BETTER POLICING FOR MODERN CRIMES

     There is a marked increase in cyber crimes and hi-tech crimes the world over. It is not that the conventional crime detecting system is obsolete, but that the criminals especially the well organized ones have gone high tech in order to be a few notches above the law enforcement authorities. There is significant danger to be seen here as the hi-tech gangs are carrying out their illegal and anti-social as well as terrorist activities with scant fear of any legal or police authorities.
The problem that many developing countries are facing is the wide gap seen between the training programs of the police department as stated in their old training modules and the actual need for tackling hi-tech crimes through a systematic web based model.True, this is mostly found in the developing world and the underdeveloped world. However, in India with its extraordinary achievements in the field of IT this has gone some marked changes and the police departments within the country are much better off than their peers elsewhere.Yet a lot remains to be done as far as the policing system is concerned. Super Kerala Police may not be super enough if it doesn't spruce up its activities and becomes computer savvy.
                               A Newer Comprehensive Manual For Cyber Crimes
     Comprehensive Police Manual is of utmost importance to outline the ways and means of the law enforcement authorities to tackle all sorts of crime including modern ones where the modus operandi of the criminals have changed significantly than what it was a generation ago. This accounts for the inability of the police to implement a systematic course of action and the various operational techniques that is to be adopted by the police in ensnaring the groups of criminals, terrorists and other nefarious elements who would if allowed to proliferate the scene would make hell for all those who wish to live in peace. Thus, a Police Manual have been compiled taking due consideration of the various aspects of crimes, the methods to tackle them and above all a training guide for new recruits in the police departments.
     All states in India do have some kind of manual or the other, but Kerala is a few notch above others in this particular respect. Yet, even so the manual is quite old and aging and that there is urgent need for the same to undergo a re- editing with all salient points of the past taken into consideration and of course a few more points to be added due to the present ways crime has branched out and how the same could be tackled. Exemplary Kerala Police Training Module of 1969 which is still being continued as the backbone of policing in the state has to either to be rewritten or give way to a more comprehensive module with modern aspects as well. This is what some reports have pointed out and this needs to be addressed quite differently as all modern criminal resort to the computer and the internet in some way or the other.
                                      Modern Crimes are Computer based
     Already the general masses are concerned about the growing incidence of terrorism and other modern crimes in many parts of India and the time for a better and more potent package of such redress should be forthcoming from the police authorities. The Kerala police has been in the forefront of making the force as a successful institution, but a lot needs to be done in the areas of cyber crimes and related crimes as most modern criminals nowadays make the computed their base for planning such attacks.
    It is therefore suggested that instead of revamping the old Kerala Training Module it would be better if the authorities or the top police officers made a second manual that gives a comprehensive look at the ways and means of the modern crimes and tackling them.
                                       Continuous Updates needed
     Unlike the old manual the new data based information compiled preferably in secured data base centers of the various police departments should look at the modern crimes in a new light altogether. This means that there must be a continuous updates of information and training through the system of intranet and internet whereby the modern force can get to understand the real operation tactics of the modern criminals. Already the developed countries have almost or in totality taken the various digital applications and computerization to tackle modern crimes and terrorism. Applications like the GPS (Global Positioning System), connecting the whole of policing system through intranet and other applications have become a mandatory practice in the police departments of these countries. Crime analysis and collecting circumstantial evidence has itself taken a great leap with the help of the latest technologies and inbuilt forensic laboratories. Therefore, it is high time that the Indian Police system should undergo the level of sophistication needed to combat modern crimes and the modern mindsets of  the criminals.
                                                SMART Policing
    Therefore, this new digital manual could be the modern way of putting the Kerala Police in a new light. The manual wouldn't be a static record that like its predecessor Old Manual, but should be continually updated as when there is different angles of crimes being brought to light. This is because the changing patterns of crime is so varied that it necessitates the digital manual to be made accordingly. Obsolete Kerala Police Department would be a fact if this is not taken into consideration. Smart Kerala Policing could start with from Thiruvanthapuram and could be covered slowly to encompass all areas of the state where the police departments have their District Head Quarters. Interpol ways and means could be modified and implemented in areas where such practices in modern policing is possible. Of course, there can be better suggestions forthcoming from the young recruits and especially those who are computer savvy. Better still would be to instill a compulsory practice in all police stations so that officers of all ranks have easy access to the computer.Stunned Kerala Police District Headquarters of Thrissur, Kochi and Kozhikode before a more formidable criminal gang that has Hi- tech ways and means may not be a good news for its educated populace.

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

     Indian heritage houses are rich in tradition and architectural finesse. Yet many are sadly demolished as modern buildings are more sought after both for easier maintenance and better usage of spaces through rectangular or square formations. However, the fact remains that many of these structures are intriguing as they have been able to withstand the pressures of the hostile environment and changes in climate for centuries. Even more intriguing is the fact that all modern buildings are given at the most a couple of decades or three as guarantee by their architects and even then many of them are on the verge of hasty repair work with the passing of the first decade itself. Perhaps this is more revealing in those areas of the country where the vagaries of the monsoon and the sudden change of climates makes these modern architect somewhat more of a risk than the traditional form of architecture. 

      The 'vernacular structures' as they are also called are especially meant to suit that particular environment within that narrow defined limits of the climate and artistic changes. This is because each of these structures are made in tune with the particular climate of those parts of the country and this may even vary from one region or area within a district of a state itself as the environment changes and the reason of their historic importance. Again, the vernacular structures which are mostly residential houses for large joint families in the country as was and still remains the prevalent practice embraces that particular spot or area as no other form of traditional structures do. This blending with the niche environment space and the time they have been established gives them a uniqueness that differs quite widely with other of the same architect genre. Obviously, the vernacular structures gives them a stubborn authentication and peculiarities of the environment of the place where they have been built making them a revealing piece of marvel all of their own unlike those of the stereotypes of the modern architecture. 

     For many Indian traditional households these types of houses symbolizes the degree of their wealth, prominence, dignity and sphere of influence and profession such that travelers coming from far off places within the country can distinguish between the families dwelling in each of the houses could be ascertained and stored in memory within a few days of stay in those parts. Some parts of the houses they say lives and breathes of the ancestors who once stayed or has long gone elsewhere. Perhaps this is the very reason that old ancient mansions and houses have their own vividly tales, some very horrific and some sad while some foretell great tragedies all woven into each of the ancient furniture and pieces of art work in that house. 

    Although its quite a feat to maintain such mansions and houses in modern times however their expenses could be a costly affair. Yet for those who can afford these vernacular structures it surely is walk through some unique moments of history and cheerful family gatherings of those bygone days. Many of these structures have in the recent times been converted into hotels and heritage palaces for tourists to experience the same traditional feelings the erstwhile property owners once had.Still, all is not lost in the area of such construction as there is serious thinking of making such ancient form of construction as a viable alternative to the stereotypes that are plentifully available in the archetuctural and construction field of today. Modern Vernacular Structures with more sustaining designs should be the password in the study of futuristic designs. Imposing Vernacular Constuction Kerala style has made great inroads into the thinking patterns of how to construct modern structures having serious blend of designs with the past as well could be the role models for houses and buildings that have to experience the volatile tropical rainforest climate prevalent in the state. Besides, who knows that such construction would be a better exotic approach for the international market that have not yet expeienced anything like this before. 

It is those construction entrpreneurs who have such bold ideas in their minds to create a niche market for themselves through a blend of vernacular construction and other exotic range of houses and structures who really are the architect of their future. 

Visibly vernacular construction will make a comeback as people would seek the non stereo type construction works..

