Freecycle

"Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement

that reduces waste, saves precious resources
and eases the burden on our landfills
while enabling our members to benefit
from the strength of a larger community."

— Mission Statement of Freecycle

Freecycle got my attention when I read an article on it in the Mid-day where people offer there stuff for free without expecting anything in return. I had heard about this group before which believes in giving out free gifts to others in order to reduce wastage, saving resources and a way to provide others that they could not afford.

One of the guys got a second hand Guitar which was put on offer and was ready to dole out music after a replacement of strings. I liked the idea of what they are doing so I too joined in though I am yet to put something on offer but I have short listed some books for which I made an offer to receive.

Lots of people have joined in, I guess after reading the article. Some of the stuff they want makes me wonder if they think they are going to get lucky :)

For instances people have posted their needs of getting a laptop, music keyboard, N72 mobile, used ipod and who can forget the musical instruments. Items that are on offer are a Washing Machine, books, audio cassettes, movies, games, etc.

I liked the idea behind the Freecycle, it’s like giving out items which has become useless to you but others might find useful/in need of them.

If you too want to join the group here is the site name www.freecycle.org and can search for Freecycle groups in your cities. Do read the general rules and guidelines.

In case if you are from Bombay here is the link to the Bombay yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mumbaifreecycle

Nar Mukti Morcha??

How would you react if someone suggested you that the men too need a support group that they are also been abused by women? Ministries need to be set up to look into their concerns. I came across two idiots who were hell bent on saying that it was men who were abused and oppressed by the female gender!!!

These idiots (especially one of them) from Bangalore started commenting on everyone 's comments and trying to make them aware about men’s oppression with regard to an article (Insensitivity of the Society) I posted on a citizen journalism site talking about the abuse that a women go through at men’s hand.

It kind of reminded me of a Shiv Sena/ Shri Ram Sena kind of vandalism but carried out online. These were the first kind of women haters I have seen who would go on such an extent which showcased their anger and hatred.

I am aware that there are instances where some women have taken advantage of the laws which were meant to protect the abused women from the torture of their husband and in-laws. Apart from that I am not aware of any other instances but if one compares them against the abuse against women, the number is relatively less.

There are always exceptions in both the genders who will try to take advantage of the loopholes in the system for personal gain but should that divert your mind for the real issues that genuine people face?

All they were talking was gibberish without stating any facts. One even went to the extent saying that I wrote the article so that I could impress women. How lame one could get? When asked to tell about the atrocities on men, the idiot went on to say that it was hidden and the media did not highlighted these issues as they were not saleable something that I don’t agree as I read about the law misuse by women in the papers.

I am pretty clear with one thing, that being educated does not make you better than those who are illiterates unless you follow your moral values and listen to your conscience. They proved that right!!

My take on the Nar Mukti Morcha: I don’t see any reason for creating one except to make changes in laws that treats women more than equal. Men support group are okay if they help you deal with issues and does not go on an offensive against women.

At first, I thought may be they have a point but the way they went in circles just made me sit back and laugh. They should be invited to be comedy clubs where they can rant about men’s oppression. I am sure people will find them entertaining.

One Day I Decided To Quit

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied.

When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

"In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. "I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant... But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots."

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. " Don't compare yourself to others .." He said. " The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern ... Yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

Your time will come, " God said to me. " You will rise high! " How high should I rise?" I asked.

How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can? " I questioned.

" Yes. " He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can. "

I left the forest and bring back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness

Bad days give you experiences;

Both are essential for life.

P.S.: Came across this forward e-mail and I guess this was meant for me!! if you remember about the God communicating with me post :)