I heard from a cousin this morning that my aunt and uncle that live in Madras/Chennai are fine. It turns out that they were in Bombay/Mumbai for a family wedding when the tsunami hit. Unfortunately, about 52,000 people are reported dead right now, and the number continues to increase. Although I have good news from my family, others are not as fortunate. As I did yesterday, I am dedicating today’s blog to those that are lost and to their families and loved ones.
Category Archives: Memorial
The earthquake and the tsunamis in the Pacific
The earthquake near Indonesia created some monster tsunamis. These tsunamis are hitting the coast of many countries, including India. The death toll in the area is estimated at 24,000 as of this writing. India’s casualties are currently estimated at 6,600. Among the areas hit were Chennai (formerly Madras), where my father grew up. I have an uncle and aunt that live there, but I don’t know what if they are alright. I had the opportunity to see my Uncle Girish and Aunt Taru when I was in India in 2001. I appreciated all that they and their sons Anand and Harsh did for me. So this blog is dedicated to those that died from this natural disaster, to their families, and to those that are wondering right now. May we all find peace in this horrible tragedy.
Remembering Reggie White
The loss of one of the greatest football players is always a sad thing, especially when he dies at the age of 43. Reggie White, the “Minister of Defense,” did so yesterday morning from respiratory failure. From 1993 to 1998, he led the Green Bay Packers in sacks, and he was a major factor in the team’s defense. In 1997 (SuperBowl XXXI), he had three sacks, a SuperBowl record, and helped the Packers to a 35-21 victory (the team’s first NFL Championship win since 1968, and its third overall). Off the field, White’s heart was immeasurable; he dedicated his life to helping others and offered spiritual guidance to everyone that he met. His spirit was more powerful off the field than his strength on the field. He was a legend, and he left behind a great legacy.
Interestingly enough, Packers Head Coach and General Manager Mike Sherman and Packers President Bob Harlan were discussing retiring number 92 on Christmas Eve. Sadly, White’s number will be retired posthumously.
Enough cannot be said in my blog about Reggie White that others have not already said, but I was fortunate enough to watch him during his tenure in Green Bay. Today’s blog is dedicated to Reggie White and his family, to all of the people whose lives he touched both on and off the field, and to all of his fans.
Links
Remembering Dimebag
Last night, Dimebag Darrell of Pantera and Damageplan was gunned down while performing in front of an audience last night. The shooter also fatally shot five other people, including two members of Damageplan, before a police officer fatally shot the shooter. What would drive someone to pull off such a terrible mistake is beyond me.
Dimebag was a leading force behind Pantera, and his guitar riffs blew us away. He influenced so many people, and he helped keep the spirit of metal alive. I’m dedicating this blog to him and his bandmates, his family, his friends, and his fans.
Links:
Lars Ulrich (Metallica): RIP Darrell
Veteran’s Day
Today many people are asked to remember those that served in our armed forces. In recent months, many American soldiers have died in combat overseas. Although I have no military experience, I can imagine the courage of those to overcome their fears to continue fighting for the liberty of others. I’ve stated that I don’t agree with the actions in Iraq, but I still have great respect for the men and women who are serving in the United States military for the greater good of the world.
My brother-in-law, Vince, served in Kuwait during the first Gulf War. Today’s blog is dedicated to him and to those that have served or continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Third anniversary of 9/11, my first week at DATCP
Today marks the third anniversary of the attacks on America. Although those that would view the US as enemies attempted to undermine its strength, we prevailed in showing them that we have the determination and resolve to come together and rebuild. Today’s blog is dedicated to the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on America.
I just realized that today also marks two years since I launched this site’s design. My inspiration for this site was the Wisconsin DOT federal intranet site, which I was redesigning at the time. I learned much about site design and using tables in HTML to structure a site’s appearance, as well as standards. I also learned a little about JavaScript and how to make buttons change appearance. Since then, this site has expanded into a large monster where I’ve attempted various different programming tricks that have lead to many inconsistencies. Furthermore, the dark borders and themes just don’t seem very inviting. In an attempt to clean up the interface and reorganize the material, I’ve chosen to approach the next generation design with an inviting look and structured feel.
In the meantime, work will continue on the new site, although I still intend to maintain this site until the new site is released. I’m still shooting for October of this year.
My first week of work at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) was short but very exciting. I’ve already met a variety of people, and I’ve started to really get my hands dirty on the various activities assigned to me. I’m even working on something that will be implemented nationwide. I look forward to being a major player and teammate on such a great issue, and perhaps I can mention more on the site later (in case you’re interested). In the meantime, following is a link to DATCP’s web site and the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC). Both of these are also available through my links page.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) – Premises Registration
Independence Day 2004
Happy Independence Day! Today America celebrates 228 years of freedom from monarchical oppression and tyranny. It was on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was officially signed by members of the Continental Congress. It declared that the 13 British colonies in North America independent from Great Britain. The Declaration explains why the colonies chose this action.
As we continue to learn from our own actions, we must remember that independence is not something that is thrust upon us, but something that we truly desire and fight for. With this in mind, let’s not forget the sacrifice that we all make to keep the spirit of our nation alive. Let’s also remember those that have fought or are fighting and sacrificing their lives so that others may know what freedom is. I may not agree with the current administration’s decision to occupy parts of the world, but I support our troops that fight for humanity and peace.
60 years since D-Day
Today marks the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Normandy, France. British, American, French, and Canadian troops attacked the beach early on June 6, 1944, to wrestle the front from the German forces and to begin the liberation of France from the Nazi-German Army. This was the single-largest invasion in all of World War II, where thousands of casualties resulted on both sides. The allies’ invasion led to the defeat of the Nazi-German invasion of Europe on the western front.
But this invasion was not only won by the soldiers that fought there. All people involved, including the citizens back home providing their efforts to the war, worked remarkably to provide the supplies and made sacrifices so that the Allied Soldiers could have their needed supplies. In the grand scheme of events, the Allied Invasion at Normandy on what we now call D-Day was the result of millions of people that pushed resources and wills to their limits so that the Nazi-German tyranny would come to an end.
Today’s blog is dedicated to the men, women, and children that fought, sacrificed, and supported the battle that led to the eventual fall of Nazi-Germany. As Tom Brokaw (NBC news anchor) has stated, they truly are the greatest generation. May we never forget their sacrifice, courage, and heroism so that we can continue to preserve their legacy.
Veterans’ Day 2003
Happy Veterans’ Day! Today we remember those that served the United States through military service. Here’s to supporting our troops, both past and present, and to a world where people are free to express their feelings. Our soldiers shed blood, sweat, and tears so that we could appreciate life. May we never forget their sacrifice.
My Uncle Babulal dies
Last night I lost a wonderful uncle. He fought a battle against an abdominal aortic aneurysm in which his surgery was somewhat successful, but there were complications. Unfortunately, he had suffered a mild heart attack, and some internal bleeding occurred recently. After two attempts to revive him, the decision was made to grant his wishes and let him go. I was looking forward to visiting him next summer, but I won’t get that chance now. But I am glad to have known him and have grown to respect him. All of my memories of him are positive, and I know that he was always that way. He gave a lot for his family, his country (he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration), and his friends, and I know that all of their prayers are pouring out to him. Mine do as well. Today’s blog is dedicated to my uncle, Babulal Shah.
