Never Mind Yaar: Fumes We Breathe in Besides Oxygen

Fumes We Breathe in Besides Oxygen

Smog over Delhi

There is a permanent smog all over India. It harms our health.
- What exactly is it made up of?
- How does it harm us?
- Is there anything we can do to get rid of it?

The following articles are on the environment and are also published on Green Dream Foundation's website.


Smog over Mumbai

http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/06/environment-or-life-giving-activities.html
Some of our life-giving activities involve burning fossil fuels like coal and oil so we can cook, keep warm, travel and transport goods made in factories to our shops and ultimately, our homes. This is our way of life. Why is it under threat from the very activities that have made life easy so far?

Making Informed Choices - what individuals, business and the government can do.
http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/01/making-informed-choices.html

The next series of articles is to tell us why certain gases are deadly dangerous for our health. The aim is to help us understand why these gases shouldn’t be the end product of our activities.
To date what we’ve been doing is taking a resource, using it to make whatever is useful and ending the process there. We haven’t had to think about what by-product we’ve created. All too often this has been a pollutant that poisons our health and the environment.

Google Free Image Courtesy http://depletedcranium.com

SOME MAJOR POLLUTANTS produced because of human activities are listed below. To find out why they are harmful and what simple measures we can take to vastly reduce their quantities from our environment and their effect on our health, click on each.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Dioxide

Sulphur Dioxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Acid Rain

Particulate Matter

Ground Level Ozone and Odours

The above series is also published on Green Dream's website.

Shai Agassi's TED talk on why electric cars are better than cars that run on petrol.
http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/05/environmentally-sound-two-cents-mile.html

A healthier option (and a desi invention) to non-stick Teflon
http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2010/08/healthier-option-to-non-stick-teflon.html

http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/06/carbon-tax-who-benefits-governments-air.html
We hear so much about the carbon tax nowadays. What I'd like to know is how it will be spent. Who will benefit? Governments or the air we breathe?

http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/06/this-is-very-important-article-by-al.html
People who deny climate change are indirectly help by the media says AL GORE. Quoting selectively from Al Gore's article, someone else has created another article to suggest that most of Al's article is a rave and a rant about Obama. It is nothing of the sort. Climate change is too important an issue for us to be side tracked like this. If anything Al Gore has praised Obama. Judge for yourself.

http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/07/environmentally-sound-innovation-to.html I have mentioned before that countries that come up with innovations to mop up poisonous, polluting gases from our atmosphere, our waters and soil, will be wealthy. Very wealthy. Well, what do you know? New Zealand's Lanzatech has come up with affordable technology to mop up carbon monoxide from the atmosphere and produce ethanol. Who wants this technology? India, China and the US of A for starters! They have already signed deals with the company.

The Home Project: One of the most comprehensive, hauntingly beautiful, yet frightening videos I've seen on the environment. You still come away with an upsurge of hope for our beautiful Earth, for life, for the only place we call HOME. http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.com/2011/08/home-project.html

A Healthier Option to Non-Stick Teflon - An Indian Innovation http://nevermindyaar.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/healthier-option-to-non-stick-teflon.html

I have gathered information for my environment posts from the following:

http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/200611CO2globalwarming.html.
http://co2now.org
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/air_pollution.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/global_warming.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0023.html
http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/home/climate-change-the-facts/Rising-temperatures-and-the-greenhouse-effect.html
http://scorecard.goodguide.com/env-releases/cap/pollutant-desc.tcl; http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/home/climate-change-the-facts/Rising-temperatures-and-the-greenhouse-effect.html
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/co2-comfort-level-d_1024.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/impacts/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html
http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas.asp#smog
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Sulphur_dioxide_and_coal
http://www.c-f-c.com/specgas_products/so2.htm
Sulphur oxides (SOx)
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/acid_rain.htm
http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/sulphurdioxide/health.html
http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/sulphurdioxide/health.html http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/sulphurdioxide/basic.html
http://www.ncf.ca/ip/social.services/eco/info/primer/smog/all
http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fairpoll.asp where NRDC stand for Natural Resources Defence Council
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf
http://library.thinkquest.org
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/impacts/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.htmlhttp://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fairpoll.asp
http://www.garbageconcernindia.org/media_coverage/view_article.php?article=evs_schools
http://www.doccentre.org/Besharp/resources-expertise/Urban_Agriculture_In_India.pdf
http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fairpoll.asp
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/index.html
http://www.garbageconcernindia.org/media_coverage/view_article.php?article=evs_schools for the effects of

I support and write for the "Green Dream Foundation". They are focused on generating awareness, drive action and influence formulation for a better environment globally.

