Loon Time

Public video Surveillance?

2010-02-15T00:16:00.000-08:00

Is the solution for terrorist activities much more active Public video Surveillance?

http://www.video-surveillance-guide.com/public-video-surveillance.htm

Arguments for using video surveillance to ensure public safety
* Increased safety -- The presence of video surveillance cameras can have a positive effect on increasing public safety. Active surveillance systems that are monitored routinely on a real-time basis provide the advantage of being able to detect suspicious activity. Early detection can lead to crime prevention.
* Crime deterrent -- The mere presence of video surveillance cameras can act as a powerful crime deterrent. Individuals are less likely to commit a crime if they suspect that they are being monitored. Several conditions do have to be met though in order for a surveillance system to be a successful crime deterrent. Cameras have to be visible to the perpetrator and cameras have to be routinely monitored so that any suspicions activity is immediately dealt with.
* Provides evidence for investigations -- Evidence that has been obtained from video gathered from video surveillance cameras has proved invaluable in some police investigations. The ability to review captured video images has aided many investigations by providing clear details of what actually took place.

Arguments against using video surveillance to ensure public safety
* Invasion of privacy -- The general rule of thumb is that any video monitoring activity that takes place anywhere that the public has access to does not constitute an invasion of privacy. However, it is not always so cut and dry. Some have argued that the use of covert cameras is an invasion of privacy since the cameras cannot be detected. Many worry that there really is no way to prevent the unlawful use of video surveillance because cameras are so easily attainable and technologically advanced.
* Miss-use of images -- Another argument against the use of public surveillance is the potential misuse of captured images. Captured images should never be released to the public. The only time captured images should ever be released is if they are needed to aid in a police investigation. Problems can arise however when private companies for example are hired to monitor and review surveillance video tapes.

Some real advantages can be gained through the proper use of public surveillance. If implemented properly, surveillance can be very effective. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to protect against all potential misuses of video surveillance. However, there are measures you can put in place to protect yourself against any potential invasion of privacy claims.

If you are using video surveillance on your premises, make sure you post signs clearly informing the public of the fact there are video cameras present. It is also important to provide contact information so further information can be requested. Another important step is to distribute your security policies and procedures to all of your employees. This will go along way towards protecting you against any potential invasion of privacy claims.

About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com.

चार दिन की ज़िन्दगी

2010-02-07T08:28:00.001-08:00

chaar din ki zindagi hai, ja rahein hain din
do gaye tere milane se pehle, do gaye tere bin
*sigh*

Absolutely loved the song; A rarity, Yesudas and Bappi Lahiri
I searched high and low for lyrics but couldn't find. Please post if some one has complete

Update: My blogger friend Juneli ( http://juneli.wordpress.com ) Sent me the lyrics :) Well the way she writes all the 'dard' bhare nagme I should have asked her :) :D before posting this request! Thanks Juneli.

chaar din ki zindagi hai, ja rahein hain din
do gaye tere milane se pehle, do gaye tere bin
priye kab milan hoga, priye kab milan hoga

tum kahin kho jaogi jaan main pata agar
ban ke humraahi tera sang hi karta safar
yeh safar pura nahin hoga tumhare bin
do gaye tere milane se pehle, do gaye tere bin
priye kab milan hoga, priye kab milan hoga

yaad ke tute mehal, kab tera mandir bana
deep jalte rahe gaye, chhup gayee murat kahaN
yeh diye vishwas ke, bujh jaye na ek din
do gaye tere milane se pehle, do gaye tere bin
priye kab milan hoga, priye kab milan hoga

Success

2010-02-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

I might win, I might lose but as long as I keep trying, I am NOT a failure!
Success might allude you but that does not make you a failure TILL you don't get up to fight ...
Fight on!!!

Shakti aur Kshama (Strength and Mercy)

2010-02-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

Poet: Ramdhari Singh "Dinkar"

Kshama, daya, tap, tyaag, manobal
Sabka liya sahara
Par nar vyagh Suyodhan tumse
Kaho kahan kab haara?

Mercy, resolve, tact, tolerance
You've tried everything and some
But o my king of men
When did Suyodhan [ other name for Duryodhan ] succumb?

Kshamasheel ho rrpu-saksham
Tum huye vineet jitna hi
Dusht Kauravon ne tumko
Kaayar samjha utna hi

The more forgiving you were
In your humane compassion
The more these rouge Kauravas
Pegged you as cowardly ashen

Atyachar sahan karne ka
Kufal yahi hota hai
Paurush ka aatank manuj
Komal hokar khota hai

This is the consequence
Of tolerating atrocities
The awe of machismo is lost
When one's gentle n kindly

Kshama shobhti us bhujang ko
Jiske paas garal hai
Uska kya jo dantheen
Vishrahit vineet saral hai

Forgiveness is becoming of
The serpent that's got venom
None cares for the toothless,
Poisonless, kind, gentle one

Teen divas tak panth mangte
Raghupati sindhu kinare
Baithey padhtey rahey chhand
Anunay ke pyaare pyaare

For three days Lord Raam kept
Asking the ocean for a passage
Sitting there he petitioned
Using the sweetest words to engage

Uttar mein jab ek naad bhi
Utha nahi saagar se
Uthi adheer dhadhak paurush ki
Aag raam ke shar se

When in response there was
Not a whisper from the sea
A raging fire of endeavor
Rose from Raam's body

Sindhu deh dhar trahi-trahi
Karta aa gira sharan mein
Charan pooj daasta grrhan ki
Bandha moodh bandhan mein

The ocean took human-form
'N supplicated to Raam
Touched his feet, was subservient
A slave he had become

Sach poochho to shar mein hi
Basti hai deepti vinay ki
Sandhivachan sampoojya usika
Jisme shakti vijay ki

Truth be told, it's in the quiver
That lies the gleam of modesty
Only his peace-talk is reputable
Who is capable of victory

Sahansheelta, kshama, daya ko
Tabhi poojta jag hai
Bal ka darp chamakta uskey
Peechhey jab jagmag hai

Tolerance, forgiveness and clemency
Are respected by the world
Only when the glow of strength
From behind it is unfurled

Just chill !

