FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

Welcome to this 2nd issue of 'Harmony'!

While bidding farewell to Vidya, Bharat and their children (they have moved to Jayanagar) and to Sudha and Prof. Lingaraj (who have moved close to ISRO), we welcome the new entrants to our community. They are: Jane and Daniel Bircher, Jackie and Rod Buchanan, Vimala and M. Chandrakant, Anjali and Ajay Nanavati, Penny and Uco Vegter. We invite them to participate in all our community activities and hope their stay in our colony will be pleasant and memorable.

We apologise for the delay in publishing. In the last issue of 'Harmony' we had invited contributions from our residents on any topic of general interest to our community. Although most residents have appreciated the contents of the last issue , we were unable to garner contributions for this edition. We thank those of you who promptly submitted articles. We are sure there is a wealth of information and news out there amongst our residents on various subjects and what is needed is only a little bit of effort on their part to share with others.

This is YOUR newsletter, so please send in your contributions!

~ S.M. Subba Rao (vepuaala@yahoo.com)~ Supriya Singh (supriyasingh@gmail.com)~ Renuka Konchady (konchady@yahoo.com)

HARMONYVoice of RMVRWA

June 2011

FROM THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

For A Cleaner, Greener EnvironmentSarah Samuel, Vice President RMVRWA

Many thanks to all our residents for their support in maintaining our surroundings clean. Our committee members continue their efforts to ensure that our colony is the most attractive to live in! A little more caring and sharing by all of us would be welcome.

Please continue to water the saplings around the trees in front of your residences.

Do separate your garbage into wet and dry waste before handing over to the collection staff.

Please park your vehicles within your compound.

Make sure your beautiful dogs do not dirty the roads and pavements. Please ensure that your pets relieve themselves at the tree bases.

Water is precious. Use this gift of nature sparingly.

Your annual maintenance was due in April. If you haven't yet paid, please contact our Manager, Mr. Prabhu.

Please become a member of the Association!

Greetings from the Executive Committee!!

Your Association has undertaken some important improvements in respect of safety on the . roads in our neighbourhood Residents would have noticed that speed bumps have been

. installed on some of the roads where vehicular traffic is high The speed bumps have helped , curb the speed of vehicles to a large extent but some suggestions have come in for

. additional bumps for further enhancement of safety These will be considered and if , . practicable implemented by the Executive Committee as soon as possible The Association

has also installed mirrors at critical road junctions to minimize the possibility of collision .with oncoming vehicles from adjoining roads

We hope you have noticed the signboards placed in the little plots owned by BBMP and . maintained by RMVRWA and some of the residents The Association is grateful to those

‘ ’ residents who have taken upon themselves to care for the little parks which enhance the .aesthetics of our neighbourhood

' ' We invite the recipients of Harmony to suggest to the Association any further .improvements they deem desirable on matters concerning the neighbourhood

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Entertainment Committee is planning the annual fun and frolic event during the month of October or November. Any novel ideas may be suggested to Geeta Ramaswamy(geetha.ramaswamy@gmail.com) or Asha Malkan(ashamalkan@gmail.com).

From The Cleanliness Group ... .. . .. .. .. . ..

1. We are happy to inform all members of RMV-RWA that the Association has made some excellent leaf mulch and manure in the Park. As a goodwill measure this is being offered to all members at a very nominal price of Rs. 30 per large bag on a first-come-first-served basis. Please contact our Manager, Mr. Prabhu, right away if you need some for your garden or potted plants.

2. Keeping the locality clean needs co-operation from each and every resident. Presently the sidewalk debris is mostly from garden waste. This is collected as and when necessary by our Association staff. BBMP does not handle garden waste. The Association has taken it upon themselves to organize the removal of garden cuttings. It is requested that garden waste be kept outside one's own compound and not on the road. Please ensure that the cuttings are about 3 feet long. Tie into neat bundles of about 1.5 feet diameter for easy removal. EXCESS garden waste should be stored within one's own compound. The owner will be required to make the payment of the actual amount paid by the Association for removal. (Currently Rs. 550 per load).

3. If you have any suggestions to help improve or beautify our locality please do join the cleanliness group or pass on your suggestions to us.

Shali Chandna

CREATIVE CORNER

An Ode to Inspector Bruno- Shali Chandna

All our friends knew Bruno - a daily walker, he observed everything and everyone and was known as Inspector Bruno.

He entered our home because our daughter Seema wanted, argued, fought for a pet and won! He was a mutt being an unusual mixture of an Afghan Hound, a Golden Retriever and more. When he came- many restrictions were imposed on him. Soon, with his love, Bruno ensured that all rules were gone.