Horrifying Tales From KSV: Horrifying Tales From KSV: RESPLENDENT FEST CALLED 'ONAM'

RESPLENDENT FEST CALLED 'ONAM'

Horrifying Tales From KSV: RESPLENDENT FEST CALLED 'ONAM'

TOURING AND VISITING PLACES OF FESTIVITY

RESPLENDENT FEST CALLED 'ONAM'

       This is a special occasion for a tiny state in India called Kerala where one of its grandest festival days have arrived. Not quite surprisingly this particular festival is not celebrated all around India, but is confined only to the Keralites residing in and out of the state and out of the country. The expatriate Keralites or Malayalees as they are known have a blessing that this is there very own festival and not everyone else, but at the same time may have a little regret that this more or less family bound festival and has less public acceptance outside a Keralite home. The contribution of the rigid and closely held customs surrounding the festival may have given this festival as an occasion for the Malayalees to enjoy within their community rather than have the same distributed across the vast spectrum of humanity in India and abroad. The special hues and remarkableness associated with this festival is mostly concentrated on this ideal region known to the rest of the world as the 'Gods own Country'. The festival is the grandest occasion in Kerala as it marks the close of the harvest season and the bounty that the gods of heaven have at last showered on the people through bountiful harvest and better reserves and of course better dishes. In fact, there are several harvest festival through out India and if you were a traveler then it is quite a treat to look into the nature of these festivals and the way they are enjoyed and the unique and totally differentiated customs and celebration attached to each of these that can do wonders to a stereotyped mind of any ordinary tourist who are generally fed with the same routine stuff in their own homeland.
       Legend has it that the erstwhile ruler of Kerala or the area which consisted of several province united under one ruler called Mahabali and who through his munificence and extraordinary deeds and out of the way acts of gratitude to his subjects came to be well known in the entire universe among gods and the evil forces alike. The legend like most other legends crisscrossing the huge country called Bharat were too old enough to throw up proper light into the incidents that eventually paved way for the tale of this unique ruler. However, there were enough of scope in the study that clearly showed that Bharat then wasn't in the protozoic period nor was it in the Jurrasic era and therefore it was inhabited by men and women and their families who by virtue of their ability and willingness to do hard work on the soil surrounded by the pristine beauty of the tropical rainforest climate and the evergreen mountainous areas made this land an exceptionally comfortable place to live in. The fact that the festival called Onam resonated clearly with the completion of the harvest period undoubtedly filled ones mind with ease that the period of Mahabali was indeed a prosperous one. There is yet another reading or line of thought that could bear testimony to the prosperity of this region and that is here the season was naturally good as the weather was near perfect with the onslaughts of continuous rain that the tropical forest areas are famed for and that hot summer days were ages away during the time of harvest. Further, the bounty that the harvest brought in during these auspicious days sounded fair enough when agriculture was the most predominant occupation for not less than 95% of the population and this alone brought in a great deal of cheer for the subjects who were always at the brink of frugality during the lean seasons. Therefore, the Onam festival was the best and the most welcome of all months. It obviously had a surplus of everything that a household can dream of during those times.
       Now, things weren't all that welcome in the house of gods for no wonder at many instances the philanthropic activities that were carried out by Mahabali wasn't all that inspiring for the gods of heaven who perhaps felt a little let down. They perhaps reasoned that the ruler could have done a lot less than this and would have lived a more interesting period as one of the best ruler in the whole world.. However, Mahabali carried out his benevolent acts as if there wasn't another day to spare. This perhaps prompted the super God of heavens Lord Vishnu to descend from the comforts of his abode in heavens in the form of an ordinary monk called 'Vamana' no larger than an average dwarf to test upon the strength of Mahabali's munificence and philanthropic ideals. Even gods then like all humans were filled with jealousy then. Of course, they have to be for most of the legends were born out of the mighty thinking people and their master quill made pen strokes on parched dried leaf filaments.
       To tell the great legend in short for those who have no idea of it then the story goes on something like this. It was certain that no mortal goes with free hands in front of Mahabali and the dwarf form of Lord Vishnu too likewise knew that he could trust the mighty ruler to stick on to his high ideals and moral ground how impossible the situation may be. The lord appeared as 'Vamana' and begged before Mahabali to give him only three feet of land measured by the foot belonging to the incarnation of 'Vamana'. Mahabali felt a little offended by this and told Vamana to take as much land as he could measure rather than confine it only to three little feet of his. But Vamana was adamant and replied that he wanted no more nor less. The ever pleasing Mahabali agreed and the Lord in the disguise of Vamana set on to measure the three feet of land. Next was simply an act of perfidy or whatever you might call it and the Lord Vishnu quickly assumed his omnipresent form and with one foot measured the earth and its surrounding objects (the earth was in those times quite an impressive planet not easily dwarfed by anything in heavens) and with the other he quickly measured the rest of the universe and then asked where is the land which his third feet can rest upon. Mahabali knew that he was tricked, but like an ever charitable soul told Lord Vishnu to rest the third feet upon his little head. The Lord lost no time and quickly put it on Mahabali's head and pushed him down deep into the crust of earth known generally to people all around the world as hell. But Mahabali didn't vanish immediately disappear from sight, but asked the All Powerful Almighty whether he could see his beloved subjects ever again. The Lord conceded to his request and agreed to allow him to visit his land every year for ten days as per the Indian almanac days when Onam is celebrated in full swing. So this day people think or try to give reason that these are the most auspicious days for the people of Kerala. Even to this day this festival is celebrated.
         But what is most fascinating is the thinking pattern or rather a change in thinking and reasoning pattern among thinkers, philosophers, in particular religious philosophers who no doubt would have seen the holy text and the unfolding tale being written as they usually did during the birth and subsequent additions which the other religious texts have undergone. Remember, this was during those times when proper papers or writing materials were not available and people relied heavily on word of mouth for communicating anything sacred and otherwise. The bewildering fact is that the long held belief that the gods in heaven are the most superior not only in strength, but morality and general munificent acts have been challenged by deviating from the known religious line of thinking and that a little ambitious step making man as important in good deeds if he were given the chance to assert himself was also pondered upon by those thinkers and writers and quickly inserted through literature which in those times were basically religious. Naturally, Onam festival saw a little deviance where the Lord became a figure of doubtful disposition while the mortal king Mahabali became a highly revered figure. All texts religious or otherwise are the creation of human thoughts after all. Perhaps Kerala has made a significant contribution in challenging a known channels of thinking through the tale of Mahabali.
           Yet, the religious philosophers and other thinkers and writers who were not all too pleased with the way the text and the tale have been written must have done their own brainstorming and additions. Of course, a great part must have already been out in the open and the peasant folks and ordinary citizen would have embraced the tale and therefore what could be done later perhaps was simply some brilliant piece of editing. Just as we in the present world try out the supremacy of our race on lesser mortals and little nations so did those crafty and ruthless thinkers and religious philosophers. They perhaps gave the specious reasoning that Mahabali was so punished because of the fact that he belonged to the 'asura' chaste or demon chaste who were or have been bent upon in making the heavenly life of gods extremely stressful.
          The story ends or begins shouldn't be much of concern for travelers opting to travel during these times. This year the time of festival season starts from 31st August, 2011 and ends on 9th September, 2011. It also coincides with the Ramzan month. Yet the Onam celebration stretches on for another couple of days at Thrissur. Yet it would be better if the tourist were visiting some well known places where Onam is celebrated with utmost gaiety. Extraordinary Pullikali (Tiger painted faces of human beings - nowadays it means of any wild animals and tabloid processions and a vast array of percussion ensembles marks the finale of ten days of Onam in Thrissur. Mind boggling 'Atha Chamayam' of Tripunithura situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala state is yet another procession worth watching. Then there are numerous arts and clubs scattered all around the state which hosts and sponsors "Onam Flower Decorations' and carry on day night dance, drama and orchestra performances. Pristine Pookala Malsarram or the Onam Flower Decoration as it is usually called is quite unique to this region and something that would instill and create an artist in each human. Kummatty or painted faces of human beings in processions giving off wild dances are also worth watching. As for the delicacies the tired traveler can seek any good hospitality center for indulging in Kerala's own delicacies served in traditional plantain leaves and finishing off with ambrosia - delightful sweet 'payasams'. In fact, this festival is all too colorful under the shades of evergreen foliage. Mysterious classic paints and pigments Kerala style is what gives the shades of color and texture all its own in remarkableness and style.
         Regretting Kerala Diaspora abroad can of course have a treat in many of the choicest ways and there are exports packages of these items to far off nations too by well known traditional food merchants. Cultural Hospitality Centers Kerala abound for enticing new travelers to have a taste of the exotic. Traditional minded hotels and resorts of Kerala with styles as traditional yet having all the modern amenities for those inquisitive and art loving travelers can give them immense pleasure of experiencing something out of the way altogether.
          Truly, this isn't a horrifying tale at all perhaps would be so if one were to miss it remaining out of station during such a moment.