2009-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

धीरे धीरे रे मना, धीरे धीरे सब कुछ होए
माली सींचे सौ घढा, ऋतू आये सो फल होए

Just chill chill Just chill !!!

जो बीत गई सो बात गई

2009-11-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Something to remember and remind oneself again and again! :)
जीवन में एक सितारा था,
जीवन में एक सितारा था,
माना वह बेहद प्यारा था
वह डूब गया तो डूब गया
अंबर के आंगन को देखो
कितने इसके तारे टूटे
कितने इसके प्यारे छूटे
जो छूट गए फ़िर कहाँ मिले
पर बोलो टूटे तारों पर
कब अंबर शोक मनाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

जीवन में वह था एक कुसुम
थे उस पर नित्य निछावर तुम
वह सूख गया तो सूख गया
मधुबन की छाती को देखो
सूखी कितनी इसकी कलियाँ
मुरझाईं कितनी वल्लरियाँ
जो मुरझाईं फ़िर कहाँ खिलीं
पर बोलो सूखे फूलों पर
कब मधुबन शोर मचाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

जीवन में मधु का प्याला था
तुमने तन मन दे डाला था
वह टूट गया तो टूट गया
मदिरालय का आंगन देखो
कितने प्याले हिल जाते हैं
गिर मिट्टी में मिल जाते हैं
जो गिरते हैं कब उठते हैं
पर बोलो टूटे प्यालों पर
कब मदिरालय पछताता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

मृदु मिट्टी के बने हुए हैं
मधु घट फूटा ही करते हैं
लघु जीवन ले कर आए हैं
प्याले टूटा ही करते हैं
फ़िर भी मदिरालय के अन्दर
मधु के घट हैं,मधु प्याले हैं
जो मादकता के मारे हैं
वे मधु लूटा ही करते हैं
वह कच्चा पीने वाला है
जिसकी ममता घट प्यालों पर
जो सच्चे मधु से जला हुआ
कब रोता है चिल्लाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

- हरिवंशराय बच्चन

Great going, atta girl, Priyanka!

2009-11-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

Wronged girl has beau arrested
Priyanka’s boyfriend lands in custody

BANGALORE: Priyanka and her supporters breathed a sigh of relief after her ex-boyfriend Anand, who married another woman on Friday, was arrested by the city police on Saturday evening. Priyanka had lodged a complaint with Nandini Layout police on November 29 and the police had allegedly called Anand and counselled both.
Police said that Anand had then told the police that he and Priyanka were just friends and did not have any other relationship.
However, fearing Priyanka’s intervention in his wedding, Anand had a registered marriage on November 2 with another girl. Priyanka along with his sisters had crashed into the wedding hall with a futile attempt of stopping the wedding, where she was assaulted by the groom’s parents. A case was registered with the Rajajinagar police.
Commissioner Shankar Bidari said that the police had no powers to stop a wedding but legally action would be taken.
Alleging that the police did not come for her rescue and it was due to their ignorance that she was facing the brunt, Priyanka and scores of members from various organisations staged a protest before the Nandini Layout police station on Saturday morning. Later, DCP North Revanna convinced the mob and said that legal action would be taken in the case in 24 hours.
As per the promise on Saturday evening, Anand was arrested and was being interrogated. Meanwhile, the Congress Yuva and Mahila wing also requested the Commissioner to take strict action and get Priyanka justice. However, police said that Anand who had initially refused to have had any intimate relationship with Priyanka has later confessed to have had a four-year-long courtship. Police are interrogating Anand and awaiting medical reports on Priyanka’s of being pregnant.

I feel quite happy that the gusty but wronged girl has got some justice at last. Women have always got short end of the stick in south Asian countries especially India. My anger is targeted not only towards the guy who are so coward that they are unable to raise their voice above their family but that doesn't stop them from not going ahead with any relationships which they cannot support! My protest is also against greedy families and especially Mothers who can only think of dowry as the decision factor for choosing a girl for their sons. Its indeed sickening to know that many a times the mother's love is the poison indeed which make the son a complete coward.
Great step taken by Priyanka of Bangalore. I appreciate her courage and strength of character that she was not scared by typical orthodox society but came forward to right the wrong which has been done to her.

Dates in the calendar are closer than you think!

2009-11-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

This is what I keep telling myself every now and then. No its not about some project deadline but impending vacation! yippee :)
It is indeed sort of yearly vacation but this year has been unusually boring and counter-productive in a way that I am hoping it ends soon and brings in the new year with newer cheer and anticipation. The tenth year of the new century. Wonder what it has in store for me? I just hope its peace and quiet. I can make do without the heart-breaks and disappointments. Well, I sound down and out; No I am not! Just a bit wary. In search of excitement I have only found irritating frustrations thus I am making a choice to hope for only peace and quiet in my life. Oh God, do give away the happiness, cheer, fun, laughter to whom so ever be in need of that; not me! Oh but sure please please do not send here sadness, bitterness or frustrations; just normal life in peace and quiet :) :D Peace be with you !

