Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Morning News-Paper

Recently I was listening to a local radio in New Jersey where they were talking about an initiative taken by schools to get students into reading news-papers every morning.
I remember, when I was in middle school in India, every morning one student had to read main news items right after prayers. We were reminded again and again, how important it is to read news papers.
For last few days I was thinking about news media and type of news they give us. The only news all the news media give me is of war, violence, vulgarity. Anything tragic, sad, war becomes instant news, while anything good gets a place on the last pages. Then I thought of millions of people who spend 30-60 minutes of the morning time on these news papers.
Few points:
1. News paper with a cup of tea-coffee is supposed to freshen-up an individual. Do you really think that news about war, bombing, suicides, murder, dirty politics makes you feel fresh?
2. When we get up in the morning, we are already fresh and we should try to work on some creative/constructive work rather than reading dirty news. Morning walk, working in the garden, plant trees in your street, study, read a good book, do Yoga/exercise might be few things you might be interested to utilizse your energy in the fresh morning.
3. Even if you want to read news paper, please do it after lunch or in the evening ( instead of watching T.V. ). This way neighbours can share news-papers and save some paper/money. People can read news in groups and create constructive discussion.

I have decided to shun news papers (including in papers and online) till 12pm.
What do you say?

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Allergy Again

Recently I read in news that this year, the US environment has the record high level of pollen count. For last 5 days, my colleague is suffering with worst allergy he has ever experienced, itchy/red eyes, sneezing, running/bleeding nose, etc. This Sunday I was visiting my friends place and came to know that his daughter has developed pollen allergy and lactose intolerance. In my last 6 years of stay in the US, I have noticed that 60-70 % of my friends have developed allergy after 3-4 years living in the US.
As far as I understand, allergy means that our immunity has gone down and it can't fight irritations because of pollens.

My observations:

1. My friend, whose daughter developed allergy this year, moved to a first floor apartment last year. Similarly my other friend also moved to first floor apartment last year. Both the cases resulted in severe allergy this year.

2. My friends, and myself, who didn't change their eating habits after coming to the US have NOT developed allergy. Hence, people who eat home-made food, take lunch to office rather than eating out, don't consume junks like soda, coffee, breakfast-cereals, etc. regularly have fewer occurrences to allergy.

3. People doing physically exercise or are engaged in outdoor sports have less severe symptoms.

What do you think?