EXTRA POWER FOR DEFENSE FORCES OF INDIA

                                       SHORTAGE OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL

      A report about the shortage of armed personnel in the defense sector of India baffled me and kept me thinking. The defense minister, Mr. A. K. Anthony has stated that there are over 14, 000 vacancies of officers in the Highly Glorified Defense Sector of India. Unambiguously, The New Indian Express has reported the matter on page 10 (18th August, 2011). It is intriguing that in spite of the large unemployment in the country and with plethora of able bodied young people there are no takers for the defense jobs. However, there is a different picture that comes into your mind if you were to look at the growing aspirations of the young people in this country. For one, most youngsters have taken to that easy life where there is less monotonous routines, no rigid rules or regulations and above all where there is no real fear of death. Of course, in this century we all live in an atmosphere of great tension where the ordinary life can be as easily blown to smithereens by a well devised explosive from one or the other terror groups, yet life in the defense is altogether a different picture where men battle it out in any weather conditions all the while trying to remain alert against a sudden enemy attack or a sabotage or an ambush. Therefore, this calls for a clear distinction between the jobs in the defense sector and the one that is civilian especially so for the new recruits.

      Just have a look at the India growth story and the idea you get is that apart from the 'all cozy no responsibility' works there is plethora of private jobs for young people whatever be their qualification. At first sight there is denying the fact that these jobs are better and more lucrative than the ones at the defense. Why is it so? Just take the case of the IT sector, although the job has its ups and downs like the rest especially when a person is under undue stress or when he or she has to stay awake for several days or nights in order to finish up a project, but when it comes to pay there is however no match for it. Again, look at the other government jobs where although there may be less amenities than those offered in the defense, yet when you weigh it relatively to the stress and the tension the civilian government jobs are far ahead than those of the defense. With the pay hike in the government civilian jobs there is less likelihood for the defense sector to show up any glamor for which our youngsters would easily fall to.The biggest negative factor is the risk of injury or death and not being able to meet ones family for months and perhaps years. Small wonder that no youngsters are likely to opt for a job in defense. Then of course comes the low morale which the Indian defense sector is experiencing like its counterpart in other countries.

                                                      Lack of Charismatic Appeal

      The Indian defense faces a lack of charismatic appeal or glamor relative to other civilian jobs and this is felt more when there is better life options available with ordinary masses. Here, the other countries are not way behind. One fact comes to mind often is the way there were irritation on the part of the American forces in Iraq where many recruits were doubtful as to whether the war was justified and whether there was any need for the same. The death toll was enormous considering the fact that the American's public doesn't take it lightly at all. True, the regime of Saddam Hussein was atrocious yet on the whole the war didn't resonate well with the American defense forces and so also its allies although the former tried to keep it all hush hush. Now coming to Indian defense forces we are not all that handicapped like the defense forces of other countries as we always have greater degree of legitimacy in making our forces fight as we are defending our own territory and not the least we are fighting almost on continuous basis the terrorists on our soil.  

      Thus, it is inevitable to look at the defense sector from the point of view of both peace time and war time. In case of war time this may not be quite the case as wars have changed and most modern wars are not between nations, but with different terror groups operating from different territories. Some countries in the world today play the host to hardcore terrorists groups operating from their soil apart from the necessary training and funding for instilling violence in those countries with which they have little chance of winning in a full scale war. By carefully placing the priorities of the Versatile Indian Defense Forces both during the peace time and war times and also the way the terror wars are distinguished unlike those of war zones can the Versatile Indian Defense Force regain its fast diminishing charisma as the best sought after jobs of our country. I am no defense experts yet it is definitely a sad thing to hear that young people look elsewhere for employment or rather they go for defense jobs only as a last resort. 

                              More Appealing Emoluments and Benefits for the Defense Sector

     Unlike the other government jobs the Defense Ministry should make the defense sector jobs more appealing at least on the benefits side. One thing I have noticed among my relations in the defense sector is the hectic disciplinary schedules and less holidays. It goes without saying that unlike the civilian jobs the defense people slug it out in all weather and in all discomforts that life can provide in the Himalayas or other inhospitable terrains. Therefore, for those recruits although the daily discipline is of utmost importance they can be given periodic leave after say three months of border watch or camps at some harsh terrains. A sort of shift mechanism can be made to run such that all the trained recruits get a posting in the harsh terrain once in a while with a generous periodic leave after their busy term. If not this then something quite close can be worked out by our defense experts such that the Indian Defense Forces once more regain their previous charisma. In fact, more new recruits for such shift operation ( I don't know whether there is already one ) can give jobs to more youths. Funds can be brought in as India is in growth stage. Again, there are lots and lots of funds held in transit and due to some vague reasons have not reached our soil and the matter is still in the court. But one thing is certain the Valuable Indian Defense Sector must have a face change if it has to make itself more attractive to the general masses seeking employment. Ebullient Coast Guard Vessels and Lighthouses offers enough scope of adventures, mystery and sea faring enthusiasm for youngsters and all that is needed is to highlight their magic every now and then rather than keep everything in suppressed silence under the pretext of defense secrets. If too much of secrets are suppressed then people tend to forget them altogether.

MONEY MAKING TRAVEL IDEAS BY STAGE MANAGED HORRORS

                                                                                 Horrifying Sights
    Darkness has its own dangers and who wouldn't look an awful sight if some unknown ghastly appearance suddenly makes its appearance in some dim corner of a street or during one of those awful looking approaching wintery twilight. Worst part of such darkness or approaching darkness is the level of uncertainty associated with it that gives such sights its most horrible image and sordid tales that follow with it. Even the bravest of persons have been tempted to speculate the ominous signs of the all consuming darkness and believe it or not even they too have experienced such sights momentarily or due to a blur in their vision. Whatever be the case such sights or speculations about apparitions or call them ghosts are going to remain on this earth so long as people are inhabiting this place.

                                        Beautifying the Horror Myths

      Although this may or may not sound good and people would have their own difference of opinions yet it goes without saying that even the most updated human being would go through one or more of such experiences due to the interplay of lights or through their own subconscious. But the best of these phenomenon lies in potential of making people like us exploit them for our commercial purpose. Nay! I am not talking about the witch hunts, tattooing, drugs affects and their after affects or any other designs that by their nature would mean harm to the innocent lives, but by a selective exploitation of these ghosts tales and horrifying scenes by carefully made entertainment objects with all the hair raising fright scenes thrown in. One such an area where they can be exploited is for traveling or through holidaying on a Package Tour to World famous Horror instilling places.

         Again, as far as tattooing or witch hunts, magic, a good dose of interplay between the real and the imaginary make ups are concerned one can exploit their entertainment value and not the negative aspect of it. Unfortunately, a lot of ignorant people have fallen victims to it all over the world and their practice is still being carried out relentlessly in many of the die hard orthodox tribes. But, this is definitely not the type of entertainment this article would like to present before the future tourists or operators or entrepreneurs. The idea is to either add as a package tour to place of such historic importance as those that by virtue of their dead spirits and living horrors remain etched in the minds of the public to this day.

         The idea of such frightening and yet romantic travel in small or large parts could spice up the otherwise ritualistic travel that most travel destinations seem to have become. For those orthodox die hard travelers their best bet would be to go to Google and then type travel destinations, travel maps or travel operators or international hotels or motels and then have their booking done. But for those who would as has been earlier pointed out a little spicy travel can do them a lot of good by expecting the unrealistic. I am not saying that the places ought to so horrifying so as to snuff out the daylight out of you and your group of travelers, but they can be rather great fun if taken in little doses. Here, it is for the travelers and their agents who ought to bring out the best of such horror adventures which basically would mean that a family consisting of aged and children too can participate. Of course, there are places like the Disney Land Theme Parks, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Mountain in US, while Europe has its own like the Disney Resort Paris (France), Siam Park (Spain), Walibi Theme Park (Belgium), Europa Park (Germany) and Legoland (Denmark). In Japan it boasts of numerous theme parks of which the most famous are the Edo Wonderland, Fuji o Highlands, Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch, Nagashima Spa Land, Space World, Tobu World Square and Tokyo Disney Sea. In India there is the Veegaland Park, Ocean Park, Ramoji Film City, Fun n Food Village, Essel World, Adventure Islands, Entertainment City, Nicco Park, Gujarat Science City and Platinum Resorts. Of course, China too has its numerous theme parks and so also the rest of Asian countries and the Middle East which if named here could make this article too long.

          Brilliant Entrepreneurship in Horror Themes Entertainment Business

      Already the world economy is struggling with recession and this is the case with almost all the developed nations. However, it has been seen that both the Chinese economy and the Indian economy are well cushioned to absorb this shock partly because of having thrown up their economies for foreign investments and partly due to the huge growing domestic markets. Entertainment is the new password to success in business as this is one area that is going to see enormous growth in the future. Quite rightly therefore the tourism and travel business is going to get yet another boost with innovative strategies being drawn up by entrepreneurs to carve a niche areas in innovative traveling.