Child labor & torture

2009-11-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Nothing irks me more than common cases of child labor especially in the urban society and more is typical apathy towards taking responsibility. It so common that if one just lists a dozen of your friends, relations or neighbors, you'd come across one instance of child labor.
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=15&contentid=200911022009110203333440624e48067
Many people hide behind reasoning that the little work done by the child give the child a chance for better life. I ask, better life at what cost? Cost of child's self respect? It would be better if the child was left to the child's predicament instead of getting it into the labor. First of all its extremely rare that a child gets formal school education when employed as a maid/household help; secondly even if it happens, its rare the kind of importance is given to studies as needed. The stunted emotional growth leads to child developing into another 'ramu' or 'Bahadur'! So much so for 'better life' !!!
There is something though which I am just not able to understand. The level of cruelty people can stoop to just because they have a child under their control! How can one's conscience even let one think of harming a little child's fingers or any other part of body! Surely the existence of conscience is questionable!
I remember coming across an instance of child labor in my friend's home. I tried my best to make them understand but sadly they never let go of that child woman nor ever educated her. Their excuse that she was at the least safe in their home and she herself was not interested in studying! I also realized the only reason the family kept her was their apathy to her future and of course heart being really small to not have ability to accommodate a child's welfare from a holistic manner. They wanted the labor to pay for her safety! My heart bleeds to know the price the child paid for her safety, wasn't just labor she did; she paid with her capability and possibilities and was left with a life of misery with no hope in the future. Well, the family claims to have done her good by marrying her to another of their servants! [ Side track: Well, In India anyways it does seem the logical culmination of girls destiny is supposed to be marriage ! ]
I also didn't have courage to report to any NGO since this was in their village/town and not a metropolitan. I regret it today but I have promised myself that the next instance I come across, I will indeed take all the required steps. I encourage all readers of this blog to do the same.

Thodi si zamin Thoda aasmaan

2009-11-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

thodeesee jameen, thodaa aasamaan
tinakon kaa bas yek aashiyaan

maangaa hain jo tum se wo jyaadaa to naheen hai
dene ko to jaan de de, waadaa to naheen hai
koee tere waadon pe jeetaa hain kahaa

mere ghar ke aangan me, chhotaa saa zoolaa ho
saundhee saundhee mittee hogee, lepaa huaa choolhaa ho
thodee thodee aag hogee, thodaa saa dhuwaan

raat kat jaayegee to kaise din bitaayenge
baajare ke kheton mein kauae udayenge
baajare ke sitton jaise, bete ho jawaan

thodeesee jameen, thodaa aasamaan
tinakon kaa bas yek aashiyaan

Gulzar in Movie Sitara

Five point someone

2009-10-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

Finally, I read the whole book in one sitting yesterday late into the night, in less than four hours. Not that the book was un-put-downable or anything of that sorts but the story was engaging and with impending start of the week, I did not want to put it off for another day.
I like Chetan Bhagat's style of writing. Storyline was indeed much better than his latter novel 'one night at call center' which I found quite boring.
Hhhmm not sure if I want to write a whole review of the book but I'd say I did like the book immensely. I was able to relate to it since I am from Delhi and the context of Uninspiring teaching and numerous assignments is not just IIT but nearly every other college in the country. I related to the book especially for the fact that I also slipped in my first year of college and was never able to get back into the right mode till near end of the college. Luckily for me the 'professional' education started after my college. With my senses in place and directions, I did make a decent career in my life. Learning I'd like to share with the world, yes, it does not matter whether you are at top of your class or at the bottom; find the things which drive your interest and passion, put in your best and leave the rest to this person above in the clouds somewhere! :) :D
Now that I have read this book, I am looking forward to the movie 'Three Idiots' starring Aamir, Madhavan, Sharman and Kareena.

Wake Up Sid

2009-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I watched this refreshing movie yesterday. Well, I was pretty impressed with the music and the rushes of the movie and found its having a preview show Thursday night itself in not-too-far-from-home theater. A friend was a willing accomplice and we got the tickets too.
I went to the movie not expecting too much since I read that Ayaan Mukherjee, all of some 26yrs odd, is first time director, instead went in with a dread of clinche' scenes knowing that Konkana's character is supposed to be older than Ranbir's Sid who is supposedly just out of college.
I guess having good music and songs in the movie surely helps giving positivity to the movie audience. The movie did start with quite obvious scenes and scenario nearly till the interval but strangely I warmed up to the characters including Sid and Ayesha the leads. The treatment to the oft-repeated scenes had immense freshness which transported one to one's own college days. The funny characters were not caricatures instead quite believable. No over the top situations, very believable scenarios. In fact, I very much identified to Ayesha's character of young woman new to the city. I must say the opening scene was just way too awesome, I bet, each and every urban person would be able to relate to that scene. Sid is awake studying for his final accounting exam, drinks four cups of coffee, stay up till 3am but has not gone beyond one page of his book!!
I did read some reviews of the movie today and was in a way appalled how the reviews of quite well-known papers and tabaloids actually missed critical facts and made their own assumptions! On reviewer commented on how Ayesha who is new to the city can afford to rent an apartment when she does not even have a job yet. Actually this whole set of scenes were so awesome, Ayesha is scared out of her wits with a rat crawling on her in her room in the hostel, that is when she decides to rent out this studio apartment in a run down building in run down area. The place might have rented for about Rs.10-15k a month. The do-up wouldn't have been more than another Rs.15k. Well, she has come to another city from her home town, surely she must have had some savings and no where she is shown penniless! She ain't rich as Sid but not one who can't afford roof over her head. Also she isn't stupid to land up in a new city penniless! There are some scenes after her moving to apartment showing her getting things from the kabadi stores etc, one is so cute where she is bargaining for some silly chair and Sid offers the store owner her credit card !!! ha ha ha ha...
well well, not that I want to defend the movie but I realise that these film critics really have no clue what they write. There are some more reviews like that which have missed some specifics of the movie, which irked me! Pretty sickening! I am really beginning to see why the film makers hate the critics. Its indeed sacrilegious to run down someone's hard work of months or years with some loose and careless statements in reviews. Critics need to use their brains some more.
Well anyways, back to the movie. The second half is technically brilliant! The screenplay is too good for words. Surprisingly chemistry between Ranbir and Konkana is awesome. Some places I felt Ranbir was a bit over the board but on second thoughts I think that is what the Sid's character was, lazy, uncaring and arrogant. Thus actually a few scenes with his screen parents Anupam and Supriya Pathak are brilliant, Ranbir is so uncomfortably arrogant. Ayaan's direction stands out brilliantly.
A must watch movie, only for its light and fluffy 'coming of age' screenplay.