Links
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/greendreamfoundation
website: http://www.greendreamfoundation.org
For my articles on their website go to: http://www.greendreamfoundation.org/life-giving-activities-or-the-environment-do-we-have-to-make-a-choice/

In their own words Green Dream Foundation, in collaboration with its partners will develop a sustainability education and advocacy platform for young people to raise their awareness of the why and how of climate change. Our objective is to inspire, educate, and promote personal behavior alternatives to carbon-intense consumption and lifestyle habits, and empower young people to play a significant role in developing climate change solutions. All our endeavors have the sole objective of bringing about change for a cleaner and a greener world.

Details: You can contact Abhishek Agarwal (Co-founder at Green Dream Foundation) at 9958866676 or abhishek@greendreamfoundation.org to discuss more about this.

Support: Green revolution, aforestation, anti-pollution, environmental awareness, reducing carbon footprint, recycling

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Rape Victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey Dies 29 Dec 2012

Former Chief Justice Verma was driven to come up with a 631 page report within a month of the rape which he handed to the prime minister who, as usual, kept dithering in spite of the anger of millions of Indians.

Here's what this blogger had to say - Justice Verma's 3 member panel have nothing at their disposal like the PM of India has and still their report was ready in a month; in a press release they asked for and received suggestions from 80,000 Indians. The three member panel sifted through the lot before coming up with the report.

Justice Verma and his 3 member panel were driven by only one consideration - the safety of women in India. The report includes suggestions from the newly formed Aam Aadmi Party (headed by Arvind Kejriwal) - a party everyone is watching, plus suggestions from many Indians like lawyers, women's groups, etc - acknowledgements on page v of the report. The link again http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/realtime/justice_js_verma_committee_report.pdf Worth a read.

For those who don't know about Jyoti Singh - The world was shaken by the brutality of this gang rape on a bus in New Delhi. This tweet by T.S.Sudhir says it all - Feel all of us in India have blood on our hands. And we will continue to have unless we make our streets & homes safe for our women #rape;

As does this comment by Rum-Punch Drunk - This is what I would label as pure evil. It wasn't bad enough to rape a person on a bus with many others, but they had to brutally and viciously attack her too - enough to murder her and for what? Sexual gratification.

We have to ask ourselves how and why they became so desensitised to her pain and suffering. We're sorry, Jyoti. Nothing we say can ever be enough. Here's an article by our very own, fearless and articulate Shoma Chaudhury of Tehelka that asks hard questions and expresses our shame.

Finally, this sensitive and thoughtful post by Subho to his son makes an attempt to make sense of it all http://thestoryofparth.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/how-to-talk-to-child-about-rape-sex.html
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To me the book is a mixture of history, cultural information and a lovely story rolled into one. Unique and compelling - Sarah, UK

I read, I related, I loved - Benifer, Mumbai

On the surface the story might look like just another college love story but the writing & story telling makes it different -
Smita, Books-Life-n-More

The writing is like a breath of fresh air and flows beautifully - Bhargavi, Hyphenated Semicolons.

I was nostalgic about my college days after reading about the three friends from different backgrounds - Snigdha, India.

The storyline is unique and the character descriptions are great! - Ambika, USA

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Interesting Blogposts

Obviously an on-going project. Wish I'd started it earlier. There's so much on the net I've found uplifting, amusing, thought provoking. I'll post 5 to 10 such blogposts from other blogs here, after which they'll be archived on the page, "Interesting Posts from Other Blogs."

An amazing letter by a young student to "The Hindu" - a well respected Indian newspaper about the pressures on Indian kids to get good grades in school. If this 10th standard (Year 10 NZ) student were here, he'd receive offers from publishers for his first book http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article2982289.ece

There are movie reviews and movie reviews. Some of the really good ones are found on Arun Kumar's blog - A Passion For Movies. What's fascinating for me is the background information. Take Rashomon - a movie by a Japanese director who, for the very first time in the history of movies showed how perceptions differ. http://movieretrospect.blogspot.in/2012/03/rashomon-in-search-of-truth.html. And another, my absolute favourite, Satyajit Ray's first trilogy titled, "Pather Panchali" BTW if you like this review the movie is available free to watch on "dailymotion.com" and has English subtitles. Had to add Arun's latest - Motivational Movie Speeches. WHERE does he get the ideas for his posts!