      One such least of all exploited area is story telling traveling where a well conversant guide could bring out your interest in mystery stories and tales of horrors relevant to the places you wish to visit. If an entrepreneur is really smart then he or she can recreate such horror spots by invoking the spirits or at least give a new hue for harmless travel for group tourists to these spots. Of course, there are quite a lot of spots in the world that have not yet been exploited for such type of traveling. Imagine that you have just landed in a town and the tourist map for visitors, both foreign and domestic are given an odd route which jolts your consciousness. Upon placing a query with a booking clerk you are passed on the information that such and such place do exist and has been thrown open for tourist. Of course, this is all harmless although your nerve stands on its end and you and your group of tourists are led to the place at an inn (well kept but looking dilapidated and nightmarish) or a desolate castle, palace or structure in half in ruins, but has affordable lodging facilities such that the group of travelers can relax and then enjoy the screams and floating or walking apparitions on the ground beyond your window sill.

     Well! you might think this is all just imagination and nothing else. But to tell you the truth a little scary harmless journey or trip well taken care off by your tourist guide can bring a lot of fun which you and your friends or family can enjoy. Surely, the would be entrepreneurship in establishing a horror stay has better ideas to offer and mind you this shouldn't be too horrifying as this would drive customers away rather than bring them to watch the unfolding fun together. If things go a bit hot with all most realistic figures like Zombies, ghosts, walking skeletons, headless monsters and so on you may add a bit of laughter to lighten up the atmosphere. Care should be taken that you feel this way particularly with children and aged people around. You may perhaps classify them if need be by giving the horror enacting scenes that you would like the tourists to go through by giving A class, B class or C class depending upon the degree of horror they wish to take in.

      Sure enough there is enough money in this kind of staged fright with better backgrounds rather than some kind of theme park. A good tiny theme with a comfortable inn or place of stay can reap the new entrepreneur rich rewards with a hotline and a website to browse. Of course, you may turn into a millionaire overnight like some affiliate marketing companies promise you, but you can turn this into a real life passion where you can make your country really buzzing in living spirits or vampires making it into a distinct tourist center. Again, this may not sound like an easy course on How to Make Money, How to Make Money Online, How to Become Instant Rich, How to Become a Millionaire Overnight yet this is a niche area that has so far not exploited commercially. Come to think of it the sample above are only a passing though for there are numerous ways to concoct a horror scene or invent hair raising tales for people who come to stay at your inn or place. In Asia too you have your own witches, monsters, ghosts and they have their own local origins and sometimes very funny too. As long as horror stories are here to stay don't ever think of losing a genuine business and this added with frequent updates can really let the entrepreneur go sailing with money jingling.

TOURING AND VISITING PLACES OF FESTIVITY

     Some countries are endowed with festivals and this is mostly seen in the areas of Asiatic region than anywhere else in the world. India perhaps tops the list of the number of festivals in a year and the myriad variety of these that are seen within the country are too unbelievable or rather too exotic for tourists especially for those coming from foreign countries. True, many of these festivals have a generous sprinkling of the religious and customs based on traditions of the past, as is usually the case with festivals, yet on the whole they display a great difference in one way or the other. This might be the reason why in India and many of the Asian countries there is a lot of festival travels as well as religious travels as in many instances both are seen to be intricately connected. But for those who think that travel means simply fun or amusement for the very sake of it this kind of Festival Travel may look somewhat off the mark unlike those established and marked traveling or touring spots of interests. Well, the time of fun can be easily replicated near to your own home, say your town or at the outskirts of it with its greenery and mountainous surroundings. For touring doesn't mean simply having fun at some remote place, but to study the uniqueness of the place itself including the customs, traditions and the festivals attached to the place that actually highlights it along with others in the World Tourist Map or the Tourist Map of a Country or region. In fact, some of this type of fun can be replicated even while you visit one of your home country's National Parks or say one of the Amusement Parks catering both for children and adults.

        Then why look into festivities? The reason is that there is a lot of difference as there are differences between staged plays and the actual event taking place before ones own eyes. A festival place is a gathering quite unique to the population residing within the boundaries of that particular place and those who visit can either join into the fun event or look at the event as an opportunity to understand the traditions, customs and the culture of the people of those parts. Unlike those drab days where even the ordinary folks of a place are at their secretive best and try to drag themselves away from any queries asked of them by strangers, festivals offer enough scope for inquisitive tourists to place questions to just about anyone at any moment.Of course, I am not talking about extra conservative cultures who would look the other way than do any communicating. Yet festivities bring about the change in human disposition due to the very environment that prevails around a person or society and this is why it is surely the best bet for travelers or tourists to move about and understand the large and tiny differences that exists in societies that make them so special and worth much of a person's time and energy.

        There is one thing that all travelers visiting strange lands ought to keep in mind and that is all festivals that one come across in the brochures of different Travel Operators or Travel Depot or one that is distributed by agents of different domestic and international airlines, may not sound so sweet as depicted in them. The reason is that festivals nowadays are just about anything and everywhere no matter what place you are in. This is a good sign for all good things that are likely to come with the positive affects of globalization and possibilities of closer mingling of people of different societies to make the world a lot more smaller in space and time. Yet for an unwary traveler or tourist or simply a visitor on business visits this type of selection could turn into a nasty jolt for life. In many cases until and unless the person is well versed in the culture of the society that he or she visits, the festival names can be really a shocking experience close to a nightmare.

          So, be selective about festivals and chose them in consultation with the travel offices of the place one visits or intents to visit. A good well established tour operator or a consulting guide in travel of the Travel department or good Airline Agents can give an elaborate account of the festival and the time required and the ways to enjoy them and even help you with the selection of mode of transport and the likely expenses you might have to meet. In other words, visit or make sure that you visit only festivals that are famous within the country or state or district and are celebrated by the whole community with mass gatherings. Never try to go for festivals that are boldly written in the Travel Brochures simply for the sake of going. I am not saying that all travel brochures have an explanation of Festival times of a place. Far from it for many never ever mention it even once in their travel slips. This being the case it is better for first time travelers or visitors to make some discreet queries and make list of festivals that one would wish to celebrate along with the local communities. This also means to strike off holidays that are not proper festival time for visitors or because of the nature of the festival itself. Let me give a few examples here. Holidays like environmental day, children day or woman's day or for that matter any holiday in all likelihood marked as festive day then 'Beware'. This may sound nothing, but simply hogwash for visitors until and unless there is something special event being stage managed by a group of people or members of a society. This is what I had earlier stated that if ever you wish to travel and enjoy travel then do it with a purpose. In fact, many listed festive holidays are big and very important yet there is nothing much for a visitor to enjoy or entertain. Among the famous holidays in the list in a country like India where there are thrice as much festivals in one or the other part of the country that it becomes really very confusing for a first time visitor who must have read or seen video back at home that this country is full of colorful festivities all over.

      Hence, I repeat that all vacationing tourists must have a purpose for enjoying festivities and this is more markedly seen in the case of FESTIVAL TOURISM. Take the case of Dewali festival practiced throughout the length and breadth of India save a few states.This festival is mostly an indoor family affair and until and unless the visitor has some very close ties with one or more such families celebrating the event it will be rather not all that enjoyable for them. Again, the fireworks that go off during the night can be rather an event to be watched, but otherwise the whole thing is confined to a family matter of give and take of sweets, greetings, gifts and more sweets. Yet in some parts of India the Dewali festival may have an additional event that might be worthy of watching or enjoying as this may be done with the intention of drawing the whole of that community to celebrate the event together.Hence, selection of the festive event is very important. Never do traveling for the sake of traveling only for you may get quite bored with it if this is your second or third trips to the same place.

      Tourists visiting places as a holiday can select their interest in line with their profession or as hobby and there is a range of festivals that if done with a selective bend of mind can be really an exhilarating experience just like first timers on a trip to the Himalayas. These festivals unlike those of the religious or community flavor has more of globalized version for those with specialized tastes. For instance, there can be festivals like Dog Shows, Canine Shows, Flower Shows, Gardening Shows, Technological Shows, Art Shows and even shows like Sports Festivals,Theatre Festivals, Music Festivals, Film Festivals and the like. You may just name it and it is there within your Google system or just within the range of your internet. It needn't be confined to these only. In fact, it depends upon the creative intellects of the local people and the places of origin and the way the festivity is given an altogether new view at some far off place not anywhere near its original place. For instance, there can be myriads of such festive delights and it depends upon the mindset of the organizers as well as the inclination of the travelers to enjoy it. Gorgeous Don Bosco School Mannuthy compound is presently a host to the relic of Don Bosco that would arrive after its tour to the rest of the world. The major event is to be held at the school on 28th September, 2011 with immense publicity. The event is expected to have participants from all communities as the Rev Don Bosco was very much within the hearts of children all over the world.