Rains

2009-09-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Does rain makes everyone happy? I mean just the rain pouring down not the after affects like flooding or road getting water logged etc. Somehow the rain always makes me happy especially one really pouring down hard. I guess water being the life giver has that psychological affect. Maybe Gods up there want to wash out all your pain and thus pouring down their love for you, maybe :)

Well I found this on internet on this blog called 'Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi...' Not that I read this blog but I felt the photo was striking, caught the mood perfectly.
http://maximuminsanity.blogspot.com/2007/06/rainy-night-in-bangalore.html

Also [one of ] ma fav movie 'Shor' has a rain song .. Paani re paani... check this out on youtube, quite watchable and as usual unusual cinematography as in 'Shor' songs, whatever the jokes maybe on Manoj Kr but India's real color comes out in his movies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Natn_w4l7BI
Incidentally I am right now sitting and watching a movie called '13th Floor', Sandhya Mridul and Purab Kohli, interesting movie.

Time

2009-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came in touch with someone from way back in my teens; realized the amount of time which has passed with me on this planet! *sigh* Good bad boring fun ... time is ticking away, do I have anything worthwhile to say??????

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine
Staying home to watch the rain
And you are young and life is long
And there is time to kill today
And then one day you find
Ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run
You missed the starting gun

And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun, but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter
Never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to naught
Or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone
The song is over
Thought I'd something more to say

Home, home again
I like to be here when I can
When I come home cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones beside the fire
Far away across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spells

PS: Added as an after-thought, nopes, nothing to say!

Jinnah Advani Jaswant Thackeray !

2009-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_thackeray-slams-bjp-s-jaswant-for-jinnah-eulogy_1283293
For once I agree with old man Thackeray!
"Advani termed Jinnah secular. If Jinnah was secular, then why did Advani leave Sindh province in Pakistan and come to India? How can a person who demanded a separate state for Muslims be termed secular? Calling Jinnah secular is an insult to all those who shed their blood for India's independence. It is due to this ideological confusion that Hindus became frustrated and directionless and the impact was seen in the Lok Sabha elections," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/Thackeray-blasts-BJP-leaders-for-eulogising-Jinnah/articleshow/4905245.cms
Thackeray said he could not understand why BJP leaders, who call themselves staunch nationalists, slip time and again."It seems there is a competition in BJP of showering flowers on Jinnah," he added.

US needs to offer little more warmth: SRK

2009-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/us-needs-to-offer-little-more-warmth-srk/99336-8.html

I agree with Shahrukh Khan. A lot of people have pointed fingers back at Shahrukh and India's VIP culture etc. My simple question to them is that what is the need to question a person for more than an hour over and above the immigration official? Let alone for a well known and VIP like Shahrukh. VIP culture or not, in India too, if a person is take away from immigration area for some kind of questioning, it is only in case there is some kind of legal issue involved. A normal visitor to the country won't be taken away for more than an hour questioning as a "business as usual".

I also refuse to believe the usual questioning and 'no one is above the law' story being circulated. Not that I know Shahrukh Khan personally but over period of time his conduct in public has demonstrated him to be a person of reason. His calm in difficult situations is quite known in media. I do not think his feathers have got ruffled just by routine questioning. There must be more than what is in public domain, what happened in those 66minutes US officials claim, it took to release Khan! What ever information I have about US officials, I won't be surprised if they had indeed grilled Khan on his name or religion.

US is long known for having dual standards, the Guantanamo bay prison stands mute testimony. Whatever truth has trickled out that forsaken place, its like thousand times worse than any Indian lockup or prison. Shame of them! Really!

Why people lie

2009-08-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

It was strange that last Friday I came across two instances of lies from people I would not have expected to lie. It was strange because I felt there was not a compelling reason to lie but they still did. That set me thinking. Maybe I also lie. Is there a way out?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A996942
This article summarizes the reasons to be Greed, Fear, Acceptance, Habit.

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/truth-about-lying-00000000012669/page2.html?xid=rs-yshin-lying3
This is an interesting article which not only desiccates the reason but also gives us alternative to lies. Good one. Check one of them below:
Lying to Be Nice
What it sounds like: “That dress looks fantastic on you.” “This is the best meat loaf I’ve ever tasted.”

Why people do it: In some cases, the little white lie is altruistic, says Smith, but when used excessively, it can make interactions with people less authentic. At its worst, others may feel that a person isn’t being genuine or trustworthy.

How you can avoid it:

* Walk in the other person’s shoes. People often underestimate the information that others can tolerate and even benefit from, particularly when the words are said out of friendship, says Weiner. For example, you would generally want someone to mention it if you had a piece of spinach stuck in your teeth, if your blouse had a stain, or if your pot roast could use a pinch of salt.
* Tone it down. If you feel that a certain amount of truth stretching is a vital social lubricant, the best thing to do is to avoid gushing. “That’s a great color on you” is a lot more plausible than “That’s the most stunning sweater I have ever seen in my entire life.”
* Track it. Keeping a tally of the tales you tell for a day or a week can help you distinguish between the instances where being truthful matters and where it doesn’t. Maybe you didn’t need to tell the supermarket checkout gal that you loved her (hideous) earrings. But it made you feel better to say it, plus you got a pleasant reaction from her. Most experts say there’s no huge harm in that.

Shaam

2009-07-28T09:01:00.001-07:00

Another of my favorite! [ well, it had Mitwa from KANK but I edited to put this now :D ]

Dil aaj shayar hai

2009-07-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

:-) This is turning into my new pass time! Watching old Hindi songs on youtube. The poetry and melody is superb; here is one of ma fav songs from one of my fav movie, Gambler! Mulhaiza farmayein!

Rim jhim gire saawan!

