It is relieving, its sheer joy and fun to be on vacation.
I love it ! I am gonna travel...
Let me try posting my travellogues...
Monday, December 17
Saturday, December 8
What I learnt in my Kindergarten
Started reading the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. Its very interesting and gives a feel-good factor!
I picked up this book in a second sale shop in the small German town! Though it is an easy read, I am deliberately reading slowly, only to enliven the moments mentioned in the book.
I do miss my school !!
I picked up this book in a second sale shop in the small German town! Though it is an easy read, I am deliberately reading slowly, only to enliven the moments mentioned in the book.
I do miss my school !!
Wednesday, December 5
Flash backs
The only time we use this term when we see past incidents being told in a movie. With a spiralling curve, one relives or relishes a past incident. Few are good ones and some are not so good to remember.
Here is my theory:
It becomes 'memories' when we get reminded ourselves of our past.
It is called 'anniversary' or 'happy birthday' when we remember and celebrate certain eventful days from the past.
Well, I am now wondering if the converse is also true.
Can all memories, anniversaries and birthdays be termed as flashbacks ? Yes, except for the birthday part of them, for reasons well known :-) I donot remember being born, but I was born!
I remember getting married (which smiley to use?) two years ago, on the same day! (Now, u know the reason for this post in this blog!!)
So, what does my flash back reveal? Loads of fun, music, dance, friends, relatives, rain(there was a heavy downpour for a week!), pictures etc etc.
Good to have flashbacks in life and enjoy the moment:-)
Here is my theory:
It becomes 'memories' when we get reminded ourselves of our past.
It is called 'anniversary' or 'happy birthday' when we remember and celebrate certain eventful days from the past.
Well, I am now wondering if the converse is also true.
Can all memories, anniversaries and birthdays be termed as flashbacks ? Yes, except for the birthday part of them, for reasons well known :-) I donot remember being born, but I was born!
I remember getting married (which smiley to use?) two years ago, on the same day! (Now, u know the reason for this post in this blog!!)
So, what does my flash back reveal? Loads of fun, music, dance, friends, relatives, rain(there was a heavy downpour for a week!), pictures etc etc.
Good to have flashbacks in life and enjoy the moment:-)
Making friends
Just wanted to inform u guys that I made a few friends since my visit. In addition to the colleagues, I met an American guy in the hotel and we went on to become good companions and now, friends. He resembles me in some aspects and most of all, we both talk, talk and talk till the cows return home!Though he is returning tonight, we intend to stay in touch over emails!
We feel happy to know more people, to know about them, to care for them and be cared, don't we?
Man is a social animal :-)
We feel happy to know more people, to know about them, to care for them and be cared, don't we?
Man is a social animal :-)
Sunday, December 2
Expectations
Ever before I jumped out of the bed, I started thinking of expectations , relationships etc.. Donno if its an offshoot of some dream, but it is on my thoughts since morning.
My theory is as follows:
Expectations define relationships. If we get rid of expectations, there maynot be any kind of relationships at all! Is that the objective of humankind? Is that what great spiritual leaders like Buddha wanted to achieve and suggest ?
Then, we maynot be fitting in a sociey with its defined rules, relationships like family, siblings, spouse, children etc etc.
I'm confused!
Sometimes, I wonder where to draw a line and in some cases how lengthy the rope should be!
We have expectations even in unconditional love, don't we? Isnt it love then? If it is love, can it be based on or supported by expectations? IMHO, expectations have 2 sides whereas love need not be! Where do these 2 meet?
Leave the answering to a Buddhas and Psycology professors :-)
My theory is as follows:
Expectations define relationships. If we get rid of expectations, there maynot be any kind of relationships at all! Is that the objective of humankind? Is that what great spiritual leaders like Buddha wanted to achieve and suggest ?
Then, we maynot be fitting in a sociey with its defined rules, relationships like family, siblings, spouse, children etc etc.
I'm confused!
Sometimes, I wonder where to draw a line and in some cases how lengthy the rope should be!
We have expectations even in unconditional love, don't we? Isnt it love then? If it is love, can it be based on or supported by expectations? IMHO, expectations have 2 sides whereas love need not be! Where do these 2 meet?
Leave the answering to a Buddhas and Psycology professors :-)
The second test
is interestingly positioned. There had been good scoring from both sides. Esp, by the Indian team - a double century by Jaffer, 2 centuries and 2 half centuries !! This is called team effort!
Is this coincidence or Kumble's leadership?
I pray that it is the later!
Is this coincidence or Kumble's leadership?
I pray that it is the later!
Thursday, November 22
Congrats, dear Kumble
We won the first test against arch rivals, spearheaded by Kumble.
Though I feel happy for India and the Indian team, I feel happier for the guy who had been deserving this for a long long time!
Nothing could have been better than this win in style on his first test as a captain! I have always known Kumble as a person who was always willing to give his very best for the team and thought always beyond self. His simple nature has not changed in the last 10 years or so!
Way to go, guy!
Though I feel happy for India and the Indian team, I feel happier for the guy who had been deserving this for a long long time!
Nothing could have been better than this win in style on his first test as a captain! I have always known Kumble as a person who was always willing to give his very best for the team and thought always beyond self. His simple nature has not changed in the last 10 years or so!
Way to go, guy!
Unforgettable one!
Let me tell u an unforgettable event that happened yesterday and that will remain in my memories forever!
To kill the boredom, I decided to goto the library yesterday noon and packed my laptop too. I had to take a train from my hotel to the library and got down after the 20 minute journey. I had to walk a bit towards the building. After I entered only, I realised that myhandbag was missing! And that too with all my money, ATM card, passport, mobile,room key,ticket etc etc !! I could only curse myself for being so careless! I had left the bag in the seat and got down the train with my laptop bag alone!
Was not sure of teh nearby police station or telephone booth and had no money or phone numbers to call anyone!!
Rushed to the trainstop and waited for the next train in the same direction. It being a sunday, the frequency was less and those 10 minutes were the most difficult ones! there was nobody to help me with any information!
