employed in dropsy, piles and diarrhoea. It is also used in fever, applied to the eyes, and is useful in sore throat and bronchitis. Clinical trial of Bibhitaka phala churna in 137 cases suffering from kasa, swasa and mixed cases of kasa-swas a indicated that the drug has bronchodilatory, antispasmodic, antiphlegmatic, expectorant and sedative activities. Kernel is narcotic and astringent and is used as an application to inflamed parts. Fully ripe or dried fruit mixed with honey is used as an application in conjunctivitis. It is a constituent of Triphala and is prescribed in diseases of liver and gastrointestinal tract and in a large variety of diseases as a rasayana.
Methika / Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum)
This plant has been mentioned in early literature as a hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its effect as an oral hypoglycemic has been evaluated. In rats trigonelline counteracts the hyperglycemic effect of cortisone given 2 hours before or simultaneously. Antiulcer property has been studied in rats. Hypocholesterolemic effects, and anti-inflammatory effects have been observed.
The ether extract of the seeds had an effect on inflammation induced in rats by cotton - pellet insertion, or formalin or carrageenin exposure, comparable to that of salicylates.
The antiarthritic property of methi seed powder is widely known in many parts of India. It forms an important medicinal use of the plant in rheumatic disorders and spondylosis. The drug is also used for chronic bronchitis and hepato and splenomegaly in the unani system of medicine. The seeds and leaves are also used in obesity.
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
A powerful blood purifier. Excellent antiseptic for teeth, gums & skin. Lowers levels of blood sugar and cholesterol.
Neem has strong antiparasitisic qualities & is a powerful blood purifier. As such it also clears the digestive tract of parasites and toxins. It has a long history of outstanding results for all kinds of skin problems, even leprosy. Neem leaf powder helps to prevent diseases like diabetes and hypertension. It is an excellent antiseptic for the teeth & gums. It is analgesic and antipyretic. It cleans away all foreign and excess tissue, and possesses a supplementary astringent action that promotes healing.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Aug 13 2005, 10:40 AM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Aug 13 2005, 10:40 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> Akhil Chopra Memorial site - please visit and contribute <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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What will u do in such a case?
Arrest in Hindu activist's slaying is little comfort
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<span style='font-family:Times'>I don't think u can view the article; so here it's :
Arrest can't 'take away pain' over slaying
The sense of loss hasn't waned for friends and family of Hindu activist killed at park
By TARA DOOLEY and ROSANNA RUIZ
The arrest of a man in the slaying of Hindu activist Akhil Chopra brought relief, but little comfort, to his friends and co-workers.
"It has brought some relief to some people," said Ramesh Bhutada, president of Star Pipe Products, where Chopra worked. "But it hasn't really taken away the pain that has been caused by the loss of Akhil."
A Crime Stoppers tip led to Wednesday's arrest of Howard Dale "Peanut" Bellamy, 22, who had been sought by authorities for almost a week, police said. Bellamy was arrested without incident in the 10200 block of Fondren, a Houston Police Department spokeswoman said.
He remained in the Harris County Jail on Thursday, charged with capital murder. Bellamy is accused of shooting Chopra to death during a robbery Aug. 11 as the victim meditated in Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Park, in the 4000 block of Eldridge.
Police were alerted when Chopra's credit cards were used to buy gasoline after the slaying. The people using the credit cards were arrested and accused Bellamy of being the one behind Chopra's slaying, police said.
Chopra, 28, arrived in the United States to study in 2001 and a year later landed a job at Star Pipe, where many of his co-workers had come to view the Indian native as family. Colleagues said Chopra frequently went to Fiorenza Park to meditate during his lunch break.
Chopra was involved in national and local Hindu organizations and was one of the organizers of the Janmashtami festival, one of the Hindu community's biggest religious celebrations, being held Saturday at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
"I don't have a vengeance against the person who killed Akhil," Bhutada said. "I really feel sorry for him that he has taken this action. ... He has senselessly killed a man of saintly qualities."
Natalie Duran-Ariz, a credit manager at the company, said she was still emotional about the death of Chopra, whom she called "happy man." She called Bellamy's arrest a sign the justice system was working. "I know the proper thing is to pray for someone like this, but in the grand scheme it is still very emotional for us all," she said.
The arrest is just the beginning of a judicial process that could involve the death penalty if there is a conviction. And that could stir up complex reactions among Chopra's friends.
Vijay Pallod, a friend and co-worker, said Akhil was a nonviolent person who always sought the positive.
"Akhil, I don't think he would ask for the death penalty," Pallod said. "But this is going to be a debate among the community."</span>
Attached is a picture compiled by NASA based on a series of satellite images. The picture indicates relative development of different countries based on city lights. Check India, China and other Asian countries
Guide Aims to Help Bloggers Beat Censors
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In a series of personal accounts, bloggers explain how they tried to beat censorship in countries such as <b>Iran, China and Nepal</b>.
"We can write freely in blogs," writes Arash Sigarchi, an Iranian journalist who was nonetheless sentenced to 14 years in prison for posting messages online that criticized the Iranian regime.
RSF, as the organization is known under its French acronym, ends the handbook with a "championship" of top Internet censors, starting with China and its "clever mix of investment, technology and diplomacy."
"<b>A call for free elections ... has a maximum online life of about half an hour,</b>" Pain writes of censorship in China.
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