2009-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

sigh

2009-07-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

Beautiful turn

2009-07-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

I am at an interesting turn in my life :D thus this poetry borrowed from Sahir

chalo ik baar phir se ajnabii ban jaayeiN ham donoN!

na maiN tum se koii ummeed rakhouN dil-navaazii kii
na tum meri taraf dekho Ghalat-andaaz nazroN se
na mere dil kii dhaRkan laRkhaRaaye merii baatoN meiN
na zaahir ho tumhaari kash-ma-kash kaa raaz nazroN se

tumheiN bhi koii uljhan roktii hai pesh-qadmii se
mujhe bhi log kahte haiN k ye jalve paraaye haiN
mere hamraah bhii rusvaaiyaaN haiN mere maazii kii
tumhaare saath bhii guzrii huii raatoN ke saaye haiN

ta’arruf rog ho jaaye to usko bhoolna behtar
ta’alluq bhoj ban jaaye to usko toRna achchhaa
vo afsaanaa jise aNjaam tak laanaa na ho mumkin
use ik Khoobsoorat moR dekar chhoRnaa achchha

chalo ik baar phir se ajnabii ban jaayeiN ham donoN

- Sahir Ludhayanavi

Glossary:
pesh-qadmi = making a move
maazii = past
ta’arruf = acquaintance (to know someone)
ta’alluq = relation (with someone)
afsaanaa = story
anjaam = end, result
http://www.sahirludhianvi.com/blog/index.php/2006/09/11/poetry/khoobsoorat-mor/

The above is being dedicated to 'someone' :-) who would not even know about this!

Milestone

2009-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am crossing a milestone in my life today. These are the thoughts which come to me, or rather quoting thoughts which replicate mine -

There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy. - Mark Twain

And now the end is near And so I face the final curtain,
My friends, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case of which I'm certain.
've lived a life that's full, I've traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Paul Anka

L'Oreal found guilty of racial discrimination

2009-06-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cosmetic-giant-loreal-found-guilty-of-racial-discrimination/95663-19.html
Paris: L’Oréal, the French cosmetics giant, has been found guilty by the highest court in the French judiciary of racial discrimination, for considering women from the minority communities in France unworthy of selling its shampoos.

We need to have similar PIL against the fairness creams. I was so disgusted to find even Nivea coming out with skin cream with fairness cream component. Have you seen that advt about a tennis player who plays good but isn't worthy of going for a tournament because her body is darker than her face !!!

Protest against this social disorder!

Mere Ghar Aana

2009-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana Zindagi
Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana Zindagi

Mere Ghar Ka Seedha Sa Itna Pataa Hai
Mere Ghar Ke Aage Mohabbat Likha Hai
Na Dastak Zaruri, Na Aavaz Dena
Maein Saanson Ki Raftaar Se Jaan Lungi
Havaaon Ki Khushboo Se Pehchaan Lungi
Tera Phool Hoon Dost
Teri Bhool Hoon Dost
Tere Haathon Mein Chehra Chhupa Ke Jeena Hai Jeena
Jeena Zindagi, Zindagi
O Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana
Aana Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana

Infatuation

2009-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Infatuation is the state of being completely carried away by unreasoned passion or love; addictive love. Usually, one is inspired with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone. Infatuation is a common emotion characterized by unrealistic expectations of blissful passion without positive relationship growth or development. Infatuation is distinguished by a lack of trust, loyalty, commitment, and reciprocity. In the case of infatuation, there is more often than not an obsessor and an object of desire (generally unattainable). One may come to the conclusion that, unlike love, infatuation is not usually mutual.

I am infatuated! :-)

Fragrance

2009-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.ranjish.com/shayari/users/har-shakhs-se-na-rakh-umeed.html

har shakhs se na rakh umeed-e-wafa
sab phool khushboo diya nahi kartay

Well since I am posting this to the world, I guess an English translation is needed: Don't expect faithfulness from every person; all flowers do not give out fragrance!

Sometimes few words can hit bulls eye! Reminds me of a song too, from a movie called 'Bhanwar'

Rang le aayenge roop le aayenge
kagaz ke phool dhool arey dhool
khusboo kahan se layenge
...

drops of Zen

2009-06-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

I read this is today's newspaper and somehow it struck a cord in my inner self -

"Sit quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and grass grows by itself" - Zen saying

Thought I'd share.

For those who are against reservations

2009-06-03T00:09:00.001-07:00

Well, there was a very big agitation against reservations many years back. Even now there is widespread anger about reservations. In a way I am also against mindless reservations to appease a certain section of society but there are aspects which has not been looked into by many. I would like to look at this from perspective of reservation bill for women.
The key is to look at state of women in India from present perspective, today in 2009. Women still get raw deal in a common household in India especially so in rural areas. I was appalled to know that even now nearly half the women in India get married before the legal age limit!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309191513.htm
Last census listed women literacy at only 54% and something which is even more appalling is the fact that only about 13% of women have education higher than primary!
http://www.nlm.nic.in/women.htm
http://www.sociologyguide.com/women-and-society/womens-position-in-india.php
With these kind of statistics, do you think women in India have equal chance of being elected to prime democratic body of our country? Do you think there will be adequate representation of 49% of the population of the country? No, the dice is indeed loaded against women of the country.

Do you not think the other 51% population plays a greater role in deciding for entire population of the country? Is women empowerment essential to all round growth of the country? Yes, for adequate representation of about half the country's population and also to give a positive push for growth of women, we need some special action.
The proposed legislation is to reserve 33.3 percent seats in Parliament and state legislatures for women. I am all for it.

I am quite happy to know that Ms. Meira Kumar has been elected speaker of the Loksabha of Indian Parliament.
More power to women!

My wheels

2009-05-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Happy days are here again?

2009-05-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

For the first time after a very long time, we have an alliance which is going to form a government with near simple majority! Just this one fact brings so much peace, joy and stability to the country. Even without a political bias, only this fact is sufficient to bring peace to our minds. Now the government can actually govern!
Well, I, personally, am extremely happy for our Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh for having won himself this mandate. Additionally, I am indeed quite against the non-secular, divisive and anti-development parties and their immense losses makes me more joyous!
Though my heart bleeds for the extreme humanitarian crisis Tamils in Sri Lanka are going through especially the ones around the war zone, yet, there is light at end of the tunnel and rainbow is beginning to shine with end of the meaningless war which I blame on the extremist factors which have now been wiped out. Peace and hope prevails now.
Human life in its bondage to the world is highly motivated by money. The joy in our country is reflecting quite positively in the stock exchange. The trading on the BSE and NSE has been halted for the full day as the markets hit the 20 per cent circuit breaker again after it reopened at 11:55 am.