When the train came, I rushed to the driver and there was an old man who said that he understood little English! I was relieved a bit. When I told him, he offered to speak to the central department and find it. After he spoke, he asked me to come in the same train to the depot which was half an hour away! I told him that my money and tickets are in the bag, if any inspection came! He said that he would take care and asked me to sit calmly! After half an hour, there was a change of driver in a station where I got down along with him. He took me through the roads bordered by empty trams and entered a big building. All the while, I had been praying that my bag should be found. On entering a room far inside the building, I saw the green bag ! There were 3 others and one of them asked me to check the valuables. There was a list which had all the details. The first thing I checked was the passport! I signed a receipt and it got over ! Could not belive it !!
Thanked the old man and told him how relieved I was. He asked me not to worry and that he was still waiting for his lost bag and had to make a police complaint!!
Till I reached the room, I was hugging the bags :-)
I felt very good about the place, people and Germany!
To kill the boredom, I decided to goto the library yesterday noon and packed my laptop too. I had to take a train from my hotel to the library and got down after the 20 minute journey. I had to walk a bit towards the building. After I entered only, I realised that myhandbag was missing! And that too with all my money, ATM card, passport, mobile,room key,ticket etc etc !! I could only curse myself for being so careless! I had left the bag in the seat and got down the train with my laptop bag alone!
Was not sure of teh nearby police station or telephone booth and had no money or phone numbers to call anyone!!
Rushed to the trainstop and waited for the next train in the same direction. It being a sunday, the frequency was less and those 10 minutes were the most difficult ones! there was nobody to help me with any information!
When the train came, I rushed to the driver and there was an old man who said that he understood little English! I was relieved a bit. When I told him, he offered to speak to the central department and find it. After he spoke, he asked me to come in the same train to the depot which was half an hour away! I told him that my money and tickets are in the bag, if any inspection came! He said that he would take care and asked me to sit calmly! After half an hour, there was a change of driver in a station where I got down along with him. He took me through the roads bordered by empty trams and entered a big building. All the while, I had been praying that my bag should be found. On entering a room far inside the building, I saw the green bag ! There were 3 others and one of them asked me to check the valuables. There was a list which had all the details. The first thing I checked was the passport! I signed a receipt and it got over ! Could not belive it !!
Thanked the old man and told him how relieved I was. He asked me not to worry and that he was still waiting for his lost bag and had to make a police complaint!!
Till I reached the room, I was hugging the bags :-)
I felt very good about the place, people and Germany!
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is my latest read. I am reading this book long after it was published. It was in late 50s that this book touched the stands and I understand that this was a success. Made into a movie which went on to win many awards too.
It is that type of a book, thats not read for timepass. It is the type to be read, assimilated and thought for long in one's memories. I continue to search the characters within me and others I meet, after completing this story.
Holly Golightly is an unforgettable charachter and an inspiring one for those who wanna tread life easily and always holidaying! I too wish so! Like every other character in the book falling for her charm or love!
Definitely a good read - to enjoy the story and for the feeling to linger on forever!
It is that type of a book, thats not read for timepass. It is the type to be read, assimilated and thought for long in one's memories. I continue to search the characters within me and others I meet, after completing this story.
Holly Golightly is an unforgettable charachter and an inspiring one for those who wanna tread life easily and always holidaying! I too wish so! Like every other character in the book falling for her charm or love!
Definitely a good read - to enjoy the story and for the feeling to linger on forever!
Friends
Today, I got a mail from a friend almost after a year! She had been into a hibernation and was not responding to any mode of communication!
Now that I get a 2 liner from her without revealing any information, I still feel happy.
I think of her for a minute and realise how much she is important to me. That doesnot mean that I had been suffering. Yet, it ushers in so much of happiness that I feel emotional.
Never take a friend for granted !
God bless her!
Now that I get a 2 liner from her without revealing any information, I still feel happy.
I think of her for a minute and realise how much she is important to me. That doesnot mean that I had been suffering. Yet, it ushers in so much of happiness that I feel emotional.
Never take a friend for granted !
God bless her!
Tuesday, November 6
My travel takes me to heaven...
Its a good experience to travel and that too I had been travelling alone ... Mc Donalds(I'm loving it!)
Last weekend had been to a place called Kiel near Hamburg..
Its a port city and was good... better known as sailing city! except for the waiting at airports and railway stations when its 1 or 2 degrees centigrades out :-)
Otherwise, I had fallen in love with autumn and dont want the approaching winter to take out the colors from the trees ..
Sun has gone missing far awayyyyy.... U been to my homeland, dear?
Had been to a zoo in Karlsruhe and was amazed by the way the people make interesting events out of the mundane activities.. the seals were brilliant performers during their lunch session and the crowd esp kids were the happiest.. I took some videos too... :-)
Got the fotos but need to get the internet to upload them .... sometime soon ...
Last weekend had been to a place called Kiel near Hamburg..
Its a port city and was good... better known as sailing city! except for the waiting at airports and railway stations when its 1 or 2 degrees centigrades out :-)
Otherwise, I had fallen in love with autumn and dont want the approaching winter to take out the colors from the trees ..
Sun has gone missing far awayyyyy.... U been to my homeland, dear?
Had been to a zoo in Karlsruhe and was amazed by the way the people make interesting events out of the mundane activities.. the seals were brilliant performers during their lunch session and the crowd esp kids were the happiest.. I took some videos too... :-)
Got the fotos but need to get the internet to upload them .... sometime soon ...
Friday, October 26
Jab We Met
kya hua? nothing but our bollywood romance :-)
Only that, it is subtle and sobre this time. There are the usual music and dance - one or two song sequences could be reduced, but for the typical bollywood ishtyle!
Kareena is more bubbly than ever and had a good script for acting! Shahid is much better and comes across as a copy of Shahrukh - poor or better copy, I am not sure! But he has the potential to make it big. There is no great logic in the movie, especially in the second half; but the screenplay is fast and keeps things interesting! Add to that the much talked about chemistry & lip-lock between the lead pair ;-)
Music is by Pritam Chaudhary(Is this a different Pritam?) and he has done a good job and scores 3 catchy numbers.