Sudhir lets us know in no uncertain terms what he thinks of the TV anchors who stress sensationalism over issues. http://serious--fun.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/fine-lets-debate-content-not-bias.html

A diehard atheist, Parashar Krishnamachari talks about the religious trying to stoke up arguments in their favour http://grumpyantitheist.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-official-hitch-did-not-convert.html

Secular Right, India writes about why we often talk past each other http://secular-right.blogspot.com/2012/01/wheel-of-ashoka.html

Yet another depressingly familiar story of corruption. What is different is that two women volunteers, Taraji and Shantaji, took on the corrupt shopkeeper who tried to deny a trusting villager of her dues. http://shreejikakheda.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/the-quest-for-gheet-part-i/

One of the most beautiful love poems I've read, titled, "Tete-A-Tete" by Saru Singhal: http://sarusinghal.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20Poems

Sujatha's honest feelings about gays which, judging from the many responses, obviously struck a chord with others: Secular http://sujathasathya.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-child-is-gay_16.html

Another gem from Purba Ray after she read an article in the papers about the benefits of cowdung and pee - the one qualifier - it has to be an Indian cow. http://www.purba-ray.com/2012/01/secret-cow-facts.html

Secular Right at his best as he explains what he thinks will propel Muslims into modernity http://secular-right.blogspot.com/2011/12/thunder-perfect-mind.html

Basam Sebti, an Iraqi settled in the US, writes about Emanuel, who has no limbs because of chemical warfare in Iraq. He sang for the X-factor in Australia and touched everyone's hearts with not only his singing prowess but also his story. http://www.bassamsebti.com/2011/08/infidels-win-once-again.html

Purba's hilarious post on Delhi going hip http://purba-ray.blogspot.com/2011/10/delhi-is-turning-modern-jee.html

Not a Man's Man and doesn't mind saying so. Cynically engineered's post on daring to be different. http://cynicallyengineered.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/mans-man-no-thanks/

Have you heard high praise, bordering on sycophancy, being heaped upon someone while you sit through the whole experience feeling embarrassed for the speaker and the person at the receiving end? Don't miss Vinee's post http://vineetaarjun.blogspot.com/2011/02/whats-with-adjectives.html

Do you know what to do if a victim of abuse asks you for help? Very practical advice from DesiGirl http://girlsguidetosurvival.wordpress.com/all-about-relationships/how-to-help-an-abused-2/

Buying a house in Mumbai - Smita lets you in on the backroom deals and hidden costs.http://books-life-n-more.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/project-buying-home-in-mumbai-part-1.html

No time to stand and stare? Sushmita's uplifting poem ends on a note of warning. http://opalomega.blogspot.com/2011/09/millions-of-galaxies-and-milky-ways.html

"The terrorist finds himself deterred into a range of tactics that are too weak to hurt India while sufficiently ghastly to make the world recoil from Pakistan." http://secular-right.blogspot.com/2011/11/we-are-all-soni-sori.html

The story of our beautiful earth as recounted by the great (red) Indian Chief - a different perspective: http://perspectivesandprejudices.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/of-misty-forests-golden-meadows-and-the-wisdom-of-an-old-tribal-man/

Does Multiculturalism Breed Intolerance?

When Breivik gunned down 79 Norwegians it was to let the government know he was against multiculturalism. Did his means justify the end? There are so many in the world who subscribe to the view that their own culture, religion or language are the only ones to live by. Do they have to express their dislike of the "others" with violence? What can the rest of us do to solve this issue of violence because of racial prejudice? To go to the post please click on the image - (courtesy presstv.ir )

Keenan and Reuben

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Keenan and Reuben were two young Mumbai men who lost their lives because they reacted strongly to a drunk murderer deliberately dashing into one of their girlfriends. When the man persisted, two of them slapped the man one after the other. The man organised an armed gang of twenty who then murdered Keenan and Reuben in a cold-blooded, premeditated and brutal attack in a public place. His excessive reaction was way beyond what any civilised society can or should accept. Indians from all over the world (last count 90,000) have joined Keenan and Reuben's facebook page to honour these two young men and to ensure the murderers don't get away because of backroom deals with people in power.

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Fumes We Breathe in Besides Oxygen