Well clouds of perceived doom seems to have blown away and I see rising sun of hope and peace.
God bless my country! :-)

Hate lasts longer than love?

2009-05-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

What do you say? My experience teaches me that hate lasts longer than love.

** I wonder **

I wonder
Why shade is stronger than light
I wonder
Why hate lasts longer than love
I wonder
Why the angry face has
More reality than a smile

Just look up to the sky
White clouds are piling up
Like heaven
Let's forget all

Just leave clouds going

==A Little Haiku Book,
Haiku and short poems from Japan =
written by Ayumi Kato

Traveling

2009-04-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Well, out of insanity phase, deep into work, traveling many cities and enjoying sweating it out :)
Sometimes, it takes landing into tons of work to do, to forget the aches and pains you might have. Thus 'work' comes highly recommended from me as a therapy for any kind of mild forms of psychological disorders one might be suffer from.

Insanity

2009-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

What do you do when insanity hits you?

Main Entry:: in·san·i·ty
Pronunciation:: \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural in·san·i·ties
Date:: 1590

1: a deranged state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia)
2: such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or as removes one from criminal or civil responsibility
3 a: extreme folly or unreasonableness b: something utterly foolish or unreasonable

RajuBen: Gripping Drama

2009-03-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have been following the very interesting episodic tele-film which I thought I should share with all! Shilpa Shukla, yes the 'Chak De' tough nut, is extremely GOOD! I really wish Shahrukh focussed on her to promote instead of those bimbo girls.. but then, :-) :D I guess Shilpa wouldn't want to be dancing around trees, would she???? [ Shahrukh, if you be reading this, please ponder! ]
http://www.screenindia.com/news/rajuben-gripping-drama/435642/
Monday, 10.00 pm, Sony TV
Kshama Rao Posted: Mar 20, 2009 at 1242 hrs IST
It’s an experiment, alright. Specials @ 10 on Sony is a 12-episode series presented by directors Anurag Kashyap, Vikram Bhatt, Mahesh Manjrekar and Madhur Bhandarkar. For viewers weaned on endless, mindless episode after-episode of prime time sagas, you need a different palate for Specials. But rest assured, Kashyap’s Rajuben, is just what the doctors recommended.
So we will first look at her. Her journey from Rajashree, (Shilpa Shukla) born to a Gandhian father (K K Raina) to Rajuben, the widow who takes over the reins of her husband Rohit’s (Rajesh Shringarpure) underworld gang. It’s only two episodes-old but Rajuben has already told us the story of 20. Shot like a film, the story moves back and forth, taking viewers through Raju’s pre-marriage, sepia-tinted days to her short-lived married life and her coming to terms with her gangster husband, to her taking over the underworld, her rise in the gang and finally to the present time when she is now an MLA and contesting an election. Witnessing her rise and fall, her trials and tribulations and even accompanying her on her sonography visits when she is pregnant with her twins, is Tabrez, her husband’s close aide and confidante. There is Joshi (Harsh Chaya) too, the seniormost member of the gang, who grudges Rajuben’s rise in the party, plots and ploys against her and her two grown up children. The children, a boy and a girl have got their first taste of their mother’s clout and nature of job as the boy gets kidnapped and the girl sees her mother manipulating the system, the media as she uses the incident to her advantage, especially with the elections around the corner. Rajuben makes for an interesting, gripping watch. One can’t afford to chop vegetables while the series is on because it constantly commands your attention as a viewer. Secondly, since we assume it’s shot in sync sound, one has to strain one’s ears to hear the dialogues. It’s a wee bit difficult to go back and forth to the three different eras in which the story is set but it’s a marvel to be part of this roller coaster ride - the nervous energy, the tension, the drama, the love (Raju and Rohit’s courtship days over a glass of sugarcane juice are tender) and the power games, there is everything. Shilpa Shukla as Raju, Rajesh as Rohit, Raina as her idealist father and Chaya as Joshi pitch in with near-perfect performances and the supporting cast Raj Arun who plays Tabrez and Neeraj Kumarwho plays Melwyn are first rate. One teeny-weeny complaint is only if they could go easy on the make-up especially that overdone but unconvincing effort to make Raju and Joshi look old and haggard with their wrinkles, crow’s feet etc. However, Rajuben makes for a refreshing viewing alternative. Lalit Marathe (he’s the director), take a bow!
Verdict: Isko dekho.

American Socialism?

2009-03-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely busy last few weeks and coming weeks also look the same. Blogging will likely be considerably reduced. Anyways, I am waiting for elections to be over and results to be declared, then the fun part of Indian Political Circus will start !!!
In the meanwhile, I saw this amusing news item.
AIG 2008 bonuses spawned 73 millionaires: Cuomo
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52G5AP20090317?virtualBrandChannel=10112
By Grant McCool
NEW YORK (Reuters) - American International Group Inc, which has received $180 billion in taxpayer money to stay in business, created 73 millionaires with bonuses of $1 million or more in 2008, New York's top legal officer said on Tuesday. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, releasing details of a probe into payments at the insurer, said the top bonus recipient was paid more than $6.4 million, and the top 10 received a total of $42 million. "These payments were all made to individuals in the subsidiary whose performance led to crushing losses and the near failure of AIG," Cuomo wrote in a letter to Barney Frank, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, "Thus, last week, AIG made more than 73 millionaires in the unit which lost so much money that it brought the firm to its knees, forcing a taxpayer bailout," Cuomo wrote. Cuomo offered the details to Frank before a committee hearing in Washington on Wednesday. AIG did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Cuomo said in the letter, which he released to the media, that his office had obtained the contracts under which AIG made the payments. It said most bonuses were locked in at 2007 levels "despite obvious signs that 2008 performance would be disastrous." Cuomo is investigating whether the bonuses were paid fraudulently under New York law and has asked for the names and amounts and details of contracts. AIG has argued that its hands were tied contractually over $165 million in bonuses it paid to AIG employees on Sunday. Eleven employees who received retention bonuses of $1 million or more no longer work for AIG, Cuomo wrote. He said AIG would not disclose the names of people who received retention payments. "My office will continue to seek an explanation for why each one of these individuals was so crucial to keep aboard that they were paid handsomely despite the unit's disastrous performance," the letter said. On Monday, Cuomo said he was going to issue subpoenas to AIG, whose executive pay plans have drawn the wrath of President Barack Obama. A U.S. Treasury official said the government will modify a planned $30 billion capital injection for the company to try to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars in controversial bonuses.
(Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel; editing by Toni Reinhold and John Wallace)