Wanted to write one of the first reviews - saw the premier yesterday and it was fun!
In short, a movie worth watching.
Only that, it is subtle and sobre this time. There are the usual music and dance - one or two song sequences could be reduced, but for the typical bollywood ishtyle!
Kareena is more bubbly than ever and had a good script for acting! Shahid is much better and comes across as a copy of Shahrukh - poor or better copy, I am not sure! But he has the potential to make it big. There is no great logic in the movie, especially in the second half; but the screenplay is fast and keeps things interesting! Add to that the much talked about chemistry & lip-lock between the lead pair ;-)
Music is by Pritam Chaudhary(Is this a different Pritam?) and he has done a good job and scores 3 catchy numbers.
Wanted to write one of the first reviews - saw the premier yesterday and it was fun!
In short, a movie worth watching.
Monday, October 22
Isn't shopping fun?
Absolutely it is! It becomes an addiction just beyond that point !
Well, my hubby and I went out for shopping yday and before we could take a 2-min breather, I had shopped for a dozen set of clothes! The original intention was to pick up 2-3 winter wear and earlier in the day, I was so lazy and reluctant to get out of the house. I was giving lame excuses that the official trip may not come through and that I had enough winter clothes etc.
Once inside the shop, the attitude and the enthusiasm was at a totally different level. I was not even tired of trying out the different brands and picked up almost all the ones I had tried on me :-)
My hubby too sounded cheerful in spite of a big hole in his wallet!!
We love shopping, don't we?
Well, my hubby and I went out for shopping yday and before we could take a 2-min breather, I had shopped for a dozen set of clothes! The original intention was to pick up 2-3 winter wear and earlier in the day, I was so lazy and reluctant to get out of the house. I was giving lame excuses that the official trip may not come through and that I had enough winter clothes etc.
Once inside the shop, the attitude and the enthusiasm was at a totally different level. I was not even tired of trying out the different brands and picked up almost all the ones I had tried on me :-)
My hubby too sounded cheerful in spite of a big hole in his wallet!!
We love shopping, don't we?
Monday, October 15
Indian team Vs Aussies
It was another disheartening match, though Indian team did fight back. Just a mile away from confidence to carry on the brilliant start.
Dravid and Yuvi failed to support
Dhoni could not bat aggressively as was required. We were in need of 40 runs in addition to the balls remaining for around 5 overs which decided the match in Aussies' favor.
Also, Ponting's decision to bring in Branten turned the stride!
Anyway, well tried Indian team!
Dravid and Yuvi failed to support
Dhoni could not bat aggressively as was required. We were in need of 40 runs in addition to the balls remaining for around 5 overs which decided the match in Aussies' favor.
Also, Ponting's decision to bring in Branten turned the stride!
Anyway, well tried Indian team!
Thursday, October 11
To Sir, With Love
Thatz the book that I finished reading recently. This is written by ER Braithwaite with the London in late 1950s as the background . I must admit that it was more interesting than what I had expected.
I understand from Wiki ( I dint expect a dedicated article on this book in Wiki!) that a movie was also made out of this book.
Check out for http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Sir,_with_Love_(book) for the plot summary and criticism.
Let me tell you what I liked in the novel - Having travelled to London recently, I could easily visualise how things would have been different 50+ years back. I appreciate the small nuances the author describes of East London. I can imagine the snootiness of the English and how high handed they behave when encountering a colored person! The solution provided in the book is unrealistic in the short term, but can be a definite natural one in the long term.
Above all, it is a small book of 189 pages and one cannot bring oneself to put it down till the last page!
In summary, it is a worthy reading for a short travel or wait!
I understand from Wiki ( I dint expect a dedicated article on this book in Wiki!) that a movie was also made out of this book.
Check out for http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Sir,_with_Love_(book) for the plot summary and criticism.
Let me tell you what I liked in the novel - Having travelled to London recently, I could easily visualise how things would have been different 50+ years back. I appreciate the small nuances the author describes of East London. I can imagine the snootiness of the English and how high handed they behave when encountering a colored person! The solution provided in the book is unrealistic in the short term, but can be a definite natural one in the long term.
Above all, it is a small book of 189 pages and one cannot bring oneself to put it down till the last page!
In summary, it is a worthy reading for a short travel or wait!
Tuesday, October 9
My bus-mate
I'm puzzled abt something that happened today morning and am very curious to know the reason ! If anyone could explain with logic, I'd be grateful!
Well, daily morning very enthusiastically I reach the company bus stop on time and began to look forward. To boost my motivation, my hubby dear also accompanied me. We both were chatting, when I started feeling anxious and wondered aloud if the bus had already left! I was wondering whether to phone the only other guy who boards the bus from that stop to check if he is in the bus. What if he was in bed ?
It was then that my hubby told me that ur bus-mate had arrived and I was a bit relieved on seeing him. Last week, me and my bus-mate were faced with a similar scenario. We realised that we had missed the bus and took an auto to office. I didn't have the change to pay the auto driver and told the bus-mate who paid. Thats when I took his mobile number to return the money. Next morning, I returned the money promptly to him.
While I was thinking all these past events, he had summoned an auto and hurrying in. He was standing far from me to ask or call. He pushed himself into the auto and the auto carried him away. I started wondering if he is going somewhere else or if he is rushing back home as I found his behaviour puzzling.
My hubby interrupted my thoughts by asking if he had seen the bus leaving already. I convinced myself by saying that the bus might be still coming and that we can wait for 5 more minutes before proceeding.
As it turned out to be, the bus never came. My hubby went home, took the car and dropped me at another bus stop from where I took an auto after a short wait.
Inside the car, I asked him why the bus-mate didnot inform me of missing the bus or asked me to share the auto which would have saved him around Rs.50. I wanted to ask the bus-mate the next day why he behaved so. My hubby said that he would not be asking the bus-mate if he were me!
Why?
Why not?
I'm still wondering... What could be the reason?