       However keep it mind that you can enjoy the festivals only if you really have an interest for it. But if you feel you may try to make one of your trips a festival oriented one and then you will never regret as long as the selection is good.

        

HOW TO AVOID TRAVELING BLUES ESPECIALLY FOR LONG JOURNEYS

      I have already stated in my previous blogs that traveling or making a trip should be done with a purpose however small that purpose may be. Otherwise, we would be initially taking the plunge and then try to remain happy, but soon enough boredom and a sense of that drift would enter our minds and we would try to while away the holiday or that trip trying to think that this is the way it should be and all the time our minds would feel as if there is something missing somewhere. This "something missing somewhere" although we can never explain properly takes the spice of the whole tour and significantly alters our emotion and we are left with a feeling of slight disgust.  Hence, for those who have only a holiday in mind and nothing else, the idea that is suggested here is to get something or the other in the mind of the individual or the whole group to stay in line when they experience a slight drift. This is because the human mind tends to go drifting and feel at a loss when it is allowed to believe that the sole purpose of the journey was to kill time which would mean a few days or few weeks. For many people traveling, vacationing or touring, a trip has larger purpose than simply enjoying for the sake of enjoyment. Of course, you could argue that reveling or simply moving off to a place to enjoy a few days away from the busy chores would do the brain good. Well, the fact is that such a holiday is good for a couple of days or at the most a week after which the mind would experience a dip in happiness. Hence, for the travelers who travel individually or in groups it is worthwhile at least to add some little purpose to give the whole tour a meaning however subtle it may be. For instance, many travelers take to snapping some good photographs while some would love to jot down in their dairy about the places they visit while some others might might take down the ingredients that make up their breakfast, lunch and dinner and even those exotic dishes that they are likely to taste as fun. In fact, these travelers make discreet queries about the stuff that they eat.Then there are others who visit places to collect a few well studied souvenirs and make sure that they have some of the fine prints or photographs of the places of historic interest there.

       But why travel with a purpose at all? Hopefully, you will realize this after you make a first trip where you may not feel it all that bad. But with each repetitive trip not only to a similar place, but to places with great similarities, as most such trip tends to be, then with each trip that you plan it all boils down to the fact that you are at the most plain bored. Perhaps, this is quite analogous to the 'Law of Diminishing Returns' as is seen in economics. During travel too the best way to overcome this type of diminishing enjoyment is to add a little purpose of yours or your group's choice such that every trip has a different purpose.

       Everything is in the Human Mind

The mind of ours is a vast network of nerves and tissues and perhaps the most awesome object that we would find in our little planet. Nothing can match it in creativity or exercising choices of options through reasons, tact and emotions. Yet a dull unemployed brain is the biggest headache whether it is remaining idle during full consciousness or during a tour. It is not surprising therefore to see people going for trips with their earphones plugged to their ears listening to music or chatting away into their mobile handsets. Some would perhaps pass the time during train journeys, plane journeys or by road transports by quietly logging onto the World Wide Net with the help of their laptops or kindle. Alas, the catch here is why travel at all if you can enjoy the same moments at the cozy comforts of your home. It is okay if you feel like checking your latest call history in the mobile handsets or a few moments when you want to be alone or perhaps you are doing so for you are traveling alone or when the rest of your co-passengers have fallen asleep while sleep shuns you. Yet, when traveling in groups to see far off land or enjoy things together this can indeed become a curse. If you are sightseeing enthusiasts then say whether missing great many things on the way means nothing to you. Then why travel at all. Travel & Tour Indian Railways have become a lot to be desired too.

          Abilene Paradox

     The Abilene Paradox is referred to as group decision where each member of the group refrains from carrying out any sort of criticism or suggest something contrary to what the group oral or written objectives are thus causing no trouble to the group for the sake of keeping the group together and coherent through and through. The Abilene Paradox, not quite surprisingly, originated from a travel to Abilene by a group of travel enthusiasts and each member agreeing to the trip with a positive response thinking that the other member shouldn't feel bad. The result was that each member had a different opinion of the trip although none stated so in order to keep the coherence of the team and keeping everybody's spirit up while the result of the trip left them all disgusted, stressed and totally fed up. Here, refraining from criticizing the other members or the Travel Plan got them nowhere as each member could have easily succeeded in giving good suggestions for the group and with a little brainstorming the whole trip could have been an enjoyable one.

       This is so true of all traveling and don't blame the Travel and Tourism office due to a bad arrangement right at the start of the whole journey. Here, in this case an explicit message could be conveyed to the whole group, if of course you are not traveling alone, and this then added with a small purpose, more for fun sake, could spice up the whole travel. A small purpose (Not necessarily a business purpose or official one), could bring about the emotional coherence to the group in which you are traveling.

        Avoiding the Traveling Blues

       If one individual person thinks that he is bored with the same type of sightseeing or visits to historical monuments as some may have other idea of fun then the group tour suffers from little acknowledged fact of 'Travel Blues'. If you must converse over the mobile handset and you may have the latest of the digital devices like the Blackberry or the Nokia or the Palm Pre or whatever, well kindly be courteous enough to tell the others in the group that you will be missing them for a couple of minutes or so and not more. This means that either you make the call as strictly personal or publicize it briefly. It would liven up a hush conversation and who knows some humor may appear on their faces and then the journey becomes even more interesting. Try to avoid too much or frequent self engagement. Keep them during bed times or when the rest of the group members are taking a nap or a little rest after good trudge around the place of Tourist Importance. Sometimes, having the digital Kindle or a Samsung Galaxy Tablet can be fun if you can share your experience or jokes or some comments on a particular BLOG WRITING, News from a Freelancing Writer, Video Conversations or a movie which you and other members of the group can enjoy on your Laptop during some say arduous task of waiting at the office of Travel Agents, World's Busy Airports, Railway Platforms, Public Lounges, or even while simply waiting for the next bus or vehicle during your Safari Tour of the Tanzanian National Parks or any other exotic Wild Life Centers. Name it and you can spot these Traveling Blues at different places in spite of the fact that you are moving in groups and trying to see the best Tourist Spots of the World.

         Simply talking away the time

      Again, if there is one way to beat time then it is by gossip and sure enough this would be the best bet perhaps when there are a lot of females in the group and children. Nothing can beat small talks even while we simply kill the time we have to due to delays in flights, waiting for clearances and due to sudden changes in weather. However, this can be a surmountable task for those who are generally quiet and have a forceful contemplating mind. Here, in such cases either you add a person with necessary talent to free talk away or get those members, preferably woman, to chat away in order to lighten up the otherwise blue atmosphere. This is in way a small matter and a clever talkative fun loving person can bring about a change within the group which no sightseeing visits can provide. Of course, some people although prone to be a good conversationalist they can turn to be irritating. Hence, choose wisely and if need be get the best person do the talking and creating fun while you add a few nods and head shakes and at the most laugh and then utter a few good words in return. Children can be a great pass time during one of these Traveling Blues and can liven up the atmosphere like no adult can.

          Conclusion

     When such luck is not to be found and the Traveling companions are best of left alone you can do nothing and take it with you whether it is boredom, Traveling Blues or a good conversation. Hence, this is the area which although not quite conspicuous or seen to be important in small travels are nevertheless there in all long trips and vacations. And as suggested in this article make the best of your Holiday Tour with a little purpose so as to remain focused in little ways to avoid such Traveling Blues.