Jai Ho!

2009-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

I bet some hundred thousand of blog will have this title today and maybe some more days to come! Yes, indeed it is a proud moment for many Indians who have got the Oscar and yes it does make us Indians also very proud of those Indians achievement. Surely feels very nice! That story of an Indian told from India has got this world recognition
My previous post did cast some apprehension. Yes, I am not happy that many many movies with much more positive subjects and which showed our country and us Indians in a much nicer light did not win awards like this. That does not take away my happiness at this honor the academy has bestowed on our countrymen.

I am so proud of you all, AR Rehman, Gulzar saab and Resul Pookutty!

Black actors still face Oscar challenges and so do Indians!

2009-02-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

I must thank Elham Khatami to have written everything I wanted to write from an Indian perspective! I have nothing against 'Oscars' but somehow even if 'Slumdog Millionaire' does get an Oscar, it does not make me esctatic like if 'Lagaan' or 'Paheli' had won. Well, over to Elham. [I have italicsed the lines which I felt strongly true in Indian context too.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/19/black.actors.oscar/index.html
Black actors still face Oscar challenges
By Elham Khatami
(CNN) -- On a winter evening in early 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first black performer to win an Oscar, a best supporting actress honor for her performance as Mammy, the servant in "Gone With the Wind." She accepted her award at the Academy Awards ceremony at the Coconut Grove, a nightclub in Los Angeles' Ambassador Hotel, where she was seated in the segregated section at the rear of the room. Though her win was played as a sign of progress for black actors in America -- "Not only was she the first of her race to receive an Award, but she was also the first Negro ever to sit at an Academy banquet," said Daily Variety, according to Mason Wiley and Damien Bona's indispensable "Inside Oscar" -- her role was poorly received by much of the black community. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People claimed that the part was stereotypical and degrading. "I think [the NAACP] were correct," said Jill Watts, author of "Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood." But, Watts added, "McDaniel knew that 'If I reject these maid roles, [black people] won't be on the screen.' And her point was, 'we need a presence within the industry.' "
Nearly 70 years after McDaniel's win, black performers have certainly come far. Actors like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Halle Berry have broken boundaries in making their mark on the film industry. But black actors have been few and far between at the Oscars. In its 80-year history, the Academy has awarded 11 black actors with trophies, six of whom won in this decade. This year, two black actors are nominated for Academy Awards: Viola Davis for her role in "Doubt" and Taraji P. Henson for her part in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Video Watch Viola Davis talk about the Oscars. Tom O'Neil, entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times' TheEnvelope.com and founder of GoldDerby.com, a Web site dedicated to predicting and analyzing award show wins, said the Academy finally began making an effort to recognize black actors after Halle Berry and Denzel Washington won Oscars in 2002.
"The Oscars were notoriously stingy to black actors," O'Neil said. "It was that year that it became such a huge issue in the media and Hollywood really woke up to this issue." O'Neil claims that Hollywood has improved in its recognition of black actors, but the Academy's failure to nominate 2006's "Dreamgirls" for best picture, for example, is a sign that Oscar voters simply don't understand such films culturally. "I don't believe that there's an element of racism. It's an inability to relate to the drama being portrayed," O'Neil said. "The largely white Academy just didn't get ['Dreamgirls']. They weren't emotionally engaged in the story."
Although awarding Oscars to 11 black actors is "stingy," O'Neil said, "you have to compare that to the number of quality films that gave good roles to actors." That's the problem, said Russell Robinson, a professor of law at the University of California - Los Angeles, who wrote a 2006 report about unfair race-based casting in Hollywood. "It's an industry norm that the assumption is that roles go to white actors," Robinson said. "They use people of color to flesh out the film and exemplify racial stereotypes." Robinson's report, "Hollywood's Race/Ethnicity And Gender-Based Casting: Prospects For A Title VII Lawsuit," found that the majority of roles that do not specify a race or ethnicity are played by white actors, which tends to limit black actors to stereotypical roles.
"I think what bothers a lot of African-Americans is that we see the same images time and time again. ... We'd like to see the full range of complexities that we see in our communities," Robinson said. In the past, black actors didn't have much of choice when it came to playing stereotypical parts, said John Forbes, executive director of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting films featuring black actors.
"People had to do what they had to do in those days on and off the screen to survive," he said.
In the early 1900s, that often meant playing caricature roles like that of Stepin Fetchit, a foolish and weak character created and played by Lincoln Perry, who eventually became the first black millionaire actor.
With the arrival of Poitier to the film industry in the 1950s, Hollywood seemed to change its perspective of black actors. "Poitier was able to create a character that was always strong. The black male image that he portrayed on the screen was something that everyone was proud of," Forbes said. More recently, actors like Will Smith have been successful in overcoming racial boundaries because they're profitable, Robinson said. But with their success also comes responsibility. As the biggest box office star in the world, Smith, Robinson believes, is obligated to push Hollywood to make changes.
With Smith's 2005 film "Hitch," "the studio would not cast a black woman as Will Smith's love interest in the film because they didn't want the film to be a 'black film,' " Robinson said. "I would hope that Will challenged that decision. ... I would hope that Will would try to get black actors hired." Robinson added, "the question is, 'How can you use that power to help other people?' "

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

Well!

hai sabhee kuchh jahaan me, dostee hain wafaa hain
apanee ye kamanaseebee, hum ko naa kuchh bhee milaa hain

Emosanal Attyachaar - Brass Band Version - Dev D

2009-02-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is dedicated to some one I used to know ;)

Jia Jia Jia Jia Doleh… 1-2-3-4…6…
Yeh dil pighla ke saaz bana loon, dhadkan ko awaz bana loon, smoking smoking nikle re dhooan.