Right from the start, he stated clearly that he was a human and not a dog. He barked fiercely at all dogs but always - welcomed people into the house - be they stranger or friends. He solved the handicap of not being able to talk by communicating in many unique ways.

At a party he made each friend special - with a lick, a wag or an antic. He would bring his many toys from different corners of the house as though to say ‘I too live here and these are my belongings’. Bruno soon figured out that bags meant we were going away. He didn’t like that - so he brought his favorite toys and packed them in my bag!

He never complained or begged - if ever he was hungry he would sit patiently near me till I figured out that he needed a biscuit. If he did not like a new watchman - he just refused to sit near him till he proved his credentials. When the grand children came he was ecstatic and showed it by following them up and down the house, allowing them to do whatever they liked with him, wagging his tail incessantly. He clearly had his loyalty to some friends and his tail said it all. Till the end he kept climbing up the steps, though towards the end it was clear that he was substituting love and will power for ability.

On 18th February morning he did not come up for his usual breakfast treat. I saw him lying down in the garden. I rushed to him, put his head on my lap - he was still there. Both of us sat together in the garden for three hours. A soft breeze was blowing, the birds were singing. We had a perfect and unique union - his head close to me, his eyes filled with love looking up at me, me looking down into his eyes and seeing a clear reflection of my face in his eyes, a constant Om chant flowing out from me and Bruno completely absorbed in it. Then his eyes became cloudy, the vet arrived and said it was time to say goodbye. Death came gently and escorted him out. Surely he was a sage who lived his last life with us.

Yes, Bruno has left us - he was my Child, my Friend, my Shadow and in many ways my Guru. He taught me so many things by example - among them the Power of Silence, Love, Contentment, Acceptance, Willpower & Non- Judgement.

We buried his body in our garden; we knew he had found Liberation.

THE AUTO RICKSHAW RIDE INTO THE SUNSETS.M. Subba Rao

I am an auto rickshaw driver and often people complain about our tribe. Let me tell you about a small frail

woman (she could not be less than 90 years of age) who waved me down once. By her side was a small nylon

suitcase. “Would you carry my bag to the auto?" she asked and I did. She took my arm and we walked slowly to

my vehicle. She kept thanking me for my kindness. “It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the

way I would my mother treated.” “Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she said. When she got into the auto, she gave

me an address to go to, and then asked, “ Could you drive through Mahatma Gandhi Road?” “It's not the

shortest way” I answered quickly. “Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m not in a hurry. I’m on my way to an old age

home.” I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. “I don’t have any family left. The doctor says I

don’t have very long,” she continued in a soft voice.

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked. For the next two

hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as a receptionist.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newly married. She

had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom hotel where she had gone

dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow down in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the

darkness, saying nothing. Suddenly she said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.” We drove in silence to the address she

had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a

portico. Two orderlies came out as I stopped. They were very courteous. They must have been expecting her.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. “You gave an old woman a few

moments of joy,” she said. “Thank you.” I squeezed her hand and then walked into the fading evening light.

Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that day. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could

hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry auto-driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take her, or had ignored her and driven away?

On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think

that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped

in what others may consider a small one. People may not exactly remember what you did, or what you said, but

they will always remember how you made them feel. And those of us who are fortunate to be with loved ones

are truly blessed. So spare a thought and, if possible, your time for those aged who have no loved ones, or

worse, those have been abandoned by family.

YOUTH CORNER

SPORTS __ YOUR LUXURY CAR~ Venkatesh Malkan

One of the most luxurious cars ever made, the Rolls Royce Phantom offers customized logos, coach lining, sixteen exterior shades and wood and leather veneers. Besides these lavish features, it also houses interior champagne coolers, illuminated crystal hood ornaments and bulletproof dividers. A sport is also like a luxurious vehicle. Besides helping you in achieving goals, sport also offers a number of perspectives that can refine one’s life.

The benefits offered by sports are countless. The first and most direct one is that sports help one stay healthy and prevent health issues such as obesity. Sports help build stamina as well as agility and power. They assist in improving mental awareness and in aiding quick decisions. They teach one how to remain calm in tense situations. This value is reflected in one’s day to day life.

One of the most important advantages of practising a sport is that it helps us learn how to interact with people. Be it team mates or opponents, one gets to meet a variety of people and learn how to conduct oneself, which facilitates social skills. We all know that for one to win another has to lose. While competing, a sport teaches one how to handle a loss. It trains one to come out of a losing situation and act with humility after victory. With loss comes a determination and will to succeed, which begets hard work and perseverance.