Well, daily morning very enthusiastically I reach the company bus stop on time and began to look forward. To boost my motivation, my hubby dear also accompanied me. We both were chatting, when I started feeling anxious and wondered aloud if the bus had already left! I was wondering whether to phone the only other guy who boards the bus from that stop to check if he is in the bus. What if he was in bed ?
It was then that my hubby told me that ur bus-mate had arrived and I was a bit relieved on seeing him. Last week, me and my bus-mate were faced with a similar scenario. We realised that we had missed the bus and took an auto to office. I didn't have the change to pay the auto driver and told the bus-mate who paid. Thats when I took his mobile number to return the money. Next morning, I returned the money promptly to him.
While I was thinking all these past events, he had summoned an auto and hurrying in. He was standing far from me to ask or call. He pushed himself into the auto and the auto carried him away. I started wondering if he is going somewhere else or if he is rushing back home as I found his behaviour puzzling.
My hubby interrupted my thoughts by asking if he had seen the bus leaving already. I convinced myself by saying that the bus might be still coming and that we can wait for 5 more minutes before proceeding.
As it turned out to be, the bus never came. My hubby went home, took the car and dropped me at another bus stop from where I took an auto after a short wait.
Inside the car, I asked him why the bus-mate didnot inform me of missing the bus or asked me to share the auto which would have saved him around Rs.50. I wanted to ask the bus-mate the next day why he behaved so. My hubby said that he would not be asking the bus-mate if he were me!
Why?
Why not?
I'm still wondering... What could be the reason?
Wednesday, June 6
French open winners
That season of the year when the clay courts turn live and the champions sweat it out on the hardest courts...
Will Fedex get his name etched ?
My favorites are Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova ... Both have managed QF and SF resp.
Just saw a picture of Bachans(Big B and small B) on rediff - in full suits watching tennis :-) lol
Will Fedex get his name etched ?
My favorites are Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova ... Both have managed QF and SF resp.
Just saw a picture of Bachans(Big B and small B) on rediff - in full suits watching tennis :-) lol
Wednesday, May 16
Mozhi, a movie/musical
Saw the movie yesterday - after more than 2 months of its release. So, I have heard more abt it than I knew !
It was a pleasant movie I would say for 2 reasons - it dint have any commercial or unwanted scenes or songs or fights and the second reason is that all the characters of the movie were good natured;
Kindness and respect for fellow humans formed the backdrop of the movie though the story dwelled on the life of deaf and dumb girl. She was courageous, confident and brilliant though she had her inner fears or sarcasm.
Jo as the lead lady has done a very neat job! Prithvi assures lot of desperate female-fan followers; Prakashraj & swarnalatha add to the story base and the music is pleasant to the others and is the backbone along with the screenplay.
Full credits to the production house "Duet movies" for a clean and worthy movie.
It was a pleasant movie I would say for 2 reasons - it dint have any commercial or unwanted scenes or songs or fights and the second reason is that all the characters of the movie were good natured;
Kindness and respect for fellow humans formed the backdrop of the movie though the story dwelled on the life of deaf and dumb girl. She was courageous, confident and brilliant though she had her inner fears or sarcasm.
Jo as the lead lady has done a very neat job! Prithvi assures lot of desperate female-fan followers; Prakashraj & swarnalatha add to the story base and the music is pleasant to the others and is the backbone along with the screenplay.
Full credits to the production house "Duet movies" for a clean and worthy movie.
Tuesday, May 15
Abilene paradox
Read it for the first time today and found the situation to be quite familiar !!
Donno if this is a popular paradox (should be, in my opinion) and how I missed it !!
Well, this is to describle false consensus effect and is related to group thinking and mis-communication and probably (in)decision making. It was christened by Jerry Harvey and has a parable behind the naming .
Silence does not mean consent -
Refer Wiki @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilene_paradox to know more ...
Donno if this is a popular paradox (should be, in my opinion) and how I missed it !!
Well, this is to describle false consensus effect and is related to group thinking and mis-communication and probably (in)decision making. It was christened by Jerry Harvey and has a parable behind the naming .
Silence does not mean consent -
Refer Wiki @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilene_paradox to know more ...
Monday, April 16
Learning is fun!
Especially if it is something interesting like swimming !!
After being a non-swimmer for so many years, I decided to take a deep plunge in water and enrolled myself for a swimming class.
Believe me, the experience has been mind blowing esp for a slow starter like me ...
though I had been wanting to learn the skill for a long time, i had am apprehension at the bottom of my heart that getting to swim after 20 years of age can be very difficuly for a person who is not physically active in sports!
I have had 2 classes and I'm quite confident of becoming a skilled swimmer in 2 months!
There are many sites that cover the basic aspects and levels of learning - the first one is exploring the water and getting used to water.
The class concentrated on these and there are simple techniques that help one in being acquainted to water - like wading through chest deep water, blowing bubbles, breathing, seeing under water etc.
I had some difficulty in learning 'Mushroom float' as i was scared of floating and always put my feet down and walked instead of air lifting my legs and leave the body to float! I was the only one to get stuck here and others went to the next steps. I practiced even after the classes were over and end of the day, i did float like mushroom ! Pat my back :-)
I am so confident now !!
After being a non-swimmer for so many years, I decided to take a deep plunge in water and enrolled myself for a swimming class.
Believe me, the experience has been mind blowing esp for a slow starter like me ...
though I had been wanting to learn the skill for a long time, i had am apprehension at the bottom of my heart that getting to swim after 20 years of age can be very difficuly for a person who is not physically active in sports!
I have had 2 classes and I'm quite confident of becoming a skilled swimmer in 2 months!
There are many sites that cover the basic aspects and levels of learning - the first one is exploring the water and getting used to water.
The class concentrated on these and there are simple techniques that help one in being acquainted to water - like wading through chest deep water, blowing bubbles, breathing, seeing under water etc.