MONEY AND HAPPINESS

                                          DOES A LOT OF MONEY MAKE YOU HAPPY
       A few years back I had the opportunity to meet a person who had almost anything to go by and perhaps never seen to grumble about any of those things that usually bothered most of the folks like us. He had inherited several acres of land and his family was quite well known and his wife and himself had the best of homes and divided their time between the ancestral property which he had inherited along and the huge villa which he had built himself and another one, a bungalow, which he was planning to build at some hill range. Apart from that he had a farm house somewhere and three sleazy looking cars. Again, their children went to the best of schools in the town and luckily enough they were quite dutiful to their parents and studied well. I was working in a company then and had gone there with a friend of mine who had some business with him. We talked about this and that after my friend had finished the business part of it and he then forced us to take tea and snacks with him as it was afternoon around 5 pm Indian Standard Time. During the casual conversation this gentlemen stated quite frankly that he envied people who had something to do and that having a lot of money and wealth alone was rather boring thing. We politely laughed and gave our usual comments stating that the grass is better looking on the other side and so on and told him about our own difficulties. When we parted we smiled and shook hands and then made our way back to our respective homes.
       The incident may perhaps look as if it was nothing and as we both thought of it too that particular day and commented upon our hosts immense luck and our own misfortunes.We also commented upon our host's good humor as to mention that he really enjoyed the little time we spent with him that afternoon and perhaps was trying to be a trifle cleverer by pointing out his good fortune comparing it with that of ours as many rich and well to do folks usually do by passing that wry remark about his grandiose display of boredom. Later, we laughed all the way back feeling grounded and when we parted our ways to reach our homes, we never gave another though to that mock remark nor even mentioned it once to our friends.
       That incident would have been removed from my mind, at least the remark if not the person who was so immensely rich and was living a happy married life that it would be difficult to do so, but for yet another chance meeting with yet another person who although himself wasn't so rich yet had a compilation of such traumatic patients who were fed up with life and took to drugs, attempted suicides and tried to lead a distorted life by their own designs although they had nothing to worry a bit financially in the worst of the global recessions. The person who told me this was a medical practitioner and this was conveyed to one of my friends who then was a medical representative and we happened to visit his place together.
       After hearing a list of those poor rich I tried to humble my own mind about the idea of becoming or getting quick rich as I then like the rest of my generation thought there was hardly anything in the world that matters except making a quick buck, the bigger the better, and then living on it as anybody would dream without doing any work for the rest of their life. The more I thought the more I became perplexed, for no matter what I could then drive the point into my mind no further, for I too like many others had come to the conclusion that this was some sort of rare mental disease which only the awfully rich gets. But to tell the truth this wasn't the case as there was something quite different from our own angle of thinking and that struck me much later-a few years after.
              THE FLOW CONCEPT AND THE STAGNANT AFFECT OF MONEY /WEALTH
       Illusion of happiness is the most Horrifying thing in life. Some behave as if they are rich and the fact is that they are full of debt and this thought is eating into their conscience all the time. Then there are others who by their virtue of being lucky with a little property think about other wealthy people known to them personally or are in the limelight and vicariously try to chart their own life in tune with that of these people little knowing that this illusion shall not last long and sooner or later they would revert back to their old unhappy self. The problem is that these people are never true to their own self and this is perhaps the single biggest sign of unhappiness.
       Now where does this flow concept of money and wealth come into the picture you might ask Well, the answer is that these are again acts of conscience on a person who would naturally remain happy irrespective of whether they possess large wealth or nothing as he or she experiences a flow of income on a regular basis and that flow is created quite true to their conscience and with effort. This means that lump sum money or stagnant money or wealth can bring in happiness, but for a short duration only and not forever. It is actually the flow that creates true type of happiness, of course with all other things like family life, children, social mixing and other such remains quite all right. In other words, activity or activities that instills the conscience of the mind continuously has to be created which then can bring in true enjoyment of wealth. Thus, the necessity of flow of revenue. A static wealth even if it yields good return on investments and interests has less to offer in the form of life enjoyment than the periodical trickles that comes with some sort of exertion instilling the mind and the conscience that the effort made isn't in vain.
                    THE REAL ESTATE MAGNATE AND THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
      I have yet another example to highlight the point which I am trying to make. This is the comparative study of happiness of a real estate business man and a Chartered Accountant. Money wise there can be no comparison between the two as the real estate magnate has large properties which he had bought at a cheap rates. Indeed, here in this example the real estate business man is a millionaire and the Chartered Accountant just well off with good number of clients to his credit. During recessionary periods the real estate magnate is without work as he has large tracts of property that could not be sold out. On the other hand the Chartered Accountant's office is buzzing with life and even if the delay in payments have slightly aggravated. He is still busy and doesn't count his eggs before they hatch as the work he does is more or less on a continuous basis for his clients whereas for the real estate businessman he simply counts his future money while remaining out of work with an idle office and a group of yawning staff which inevitably irritates him too. Just think who would be happy in such circumstance? Where of course there is buzz with money flow on a regular basis than bogged down by uncertainty of some future fortune.
        Here, the happiness through money can only be had if there is a continuous flow of it (small or large amount doesn't matter) so long there is buzz and there is a lot of activity. In my example above too there is no buzz which the money makes or which would keep the conscience of the rich man active enough. Hence, he is bored stiff of the life which he tries to enjoy and which deep in his conscience rebels upon. Further, continuous activity can eclipse the evil comparison that the mind frequently resonates when consciously idle. This needn't be what a person tries to put up before the public or his family, but the fact that something is amiss remains within his subconsciousness.               
                           DANGERS OF CREATING ARTIFICIAL BUZZ
        If you have a lot of money then you might think why not try to keep an artificial buzz with it alone. Nothing wrong, but happiness couldn't be had by cheating your conscience. In fact, we see a lot of people with money trying on Betting and Gambling as if they have nothing to lose. But the fact is that you get chained in these activity and thus you may lose all you have built by hard work. Then there are retired people who once they retire invest their savings in some business without even a good plan and then lose it all at the fag end of their life. For keeping up with the continuous buzz called activity you must be prepared to create a flow that is less risky here. Yet on the other hand simply doing nothing can make you liable to fall victim to the vegetative state of mind. Diseases like the otherwise Impossible Alzheimer's Disease and senile dementia becomes quite easily possible. Here, mind you I am not suggesting that you shouldn't aim high or think about big money, but the fact I wish to state here is that you must be able to churn the large amount to a positive purpose on a continuous basis. Great Charity is a good way to create flow if you have a lot of money to give on a continuing basis. However, for most people this is not possible and thus it fails to create the buzz and activity in your life as it remains either a one way flow and rather unaffordable. Hence, there must always be a continuous revenue necessary to sponsor a continuing charity work.
        Then there are people who instead of remaining idle opts for some work on the pretext that others like themselves are too involved in such activities. A friend of mine knew of a retired judge who after having retired thought of taking up gardening and tiny scale farming although he had no idea about it at all. Of course, he did try to learn and tried his hands on various seed plantations, but proved a failure and was soon got fed up simply because he didn't have the heart in it. Thus, activities of any sort and perhaps more so if you try to earn something out of it, should be taken up by that person only if he or she has a heart that is totally involved in the task. Otherwise, the whole thing becomes a washout. In short, this buzz called 'continuous activity' should be done with a positive mind and that you feel that it is part of your life or the post retirement life. Again, this is not so easy as you would love to imagine, but a carefully thought out process where you take up a money earning activity on a continuous basis for true happiness. Some people have plans to spend the rest of their life wandering around the world just like that after they receive a large legacy or get a large chunk of money. Well, the truth is that these people can do so for a few years as if it it some sort of invigorating activity, but soon enough you would hear them remark that after seeing one beach is almost like the rest or one place has no particular distinction than the other. The fact is that deep inside their subconscious they are not properly active in the truest sense of the word and that what they do is simply trying to adopt a boring idle policy that has simply no responsibility and a sense of achievement.
         Therefore, it is important for people to achieve that state of mind where happiness becomes a second nature and that state of mind can only be achieved if the person tries to engage in a continuous buzz creating activity with a purpose driven mind. And don't always think of money only the happiness of being in the job.
       
       

       

SPACE TRAVEL AND TOURISM

     There's a lot more to TRAVEL AND TOURISM than what human beings or for that matter ordinary travelers and trip making enthusiasts think about. To tell the truth there is a lot more to enjoy and perhaps a lot more to increase the trade between nations and thus significantly contributing to the GDP growth of these nations through one such travel. Surely this one is about SPACE TRAVEL and this one comes only if you have the sophisticated technology with you. Nations vie with one another on this particular area and there is no limit to the potentials once a country can garner enough technical skills to launch its own SPACE SHUTTLE. However, this article is about such SPACE SHUTTLING and the day is not far off although some countries are sure ahead on the race to conquer the last frontier of technology prowess and that is SPACE TRAVEL.

      One thing is quite certain just as the advent of the industrial revolution took place with mass production techniques made possible through a system of process and extensive mechanization of production, the Space Travel would start with TOURISM INDUSTRY as its launch pad. True, here too human kind would need to dwell into a mass production of producing the future SPACE SHUTTLES, yet the huge mind boggling investment can only be justified with human taking flights to outer space with certain degree of ease and comfort in order to satisfy their curiosity of the space outside this planet.