A very important value a human being needs to inculcate is learning to listen and carry out instructions while playing in a team. Sports comprise taking orders from a coach and following those commands, while synchronizing your actions with other team members. These orders have to be carried out against the opposing force that an opponent exerts and this brings us to the final and most important value sports provides - anticipation. It pays to be one step ahead. With practice and experience in a sport one learns to anticipate the opponent’s next move and deal with the situation. Through quick and correct thinking, one masters this art of getting the better of every situation, which in turn helps one gain a significant amount of confidence and optimism and takes one a long way!

In enumerating the above, I hope I have made an impact. I hope to see a better tomorrow where more people of every age group pursue a sport and they see a better and improved self!

FOR YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR HEARTH

Parkinson Disease~ Dr. P.V. Rai

Parkinson disease is a neurological disorder affecting people mostly around middle age. It can however start earlier in life, or even after the age of seventy years. It is a movement disorder with some cardinal features such as reduced muscular function (akinesia), increased muscular stiffness (rigidity), but without spasticity and tremor, particularly a rest tremor.

Rigidity and tremors begin generally on one side of extremities. In addition, the patients get postural symptoms with forward bending of the body. At least three of these features must be present for the diagnosis of Parkinson disease, which is also called Idiopathic Parkinson Disease.

There are several other similar syndromes with one or two such symptoms, which must be differentiated from Parkinson Disease, otherwise there is the risk of prescribing the wrong treatment.

Parkinson disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the region of basal ganglia of the brain, due to degeneration and death of dopamine-producing cells. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is necessary for proper functioning of the neuro-muscular system. Persons suffering from Parkinson disease show reduced facial expression in the form of a masked face, reduced swinging of arm on one side during walking, tremor of fingers, also of one side, and shorter footsteps. Their handwriting becomes smaller and speech also somewhat changes. Parkinson disease is a progressive condition, however with individual variations.

The diagnosis is made only on the basis of careful neurological clinical examination. Radiological examinations such as MRI of the brain may be sometimes useful, mostly to rule out other similar diseases. Prevention of Parkinson disease is not possible, as the loss of nerve cells begins years before the actual commencement of the disease. During this period, there may be such symptoms such as constipation, depression, sleeplessness and tiredness, which do not contribute to the diagnosis. The actual reasons for the loss of nerve cells are not properly understood.

Once the disease is clearly diagnosed, the treatment must be commenced to substitute dopamine to reduce the symptoms and to improve the quality of life. There are several drugs available in the market for this purpose. However, good drug monitoring is necessary to prevent side effects. Life expectancy is generally not reduced, if the treatment is continued properly. In complicated cases other forms of treatment are possible.

Bananas !!!Compiled by Kalpana Belur

A very inexpensive supplement, an energy booster. What more can a banana be?? After reading this, you'll never look at a banana the same way again.

Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.

Constipation: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to drink a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only uncooked fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronic cases. It also neutralizes hyper-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be restored with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:According to findings reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% !!!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to get rid of a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape !!!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time !!! On a serious note, individuals with dietary restrictions should consult their doctors before they binge on bananas.

TO TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

English spellings

DILIP VENGSARKARWhen you rearrange the letters:

SPARKLING DRIVE

DORMITORYWhen you rearrange the letters:

DIRTY ROOM

ASTRONOMERWhen you rearrange the letters:

MOON STARRER

DESPERATIONWhen you rearrange the letters:

A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYESWhen you rearrange the letters:

THEY SEE

A DECIMAL POINTWhen you rearrange the letters:

I’M A DOT IN PLACE

MOTHER-IN-LAWWhen you rearrange the letters:

WOMAN HITLER

Compiled by Kundan Mehta

My Boss and IWhen I take a long time, I am slow;When my boss takes a long time, he is thorough.

When I don't do it, I am lazy;When my boss does not do it, he is busy.

When I do something without being told, I am trying to be smart;When my boss does the same, he takes the initiative.

When I please my boss, I am apple polishing;When my boss pleases his boss, he is cooperating.

When I make a mistake, I am an idiot;When my boss makes a mistake, he's only human.

When I take a stand, I am being bull-headed;When my boss does it, he's being firm.

When I overlooked a rule of etiquette, I am being rude;When my boss skips a few rules, he's being original.

When I am out of the office, I am wandering around;When my boss is out of the office, he's on business.

When I have a drink too many at a social, I am a drunken bum;When my boss does the same, he is being sociable.