I had some difficulty in learning 'Mushroom float' as i was scared of floating and always put my feet down and walked instead of air lifting my legs and leave the body to float! I was the only one to get stuck here and others went to the next steps. I practiced even after the classes were over and end of the day, i did float like mushroom ! Pat my back :-)
I am so confident now !!
Monday, March 26
Whats our national game?
I'm sure most of the Indians will be pondering on the athletic skills & sports in our country, after showing the door so early in the much awaited WorldCup!
Is Hockey the national game ? In the past 20 years or mor, I have neither watched a hockey match being telecast in any commercial channel except DD nor watched a match myself ! I am not alone in this aspect and hence, hockey is not even a popular game except for the sports pages in the newspapers!
Is Khabbadi a national game ? I doubt ! Except for the bolloywood & kollywood movies - that too the game is always played in doubles - the game is not known beyond the courts!
Is Cricket the only sport of India ? Looks like! Every match is watched - first class, Ranjit Trophy, Galli cricket etc etc. The family fights for the remote for every test match or one dayer.
Every cricketer on/off the team endorses anything to everything - from Re1 to Rs 10 crores!
The corporates have even innovated products based on the game and players!
The filmi damsels seem to be falling all over the 'boys' in blue!
And common sense - how many games have we won in the past 3-5 years , how good is our attitutde on the field, the never-die-spirit ?
Above all, how capable is our team ?
I'm not against the individual players - If Cricket is the only sport of the country, how serious are we about it?
"Blue" billion :-(
Is Hockey the national game ? In the past 20 years or mor, I have neither watched a hockey match being telecast in any commercial channel except DD nor watched a match myself ! I am not alone in this aspect and hence, hockey is not even a popular game except for the sports pages in the newspapers!
Is Khabbadi a national game ? I doubt ! Except for the bolloywood & kollywood movies - that too the game is always played in doubles - the game is not known beyond the courts!
Is Cricket the only sport of India ? Looks like! Every match is watched - first class, Ranjit Trophy, Galli cricket etc etc. The family fights for the remote for every test match or one dayer.
Every cricketer on/off the team endorses anything to everything - from Re1 to Rs 10 crores!
The corporates have even innovated products based on the game and players!
The filmi damsels seem to be falling all over the 'boys' in blue!
And common sense - how many games have we won in the past 3-5 years , how good is our attitutde on the field, the never-die-spirit ?
Above all, how capable is our team ?
I'm not against the individual players - If Cricket is the only sport of the country, how serious are we about it?
"Blue" billion :-(
Tuesday, March 20
Confused!
Sometimes, I feel like I'm in the race towards nothing and it feels empty inside - have nothing to look forward to as there is no great hope on anything!!
Its not that I'm depressed, but lack the sense of achievement in the past few years .
Life has become a forced routine where spurts of happiness & sorrows are expected anytime. I'm no longer surprised or more precisely not excited abt these things - as if I've no stakes on anything!!
I know that these similar thoughts are running at the back of my mind many a time and surface when there are unpleasant things happening around me and when I feel hapless !!
It is not self pity - because I'm on the lookout for way forward and donot want to waste my time getting bogged down!!
Then, what is it & why is it ?
I'm not clear of my goals & ways to achieve them. There is a clash of interests among the different aspects of life &I've my reservations in exercising my choice!!
Probably, soul searching can uncover some black spots!!
Its not that I'm depressed, but lack the sense of achievement in the past few years .
Life has become a forced routine where spurts of happiness & sorrows are expected anytime. I'm no longer surprised or more precisely not excited abt these things - as if I've no stakes on anything!!
I know that these similar thoughts are running at the back of my mind many a time and surface when there are unpleasant things happening around me and when I feel hapless !!
It is not self pity - because I'm on the lookout for way forward and donot want to waste my time getting bogged down!!
Then, what is it & why is it ?
I'm not clear of my goals & ways to achieve them. There is a clash of interests among the different aspects of life &I've my reservations in exercising my choice!!
Probably, soul searching can uncover some black spots!!
Wednesday, January 24
SRK in the hot seat, KBC
Generally, a quiz or contest is strenuous for the participants - for the first time, one faces a nervous quiz master - King khan !
Before I go on with the review, let me clarify my stance - I'm neither a fan of SRK nor that of Big B. I like most of their movies and have nothing against them as well !
How do u say that he is nervous? Well, I've never seen him sweating in any advertisement or movie, unless after a screen fight! Yesterday, he was in sweat . It was a pity when the contestant asked for a shoulder massage to relieve his stress from a guy who was more stressed than him! But, this is a new role and anyone would be under tremendous pressure -so, what's wrong with it?
I've only one point against him - he "acts" instead of being a quiz master! Whether his pronouncing the friend's name "Venky", trying his shayari , speaking in Tamil "idli saaptiya" instead of Telugu (Somehow, most of the North indians think that the whole of south indians are Madrasis!) or gifting a watch (Was that "Tag Huer", a brand he endorses ??Lucky !) or his jumping onto the seat - clearly, he was acting !
Donno if that's the best way of conducting the show, I definitely want to admire him for the sheer efforts taken by him to put his best foot forward ! Inspite of his age, he was running around and tried his best to woo all the audiences - be it Bangla, Telugu or Haryani !
Come-on SRK, continue to do ur best and entertain us !
After all, this show is more of infotainment than a typical quiz!
Before I go on with the review, let me clarify my stance - I'm neither a fan of SRK nor that of Big B. I like most of their movies and have nothing against them as well !
How do u say that he is nervous? Well, I've never seen him sweating in any advertisement or movie, unless after a screen fight! Yesterday, he was in sweat . It was a pity when the contestant asked for a shoulder massage to relieve his stress from a guy who was more stressed than him! But, this is a new role and anyone would be under tremendous pressure -so, what's wrong with it?
I've only one point against him - he "acts" instead of being a quiz master! Whether his pronouncing the friend's name "Venky", trying his shayari , speaking in Tamil "idli saaptiya" instead of Telugu (Somehow, most of the North indians think that the whole of south indians are Madrasis!) or gifting a watch (Was that "Tag Huer", a brand he endorses ??Lucky !) or his jumping onto the seat - clearly, he was acting !
