Oldest Tree in Bob Woodruff Park, Plano

One has to learn how to market from Americans. Post World War II these people have mastered and fine tuned the art of selling that they can sell deep freezer to an eskimo, oil to the Arab Shiekhs, Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments to Hindus, et al.

During a recent visit to Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, TX I chanced upon this tree with a board in front which proudly stated that this tree existed when the American Constitution was written. I don't know how it matters to anyone that some tree in some corner of Texas existed when the American constitution was written. Texas was not even a part of the United States at that time. Texas joined the Union on December 29, 1845, as the 28th state while the US Constitution was written and adopted on September 17, 1787.

By placing this plaque the parks and recreation department of Plano city is trying to entice public to visit and take pictures in the park so business can be generated and tourism revenues can be enhanced. Well... great indeed... good marketing plan. Wish everyone in the world did something like this and generated revenue for their communities.

Bob Woodruff Park, Plano

Yesterday we went to Bob Woodruff Park in far eastern part of Plano, TX. This is one of the oldest green spaces accessible to public in the city. There are really tall trees in the park and a huge area of the park is earmarked as wilderness area where people don't usually venture. This is a wonderful venue for a wide array of outdoor activities. For people there are walking, bicycling and hiking trails and a lake for fishing enthusiasts. A creek dissects the park and provides the greenery the much needed water resources.

Hiking trail in the park

Lake in Bob Woodruff park

Unfortunately here is where the human nature gets exposed. The creek is littered with plastics, tires, and other rubbish. I wonder even in the supposedly law-abiding nation of USA there are people who indulge in illegal and mindless dumping of wastes into creeks. Don't they know that this creek feeds a larger reservoir which provides them with drinking water? I don't know what drives such people who litter and destroy the beauty and tranquility of the environment. I hope the law enforcement and parks and recreation agencies of the city of Plano take action to punish the guilty and prevent such dumping from happening again.

Illegal Trash Dumping in Bob Woodruff park

Vistas of Downtown Dallas

Downtown dallas is one heck of a conjusted area with narrow roads, high rise buildings, very few parking facilities. Since all the major corporations, museums and galleries are located there lot of people travel to downtown for work and pleasure. Here are few pictures....

Happy Ganesha Chathurthi

Image by rosemanios via Flickr

The Hindu Festival of Ganesha Chathurthi during which we worship Lord Ganesha the elephant god who is the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and remover of obstacles is on August 23, 2009. Like every other festival I used to celebrate in India, Ganesha Chathurthi is also the second time in the US. Last year my parents were here and hence the occasion was celebrated much similar like in India. This year it will not be possible. The closest thing to do would be to visit the Ganesha temple in Plano or any other Hindu temple where this occasion is being observed and participate in the festivities.
I hope Lord Ganesha will give me the gift of wisdom, knowledge, and remove obstacles that stand between me and my goals. My prayer to god on this occasion is to give me the strength, courage, presence of mind, and humility to reach my goals.