When I am on a day off sick, I am always sick;When my boss is a day off sick, he must be very ill.

When I apply for leave, I must be going for an interview;When my boss applies for leave, it's because he's overworked.

When I do good, my boss never remembers;When I do wrong, he never forgets.

Compiled by Anand Naik

Oh! how nice it is to be a boss!!! -Eds

FOR OUR BHOOMI

MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

~ Nikhil Kumar

Rainwater harvesting is really simple and with a little bit of planning and care, you will be able to ensure that your ground water is sufficiently recharged or you will have another source of clean water that will reduce your dependence on unreliable corporation water.

Do’s and don'ts - Harvested rainwater is used for direct usage or for recharging aquifers. It is most important to ensure that the rainwater caught is free from pollutants. Following precautionary measures should be taken while harvesting rainwater.

Roofs or terraces used for harvesting should be clean, free from dust, algal plants etc.

Roofs should not be painted since most paints contain toxic substances and may peel off.

Do not store chemicals, rusting iron, manure or detergent on the roof.

Nesting of birds on the roof should be prevented.

Provide gratings at mouth of each drainpipe on terraces to trap leaves, debris and floating materials.

Provision of first rain separator should be made to flush off first rains.

Do not use polluted water to recharge ground water.

Ground water should only be recharged by rainwater.

Before recharging, suitable arrangements of filtering should be provided.

Filter media should be cleaned before every monsoon season.

During rainy season, the whole system (roof catchment, pipes, screens, first flush, filters, tanks) should be checked before and after each rain and preferably cleaned after every dry period exceeding a month.

At the end of the dry season and just before the first shower of rain is anticipated the storage tank should be scrubbed and flushed off all sediments and debris.

An extract from an earlier Harmony article "RAIN WATER HARVESTING"

Ways We Can Help Mother NatureCompiled by J.K. Chandna

Conserve Energy: Most electricity comes from hydel/water power or burning fossil fuels-such as coal. The less we use, the less demand on the environment.

• Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances when not in use; use CFL or LED lights, solar lights and solar hot water heaters.

Conserve Water: Water is our most precious natural resource - without water there is no life. Both municipal and borewell water systems require a lot of energy to pump and distribute water to homes. Saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions.

• Turn off taps while soaping up while bathing, while brushing teeth. Don’t leave tap running while shaving.

• Use buckets for outdoor water use such as washing cars.• Water the garden during the coolest part of the day - do not over-water the

plants.

Reduce/Recycle/Reuse everything you can - glass, plastic, paper, etc.Source reduction prevents the generation of waste in the first place.Reusing items by repairing them or donating them reduces waste.

Do not waste paper: Paper comes from trees - half of all trees cut down are used for paper - use both side for writing or printing.

Be aware of E-waste and support efforts to recycle E-waste such as computers, TVs, mobile phone, batteries, light bulbs, etc. Use help from agencies such as “Recycle Tuesday”, “India Computer Crematorium”, “Ash Recyclers” and our very own SHOWS.

Support organic farming and organically produced agro products.

Take the initiative to get stray dogs neutered.

Plant trees wherever you can and nurture them to maturity.

Encourage Organic Waste Management Projects such as SHOWS: Composting makes sense. Instead of sending organic waste to landfills, it can be bio-recycled and then used as manure. Non bio-degradeable items such as paper, plastic, glass, etc, can be sold to recyclers.

Spread the word - share this and related information with others - working together WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE and remember:

The more we help Mother Nature, the more She will protect us and all her children.

RECYCLE TUESDAY

From: eshanya karle <eshanya.karle@gmail.com>Subject: Recycle Tuesdays write up RMVRWADate: Tuesday, 24 May, 2011, 12:14 PM

What is it?: Recycle Tuesdays is a fund raising initiative created by "So, What Now?"(SWN)

Who does it aid?: The money raised will go towards equipping "Story Rooms" at government schools. These rooms will also be platforms where SWN volunteers will interact with students and help them build English language skills and confidence.

How does it work?: Residential neighbourhoods, apartment complexes, corporates, colleges and schools sign on to be a part of Recycle Tuesdays.Neighbourhood associations can send out emails/notifications to their residents about this activity. Houses sign up with the association and this information is given to SWN along with the names and contact information. SWN will go to these houses and pick up old newspapers and magazines collected over the month on the last Tuesday of each month.

To find out more information about SWN, you can visit:

www.sowhatnow.co.inwww.facebook.com/sowhatnowpage

If you would like to participate in the drive, please contact Eshanya @ 9620304850.