Donno if that's the best way of conducting the show, I definitely want to admire him for the sheer efforts taken by him to put his best foot forward ! Inspite of his age, he was running around and tried his best to woo all the audiences - be it Bangla, Telugu or Haryani !
Come-on SRK, continue to do ur best and entertain us !
After all, this show is more of infotainment than a typical quiz!
Saturday, January 20
Do legends wither away with time ?
This question pops up when I feel sad on hearing something against some of the great legends of our time...
Today morning to pep up my Saturday & drive away the blues (yeah, its a working day, unfortunately!!), I was playing the latest flicks of the legendary AR.Rahmann.
By default it is 'Guru' on my HT and started exercising, only to pause immediately!
After 4-5 times of listening to the album, I'd started liking it! Rahman has always been criticised that his audience needs patience and that his albums start selling after an initial lull. That was till he became a brand of his own! Now, the CDs get sold easily and that the lull is shifted to the consumer - He/She gets to enjoii the music later!
This is true for 90% of his movies ! In the past, i used to brush away this comment saying that he expects more from an immature audience and that it takes time for an average guy to rise up to the level of the album music. Is this still correct?
The next allegation is that his songs are lifted or taken or "inspired" from something heard somewhere - be it his own music or others!!Letz checkout the latest Guru which boasts of 7 songs.
Barso Re - Sing 'na na na re na re' : just add 'oh hum dum suniyo re' and it becomes his own 'Saatiya' song ! Full credits to Shreya Ghoshal for the captivating rendering of the song.
Ay Hairathe:
Jugal Hansraj in 'Ghar se nikhalte hi' song comes in front of me when I hear this song!
The popular Nusrat's song is remoulded : When i turned the cover of the CD, I realised that this song was a tribute to Nusrat! Ways of respecting someone & still filling one's pocket!!
The counter Q is : Are we expecting too much from fellow-humans?
Today morning to pep up my Saturday & drive away the blues (yeah, its a working day, unfortunately!!), I was playing the latest flicks of the legendary AR.Rahmann.
By default it is 'Guru' on my HT and started exercising, only to pause immediately!
After 4-5 times of listening to the album, I'd started liking it! Rahman has always been criticised that his audience needs patience and that his albums start selling after an initial lull. That was till he became a brand of his own! Now, the CDs get sold easily and that the lull is shifted to the consumer - He/She gets to enjoii the music later!
This is true for 90% of his movies ! In the past, i used to brush away this comment saying that he expects more from an immature audience and that it takes time for an average guy to rise up to the level of the album music. Is this still correct?
The next allegation is that his songs are lifted or taken or "inspired" from something heard somewhere - be it his own music or others!!Letz checkout the latest Guru which boasts of 7 songs.
Barso Re - Sing 'na na na re na re' : just add 'oh hum dum suniyo re' and it becomes his own 'Saatiya' song ! Full credits to Shreya Ghoshal for the captivating rendering of the song.
Ay Hairathe:
Jugal Hansraj in 'Ghar se nikhalte hi' song comes in front of me when I hear this song!
The popular Nusrat's song is remoulded : When i turned the cover of the CD, I realised that this song was a tribute to Nusrat! Ways of respecting someone & still filling one's pocket!!
The counter Q is : Are we expecting too much from fellow-humans?
My song of the day...
To Love a Woman (Enrique Iglesias with Lionel Richie)
ENRIQUE:
I don't know what it is, but she drives me crazy!
I don't know what she does, but she drives me wild!
I know that she can let me be the man that I want to be,
Or she can leave me helpless as a child.
LIONEL:
I don't know how it is, but she has the power.
She can make me laugh when I want to cry.
She tells me that I'm in control, but I know it's just a lie.
TOGETHER:
And I don't mind, no!
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today?
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays.
That's what if feels like to love a woman.
To love a Woman.
ENRIQUE:
When you're lookin' in her eyes you can see forever.
(forever)
You're captured by the beauty of her soul.
(oh, yea)
LIONEL:
You know you're never gonna find a woman like this again,
TOGETHER:
So don't let go. (don't let go!)
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today?
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays.
And that's what if feels like to love a woman.
Oh, to love a Woman.
Oh, she can make your day.
Oh, she can take it all away (take it all away)
Oh, whether it is wrong or right
you know that it in the end, you'd do it all again
To love a woman.
Just to love a woman.
mmm - hhhmmm
(short music)
oh, you know
Yes I know, Yes I know
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today? (when she loves you)
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays. (who knows if she'll stay?)
And that's what if feels like (oh, I wanna say)
That's what it feels like (what it feels like)
And that's what it feels like to love a woman.
To love a Woman.
Oh yea, just to love a woman.
ENRIQUE:
I don't know what it is, but she drives me crazy!
I don't know what she does, but she drives me wild!
I know that she can let me be the man that I want to be,
Or she can leave me helpless as a child.
LIONEL:
I don't know how it is, but she has the power.
She can make me laugh when I want to cry.
She tells me that I'm in control, but I know it's just a lie.
TOGETHER:
And I don't mind, no!
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today?
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays.
That's what if feels like to love a woman.
To love a Woman.
ENRIQUE:
When you're lookin' in her eyes you can see forever.
(forever)
You're captured by the beauty of her soul.
(oh, yea)
LIONEL:
You know you're never gonna find a woman like this again,
TOGETHER:
So don't let go. (don't let go!)
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today?
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays.
And that's what if feels like to love a woman.
Oh, to love a Woman.
Oh, she can make your day.
Oh, she can take it all away (take it all away)
Oh, whether it is wrong or right
you know that it in the end, you'd do it all again
To love a woman.
Just to love a woman.
mmm - hhhmmm
(short music)
oh, you know
Yes I know, Yes I know
Will she love you tomorrow like she loves you today? (when she loves you)
She can keep your heart guessing,
But she's yours if she stays. (who knows if she'll stay?)
And that's what if feels like (oh, I wanna say)
That's what it feels like (what it feels like)
And that's what it feels like to love a woman.