       TOURISM AND SPACE INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE thus heavily depends upon the need to travel perhaps initially as a source of inquisitiveness and urge to explore the empty spaces and the mysteries of human life itself. Hence, the future TOUR OPERATORS  need to combine their efforts to sell space as a curiosity piece and a system to explore the immediate neighborhood within our solar system. But who would travel at such exorbitant rates as most Space Travel is beyond the reach of even the well to do people. The answer to this is that like all initial travels it must be funded by world's corporates who would have a long term objective to see through the whole venture with a concise and honest MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT perhaps with a definitive aim for providing the base for future SPACE TRAVEL AND TOURISM. Undoubtedly, the governments of the respective nations ought to build a proper rapport with these corporates who have a genuine objective to turn the mission into a sustainable and profitable long term venture.

        YET, to tell the truth, SPACE TOURISM is full of uncertainty and there has been countless horrific moments throughout the history of Space Travel, both from US and Russia. However, there is growing need for space exploration due to the limits we all seem to have drawn upon ourselves in the gradually shrinking earth, especially when we recollect the gross misuse of our planet from the point of view of its resources and ecological balance. Today, we see Space Travel as a means for countries to exert their influence among other nations and therefore only a few countries have the supremacy of world travel. Surely, this is not the way to go about it as a consortium of countries unitedly can only get us the most needed superior might in SPACE TRAVEL like the ones we often dream about for the extraterrestrials with superior technologies who would at a flick of a second descend upon us and make us their slaves for ever. Of course, we have seen these in films and TV. Yet, to put forth another great truth is that we earthlings lack any of the extraterrestrial's unity nor contemplate a need for unison at least in SPACE TRAVEL. So, the best way then is perhaps to exert little influence in cross border deals and let SPACE TRAVEL develop independently among different nations with some group forming blocks while others tearing off in an attempt to degrade the whole thing as we human beings are likely to do so.

       Surely, this way too we can compete trying to beat one another with our own technologies or expertise that each country posses in its niche area and then have SPACE TRAVELING with myriads of color and hues that are likely to result out of this disconnect. If US sends a series of Space Shuttles then Russia might be forced to launch a large heavy Space Station itself while China might be forced to bring out a series of Chinese looking Space Tubes while Japan and India or for than matter other emerging economies might make use of series of yet another colorful procession of such or somewhat similar Space Vehicles to match those already up for encouraging SPACE TRAVEL AND TOURISM. In some ways I believe that there is a lot of positive factors to consider even while we are perpetually at each others throat for reasons best known to somebody far out in the outer space. But think about a mock reconciliation or mock drama that each country tries to enact before the UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION, then all we can ever think about is a depressing reality and uncertainty and horrific nightmarish finish to the sordid affairs and the gradual shrinking of all our attempts at SPACE TRAVELING. I am not against unity or you may think so, but unity and discussing unity has got us nothing except stupid wars and perfidy and all sorts of mock drama and tomfoolery in a plethora of reconciliation efforts. Since, we don't naturally see eye to eye in most things, I believe that SPACE TRAVEL with nations bringing in their own expertise would in the distant future turn out to be in favor of every country that has aspiration to make Space Travel a reality as it should considering the factors like Economies of Scale, Comparative Advantages between Nations and Opportunity Cost.

      One of the best things we have for consolation is a barren moon which we should feel like a gift send to us from the Almighty. Had there been any signs of intelligent life then perhaps we had it or we would be at their throats or they at us and making the earth surface and moon surface a perpetual place of tension. On the contrary things are better this way. In the first place, the moon is a self sterilizing surface where our future air ships can park or refuel before taking off to the other distant planets, asteroids or planetary moons with human Space Traveling enthusiasts. Like this we hopefully, try to bring in better trade in those scarce commodities including precious metals which are obviously looking too hot in the stock markets and quite likely to be a security threat for people who possess them. One shouldn't try to justify the costs initially or even think of it in the early stages as this has to be borne by the adventurous corporates with long term visions and missions with the government support as a sure assurance that such a move is a must for the future progress of mankind.

     SPACE TRAVELING  unlike other types of traveling which we on earth are used to comes with the philosophy all on its own that states 'You are nothing and the outer space is everything and the most powerful force'. This obviously brings us to the grounding realization that we are after all quite an inconspicuous speck in the huge and unmeasurable Universe or Universes. It humbles us a great deal and can be a good check against our growing egotism. Perhaps we would see a lot more reason in our existence and make life more meaningful than what the different philosophies by great thinkers and statesmen have imparted to us since the dawn of history.

      This development in the area of SPACE TRAVEL  would necessitate better usages of technologies and the likely start of the boom in both new system of education and the better employment opportunities. This is perhaps the only way to let go of the human mind to some greater than the usual purpose to dream and bring about higher levels of creativity. This way we can reduce the dangers of human brain and our thinking mechanism to slide down and turn into vegetative states. We can thus keep the brain challenged in our new found frontiers of knowledge and help in formulating a more vivid and exciting and virgin territories of thoughts, creativity and specialized tasks rather than compete hysterically ruthlessly with the already filled up spaces on the earth.

         Without doubt the best part of SPACE TRAVEL is the steady growth of investments and industrial entrepreneurship which in all possibilities would grow far outstripping the industrial and technological revolution we human beings have seen on the earth. This isn't a short term leap frogging concept, but would stay with the earthlings for a much and much more longer period than what the human mind would ever be able to fathom just as the space within our little solar system would present before us not to say anything about the exploring possibilities of the far outer space too if it were within the reaches of our intelligence and endeavor. 

        Already the planet of ours is too overcrowded and the last frontier that would be exploited to near danger would be the seas and this too as things are likely to be would be a real hot, narrow, brutal and nonchalant and greedy with more of super emerging economies in the area of expertise joining in with full force. The US and the European countries would be there and close to heel and perhaps overtaking them in the exploitation of the seas would be the giants like Japan, China and India and most possibly other emerging economies like Brazil, Africa and East Asia. Then all the hell will be let lose with fragile ecology already in distress would be breathing out its final death wishes taking perhaps three quarters of mankind along with it.

        THUS, WITHOUT DOUBT SPACE TRAVEL AND TOURISM IS A MUST AND COUNTRIES MUST AT LEAST MAKE A SMALL START SOMEWHERE. The United Nations Organizations can do a lot in this matter and allow some headway in SPACE TRAVEL before serious oceanic exploitation begins. Not in least are the infinite sources of opportunities that would inevitably present before the existing Travel and Tourism offices across the world, the bright future for AIRLINES AND THEIR AGENTS, World Tour Operators and the governments. In fact, there can be a significant decrease in unemployment for the matters can become worse for the advanced countries with the rising ASIAN ECONOMIES AND LATIN AMERICAN ECONOMIES AND AFRICA.

        Surely, doesn't look like a tall matter if  we of course have a mind to realize that we are all sitting on the edge of a precipice where it is a matter of life and death for the whole of mankind.

How to Avoid Nightmarish Traveling

   Traveling has become really quite nightmarish experience for some people residing in many parts of the world today. This is more so for the elderly people and those who have to care for elders while traveling and also for those who have kids or handicapped people while going to places. True, planning your tour is the best way to avoid many of the shocking experiences that you come across from the word of mouth and the media. Some of the incidents that at times unfolds before you are rather too awful, but the truth is that these are not quite frequent enough as those that you may experience quite often. The problem remains in spite of the large number of tourists spot in the world and the information available in the websites of any travel office or tourism information center. Those who travel alone or move about as couples have the required flexibility while they go places and may feel quite casually about the usual hurdles of travel, but the matters turns a bit too weary and utterly irritating or disgusting if children, elders or handicapped dependents are involved.

     Below are a few tips to avoid these hurdles, although simple at first glance would surely go a long way in making the whole journey right from the planning stage to the actual trip a lot easier. Here, the usual tips that you often come across have been avoided and only the most relevant and important ones has been taken for group traveling.