To love a Woman.
Oh yea, just to love a woman.
Friday, January 19
Indian food - Know ur calorie intake...
A list of widely eaten daily Indian food :
Item:Weight:Quanity:KiloCalories
---------------------------------
Almonds:100 g::655
Amla :100 g::58
Apple :100 g::59
Banana :100 g::116
Bengal gram dhal :100 g::372
Black gram dhal :100 g::347
Bread White toast::2 slices:176
Bread Brown::2 slices:218
Brinjal :100 g::24
Buttermilk:-:1 glass:25
Cabbage :100 g::27
Carrot :100 g::48
Cashewnut :100 g::596
Cauliflower :100 g::30
Chapati flour:40 g::100
Cheese :100 g::348
Cheese pizza:100 g:5 '' dia:270
Cucumber :100 g::13
Dates :100 g::317
Dosa (plain)::3 medium:360
Green gram dhal :100 g::348
Groundnut :100 g::567
Guava :100 g::51
Idli::3 big:130
Kaju Katli::1 piece:58
Ladies finger :100 g::35
Mango ripe :100 g::74
Methi leaves :100 g::49
Milk - buffalo :100 g::117
Milk - cow :100 g::67
Murruku::7 - 8 medium:529
Onion :100 g::59
Papaya - ripe :100 g::32
Peas :100 g::315
Plain rice:50 g:1cupful:150
Potato :100 g::97
Puri flour:15 g:1:100
Ragi :100 g::328
Rice (parboiled) :100 g::346
Rice raw :100 g::345
Sambar::0.5cup:105
Samosa:100 g:1 piece:400
Soyabean :100 g::432
South Indian Adai::2 medium:550
Sweet potato :100 g::120
Tomato ripe :100 g::20
Uthappam::2 big:330
Water melon :100 g::16
Acknowledgement: Collected from different websites :-) Hope they are authentic!
Item:Weight:Quanity:KiloCalories
---------------------------------
Almonds:100 g::655
Amla :100 g::58
Apple :100 g::59
Banana :100 g::116
Bengal gram dhal :100 g::372
Black gram dhal :100 g::347
Bread White toast::2 slices:176
Bread Brown::2 slices:218
Brinjal :100 g::24
Buttermilk:-:1 glass:25
Cabbage :100 g::27
Carrot :100 g::48
Cashewnut :100 g::596
Cauliflower :100 g::30
Chapati flour:40 g::100
Cheese :100 g::348
Cheese pizza:100 g:5 '' dia:270
Cucumber :100 g::13
Dates :100 g::317
Dosa (plain)::3 medium:360
Green gram dhal :100 g::348
Groundnut :100 g::567
Guava :100 g::51
Idli::3 big:130
Kaju Katli::1 piece:58
Ladies finger :100 g::35
Mango ripe :100 g::74
Methi leaves :100 g::49
Milk - buffalo :100 g::117
Milk - cow :100 g::67
Murruku::7 - 8 medium:529
Onion :100 g::59
Papaya - ripe :100 g::32
Peas :100 g::315
Plain rice:50 g:1cupful:150
Potato :100 g::97
Puri flour:15 g:1:100
Ragi :100 g::328
Rice (parboiled) :100 g::346
Rice raw :100 g::345
Sambar::0.5cup:105
Samosa:100 g:1 piece:400
Soyabean :100 g::432
South Indian Adai::2 medium:550
Sweet potato :100 g::120
Tomato ripe :100 g::20
Uthappam::2 big:330
Water melon :100 g::16
Acknowledgement: Collected from different websites :-) Hope they are authentic!
Ever been on a "diet?"
I'm on a self-claimed dieting process to shed the extra pounds hanging on me, only that I tend to eat more than my usual normal amount.
The poorly fed stomach keeps on asking for more and the craving for snacks is on the rise!
Did a big research on the calories permitted, intake and burning patterns, meal plan etc etc only to keep calculating the KiloCalories!!
The more I walk, more I feel hungry. Most of the experts ask u to many small meals. Imagine me snacking all the time in office ! Do u think I 'd have the patience, planning & time to buy healthy snacks that are tasty too ? I end up munching chocos, chips, bhel, biscuits instead and gulp down tea whenever i feel like eating something!
What is the way out?
I'm trying a different approach - Burn more calories and continue eating the normal food. And more importantly, keep track of ur calorie-intake. Literally write down in a pocket-diary every time u eat that sinful chocolate or relish a black tea! Like a balance sheet, jot down the physical activities that exert energy!
Let me wait for 3 weeks and give u guys an update, if this simple exercise is fruitful. Keeping my fingers crossed & chanting my calories !
The poorly fed stomach keeps on asking for more and the craving for snacks is on the rise!
Did a big research on the calories permitted, intake and burning patterns, meal plan etc etc only to keep calculating the KiloCalories!!
The more I walk, more I feel hungry. Most of the experts ask u to many small meals. Imagine me snacking all the time in office ! Do u think I 'd have the patience, planning & time to buy healthy snacks that are tasty too ? I end up munching chocos, chips, bhel, biscuits instead and gulp down tea whenever i feel like eating something!
What is the way out?
I'm trying a different approach - Burn more calories and continue eating the normal food. And more importantly, keep track of ur calorie-intake. Literally write down in a pocket-diary every time u eat that sinful chocolate or relish a black tea! Like a balance sheet, jot down the physical activities that exert energy!
Let me wait for 3 weeks and give u guys an update, if this simple exercise is fruitful. Keeping my fingers crossed & chanting my calories !
Tuesday, January 9
Penny wise
Guess, what I did today morning? Since the curtains 'd gathered enof dust, I had the noble thot of cleaning them before I rushed to work.
So, early in the morng, I pulled down the hall curtains and dumped them in the washing machine… Since the mac wasn't overloaded, I filled with some heavy-washable stuff like socks and powered it on…
Only after a minute did I wonder what if the colors from the bright curtains decide to switch places !!
Though it was a late thought, it happened to be a latest one :-(
After an hour when I pulled put the clothes, my red-white socks have become orange-red, the white teddies on my dress became pale & the green in pyjamas into something else !!
Next time, if u wanna dye any of ur clothes, let me know - the other curtains in the house are awaiting their bath !!
So, early in the morng, I pulled down the hall curtains and dumped them in the washing machine… Since the mac wasn't overloaded, I filled with some heavy-washable stuff like socks and powered it on…
Only after a minute did I wonder what if the colors from the bright curtains decide to switch places !!
Though it was a late thought, it happened to be a latest one :-(
After an hour when I pulled put the clothes, my red-white socks have become orange-red, the white teddies on my dress became pale & the green in pyjamas into something else !!
Next time, if u wanna dye any of ur clothes, let me know - the other curtains in the house are awaiting their bath !!
Monday, January 8
The art of gifting
Everytime I wanna gift any of my loved ones, I undergo a trauma in choosing an apt one!
On the onset of the occassion, I start thinking on the goal of the gift - whether it is utility value or cuteness or fashionable or price tag and after some days, settle on nothing & leave it to the item selection process!
Well, here are few Dos & Dont's I came up with :
1. Basically, the gift should be of some use to the person being gifted (Exceptions are highly socialising gifts during weddings of not-soclose ones), in addition to expressing love.
2. The item should not be a duplicate to the person receiving it & definitely not redundant.
3. The gift should have some element of novelty to it - how many times will u gift a wallet to ur bro'?
4. The gift should not be a very common daily-use product. Thou' my mom loves milkshake, its not a good idea to gift her Strawberry Syrup.
5. Choose if you want the budget to be fixed or the gift idea
6. Plan early - esp, in items that have to be shipped or ordered
7. When gifting personal things like clothes or shoes, go for a gift hamper instead!
8. Know the readers' interests before settling for books - C&H maynot be the best for all, thou' you might vouch for it.
9. Above all, add a personal touch to the gift - with a sign or sticker etc
10. DO give it on time !
On the onset of the occassion, I start thinking on the goal of the gift - whether it is utility value or cuteness or fashionable or price tag and after some days, settle on nothing & leave it to the item selection process!
Well, here are few Dos & Dont's I came up with :
1. Basically, the gift should be of some use to the person being gifted (Exceptions are highly socialising gifts during weddings of not-soclose ones), in addition to expressing love.
2. The item should not be a duplicate to the person receiving it & definitely not redundant.
3. The gift should have some element of novelty to it - how many times will u gift a wallet to ur bro'?
4. The gift should not be a very common daily-use product. Thou' my mom loves milkshake, its not a good idea to gift her Strawberry Syrup.
5. Choose if you want the budget to be fixed or the gift idea
6. Plan early - esp, in items that have to be shipped or ordered
7. When gifting personal things like clothes or shoes, go for a gift hamper instead!
8. Know the readers' interests before settling for books - C&H maynot be the best for all, thou' you might vouch for it.
9. Above all, add a personal touch to the gift - with a sign or sticker etc
10. DO give it on time !
Shocking to know ...
One more psychopath or cannibal who has been feeding on children without being caught? Sends a chill down the spine !
A basic reason is that all human lives are no longer being valued equally ?
I'm not too sure if they were valued earlier also :-(
With the Noida starting a list, there are more such headlines hitting the media ...
Sincerely hoping that the list stops here !
A basic reason is that all human lives are no longer being valued equally ?
I'm not too sure if they were valued earlier also :-(
With the Noida starting a list, there are more such headlines hitting the media ...
Sincerely hoping that the list stops here !
Friday, January 5
Monies
Come Jan and the topics tax planning & investments make a beeline in almost every news/business channel, newspaper, magazines(even in Stardust), egroups, all forums, email forwards, tea-break chats, dinner discussions etc etc...
I'm also a target of these attacks and in the process of getting confused from the hazar options starting the conventional NSC to the latest ELSS and more than the funds the acronyms seem to take their toll!
Q for the day: Why do the AMCs(this abbrv is to show off my knowledge in this topic) name their 10s or 100s of funds in an utterly confusing and totally uninteresting manner ??
Would any of the fund managers turn to be different (atleast in naming their new fund babies in the new year) ?
I'm also a target of these attacks and in the process of getting confused from the hazar options starting the conventional NSC to the latest ELSS and more than the funds the acronyms seem to take their toll!
Q for the day: Why do the AMCs(this abbrv is to show off my knowledge in this topic) name their 10s or 100s of funds in an utterly confusing and totally uninteresting manner ??
Would any of the fund managers turn to be different (atleast in naming their new fund babies in the new year) ?
Resolutions...
I've been wondering how the practice of new year resolutions started ...
From Wiki, I learn that the resolutions trace back to BC and that a mythical king by name Janus (from whom January should've got its name!!) is the known originator !
With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
Hey, Janus is the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances.
Looks like, he is the Roman version of Indian "Ganesha or Pillayar" :-)
Returning to the topic of resolutions, lot of articles & dedicates websites are available - to help one to come up with ideas, how to resolve, how to keep up resolutions, how not to break them etc etc..
Aren't resolutions taken by an individual to improve one's own self, for one's own benefit??
If so, why is there a need for external motivation or push(that is a better word) ??
Let me stop with that question to ponder !!
BTW, the Roman year didnot begin with Jan, right?
& a very happy new year!!!
From Wiki, I learn that the resolutions trace back to BC and that a mythical king by name Janus (from whom January should've got its name!!) is the known originator !
With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
Hey, Janus is the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances.
Looks like, he is the Roman version of Indian "Ganesha or Pillayar" :-)
Returning to the topic of resolutions, lot of articles & dedicates websites are available - to help one to come up with ideas, how to resolve, how to keep up resolutions, how not to break them etc etc..
Aren't resolutions taken by an individual to improve one's own self, for one's own benefit??
If so, why is there a need for external motivation or push(that is a better word) ??
Let me stop with that question to ponder !!
BTW, the Roman year didnot begin with Jan, right?
& a very happy new year!!!
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