•      Finance:  This is the most important part of your traveling as lack of adequate availability of funds as and when emergency occurs or when there is a sudden departure of one or more members of your group as well as any sudden deviation from the planned route or trip. For those of you who are rich enough to afford anything may not be quite interested as long the funds are routed through their credit cards. But for those who belong to the upper middle class and the lower middle classes the importance of finance cannot be underestimated. Coming to the point, for first time group travelers with elders and children try to plan your finance properly well in advance to avoid any future embarrassment or traveling difficulties. In order to overcome this problem try to calculate the individual running expenses not less than three times for every day while on a trip. This means that after ascertaining the daily routine expenses of a person at home town it must be multiplied by three in order to arrive at the routine expenses that is likely to occur during each trip day. It is quite reasonable to assume that a person spends a lot more on trips than he or she is likely to do while at home or office. Therefore, the funds ought to be arranged accordingly. The expenses of hotel or lodging ought to be calculated separately as it is likely to go up and down depending upon the place or places where the visit is planned. For first timers in group it is therefore suggested that they take one of the affordable tour packages offered by airlines and other tour operators as these can lessen the burden of traveling with stress and confusions. But for those who would like to do it all by themselves then the above option should be noted. By adopting to the above option you can be as flexible as possible and when some member of your team is sick or wants to return or be hospitalized then the members of the group can take a decision and not rely on the tour operators who may or may not offer any help.
•     Traveling for Pleasure : Always try to understand that traveling is fun and that everyone in the group including the old and children and the handicapped is briefed about the trip and its shortcomings and certain discipline they would all have to maintain. This would invariably focus on the need to make every individual less fussy and accept even the bare minimum in some places. If certain individual members cannot forgo certain wants or comforts due to their physical or mental disposition then cancel the trip to that particular place at once. Any stubborn attitude by a few individual might place the whole of the group in risk. Also avoid trips to places where there is extremes of temperatures and this may not go well with some of the individuals due to physical limits. Also avoid adventurous travel especially where there are handicapped and old people contrary to what is being preached by certain TV channels or tour operators. Remember, by trying to put up a bold show is okay when you are traveling alone, but in groups and teams you actually jeopardize everyone's pleasure.

•     Eating and Dining: While traveling in groups you are in an advantageous position for you rarely would cut through the rules laid down for eating outside. For most people it is the food from different places that actually ruin their holidays than anything else. Even a bad view of the sunset may have its irritating moments, but nothing compared to the way the whole enthusiasm drops from highs to lows by eating the wrong dish. So how to avoid this pitfalls for people who travel to an entirely strange location? Well, the answer lies in proper selection of food spots. Always at best avoid open food served in open places though for some people this is one of the best way to remain in high spirits. But it can also prove to be catastrophic to group travelers with elders. Hence, look for spots that are clean and have a crowd of people going in and out of the place. This is a sure sign that the food prepared are freshly prepared there and nothing is allowed to be stored for future use, the latter which can have disastrous consequences for the unwary stomach. Again, eat hot, steaming stuff that contain less oil or are well prepared before the customer's own eyes. Further, keep to more vegetarian diets and if need be take a few known non-vegetarian dishes rather than aiming your luck on something of which you have no idea at all. As a prerequisite of visiting a strange place try to take a few of the foods of those areas from your local home town sellers. Above all, never go for cheap foods even if you try to stay at a cheap hotel. Further, take mineral water always and for drinks take tea, coffee, or branded hot stuff. 
•      Take Short Trips: It is for the best interest of the traveling group, whose members include the old and children, to take short trips rather opt for long vacations stretching for more than fifteen days. When very old and very tiny tots are there and so also when there is any handicapped person in the group the whole trip can be extremely painful not only for the individuals, but for the whole group too. Hence, even if the group has opted for a packaged tour then it is best to take one with a few stops only and then return back while the going is good and enjoyable for everyone. Never take things for granted and think that a few extra stops or visits can do nothing for the physique of the less able individuals of the group as there has been no visible signs of any difficulties or complaints from any of them so far during one of these trips or during the first few days of travel. Let it be warned that once the problem surfaces then all hell is let lose on everyone belonging to the group and the whole trip becomes nightmarish. It is therefore advisable to plan a few short hops with a quick return back home to cool things down and let the nerves and bones of the body undertake a quiet and peaceful rest thinking about the wonderful journey you all just had. Here, expenses shouldn't matter and you must have already provided for any eventualities.
• Emergency kits : Take a first aid kit and those emergency medicines which you would need during your travels. And if you have a few phone numbers of doctors residing in and around the area where you intend to travel then it is all the better.

Horrifying Earthlings with potent weapons like Politics

      Our planet is surely a nice place to live in. This would seem to most of us, but not to those extraterrestrials who may reside in one of the more hospitable planets like the earth within our own galaxy. Forget those HOLLYWOOD movies where the extraterrestrials have an extraordinary edge over earthlings. They always seem to probe around in one of those ultra high technology flying airships and have a natural bend to identify all of our failings. But hey wait! this is simply a fantasy and nothing else for even though we are way behind these creatures in technological might, who resemble like some odd ocean fishes to praying mantis or some jungle flying insects, well they are, I assure you, way behind us in the skills of creating confusions, crass politics, nasty canard spreading habits and perhaps eventually our nerve rendering criticisms that would ruin the best of the nerve systems that has build up these extraterrestrials. Truly, we may look easy pickings for these creatures from the far outer spaces, but once they mingle with us they surely are in for some very big surprise and that would eventually prove too costly for them.

       Am I fibbing? No, definitely not. If you were to go through all the newspaper and other media outputs you would seldom even doubt these thoughts for so neck deep are we are in the quagmire of confusions and crass politics these days.

        Look at India and you shall see for yourself how things are keeping fine in these parts. The present ruling government has no idea of what is going on as much as the layman would think. But the sums of loot that is involved are so astronomical that even the layman can never exactly understand or able to fathom it. The loot is in many forms and for the moment let us concentrate on the loot that has kept in the safe lockers of the SWISS BANKS. For an outsider visiting the Indian soil this loot would invariably point out the defects in the system of democracy that is being practiced in India. Even still the government looks the other way as if the whole matter means nothing to it. In fact, the public protests through fasting and demonstrations have hardly had any affect on the government that seems to forget governing the country altogether and rather spend the last of their days in quiet contemplation and amusement. Something like what the erstwhile royal potentates used to do in any of the world's ancient civilization when they give up their power and surrender themselves to their new conquerors.

         Not that the SWISS BANKS are in any way above contempt. They had been running the racket with the help of the SWISS government by acting as security to all the ill gotten wealth of the rest of the world especially those of the third world. But the Swiss gentlemen and gentlewoman walk around the world with pride of possession and superiority that all their standard of living came out of selling SWISS WATCHES and the unique position their country holds in the 'TOURISM MAP OF THE WORLD'. However, ill gotten money is bad money just as the SWISS GOVERNMENT now seems to have realized. Surely, they would as they have already reasoned, sooner or later, would have to play second fiddle to the more dastardly international terrorist organizations who could if given the rein could make the whole of the international finance a muddle in which the rich countries could get buried in. However, the price of follies are borne by all and this especially affects an emerging economy like that of India where there is poverty amidst plenty. The government of India is as much under the shadows for the muck it has created for its citizens as the Swiss Banks would have to answer for all the deviltry it has tried out in the area of unethical finance which by no means is small nor limited to good world citizens. 

        Surely, there ought not to be so much of hesitation on the part of the Indian government when the Swiss authorities have been all too friendly to hand over the list of tax evaders and an equally exasperated government spending no small time in keeping on with their never ending study and research as to who actually have stashed so much money abroad. You can never suppress the doubt that there could be more than a handful of Indian politicians involved in this and who have the potential to make hell once their names are published in the media. This perhaps justifies the delay in making the list go public.

       Just as I was saying the extraterrestrials would undoubtedly scoot off the moment it sees our political scene itself. 

       Now, for some facts from one of the most powerful economies of the world, the US where the Clinton affect is taking place. Hillary Clinton, or as the rumor says has opted for the role of heading the World Bank. One wonders, especially from the other side of this planet whether everything is all right there. Now the fact is out you can never stop wondering whether the White House job is bigger and brighter or that of the World Bank President's. Some people may muse whether Clinton is trying her luck for the very reason that President Obama is well entrenched in his seat for the next election as well with his rating now high above after the shooting down of Bin Laden in Pakistan. Or something else entirely perhaps. It might look as if the American economy isn't actually recovering from the recession and that it has to rely a great deal too much on the emerging economy and the best bet is the World Bank through which it can get some leverage for funding its own home economy and get to control those economies which it thinks are quite belligerent to its dictats. 

      Whatever may be the case we earthlings can give the real jittery feelings and sleepless nights for those wandering ETs if they ever come close to us to establish a relationship. Our petty politics, perfidy and gaming and aiming at one another is perhaps the most awesome sights in the whole of the universe. Who says that we are only a small planet?