Seene mein jalti hai armanon ki arthi, Arrey what to tell you darling kya hua.
Arrey sapne dekhe jannat ke, par mitti mein mil jaen, phooken re ghar baar ki duniya..
ko bole good bye.. Chad jae haye Allah, jisko bhi yeh bukhaar,
Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!
Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!
Jao Jao oh dilbar, oh dilbar ohh!! Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!

Ho gai dil ke paar tragedy…tragedy, lut gai re bahaar, gul sukh sukh murjhae,
Ho gai dil ke paar tragedy…tragedy, lut gai re bahaar, gul sukh sukh murjhae,
Bol Bol why did you ditch me, Zindagi bhi lele yaar kill me,
Bol Bol why did you ditch me whore. Bol Bol why did you ditch me,
Zindagi bhi lele yaar kill me, Jao pia jao pia jao pia….
Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!
Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!
Jao Jao oh dilbar, oh dilbar ohh!! Tauba Tera Jalwa, Tauba tera pyar, Tera Emosanal Attyachaar!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvRYVorzgUk

It’s Not the Bonus Money. It’s the Principle.

2009-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well I like US President Obama now. Sure. This one man calls spade a spade. I was also appalled that not just wall street but many corporate execs were still raking in tons of money even out of the economic bailout! Even though I am not a US citizen, It does affect me in this global flat economy! [ More so, being a blogger, I have kinda right to air my opinion on anything and everything; okay okay :-) without defaming anyone ]
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/business/31nocera.html
A very written article. must read :-) Here is part of it.
And on the ninth day, the president jawboned.
How else to describe what President Obama did on Thursday, his ninth day in office? Angered by news that Wall Street was doling out $18.4 billion in bonuses for 2008 — “the sixth-largest haul on record,” according to a front-page article in The New York Times, despite billions upon billions in losses — the president called reporters in and looked sternly into the cameras. Then he unloaded on Wall Street executives, just as President John F. Kennedy once unloaded on the country’s steel barons.
“That is the height of irresponsibility,” Mr. Obama said sharply, referring to the bonuses. “It is shameful.” Wall Street, he said, was coming to the government for badly needed help — which taxpayers were providing because otherwise “the entire system could come down on top of our heads” — and the government had a right to expect in return that Wall Street would “show some restraint and show some discipline and show some sense of responsibility.” After going on in this vein for a while, he slapped around Citigroup for agreeing to take that new $50 million corporate jet after agreeing to a huge bailout in November. The government’s demand that the plane be canceled should have been unnecessary “because they should know better,” he scolded.

PS: BTW, Isn't it interesting, I had decided to drop the blog for some time but New year bombarded in so many interesting and thought provoking news items that I just had to my blog and air my thoughts!! Man proposes, God disposes! :)

Rights and responsibilities

2009-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well I came across Chyetanya Kunte's blog through another blog I follow. He has tendered an unconditional apology to Barkha Dutt of NDTV for making defamatory statements against her. There were plenty of blogs which ridiculed NDTV and Barkha Dutt on the issue under freedom of speech. I am also not really a fan of Barkha, actually to contrary! Initialy even I was quite upset at curtailing freedom of fellow blogger till I read his apology post.
There were two points which caught my attention
"the following allegations / statements made in the post titled "Shoddy Journalism" namely:
* that Ms. Dutt and NDTV's reporting at the scene of the Mumbai attacks during November 2008, resulted in jeopardizing the safety and lives of civilians and / or security personnel caught up in and / or involved in defending against the attacks in Mumbai in November 2008;
* that Ms. Dutt was responsible for the death of Indian Servicemen during the Kargil Conflict."
Here is cache of actual post of Chyetanya --> Cache till it exist
Well, stepping back a bit; I realise it is NOT the anger or opinion of Chyetanya which is incorrect but the sheer insensitivity of passing judgement over a person without verifying the facts. Chyetanya's post implied that Barkha was responsible for jeopardizing safety of lives of people stuck in hotels and also casuality in Kargil conflict! THAT for sure is a VERY BIG accusation he made! Well First, IF such was the case, Ministry of Broadcasting would have banned the broadcast immediately and would NOT have let it continue all days! I am kinda apalled at Kargil statement now, that for sure is incorrect; for if there was any truth in that, Defence Ministry would have take stringent action long ago. I think likely it might have this statement which might have instigated NDTV to take action.
IF Chyetanya would have been more careful with the words he would have chosen, this surely would NOT have offended NDTV and nor it would have been against freedom of speech. Freedom of speech does NOT give any one right to defame. I would also be careful from now on about voicing my opinion AND NOT defaming anyone. There is a thin line which defines difference between two and we blogger need to remember this.

Mangalore incident is Talibanisation of India: Renuka

2009-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mangalore-incident-is-talibanisation-of-india-renuka/83702-3.html
I am outraged at this incident of women being assaulted by set of hooligans who claim to be the 'moral police' in name of 'Sri Ram Sena'. The gist of my outrage has already been said by Renuka Chouwdhary, Union Minister of India for Child and Women welfare.
Down with these Indian version of 'Talibans'. Go and join your like-mind in FATA and excuse us from your perverted thinking.

The car-washer who wants to play for India

2009-01-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today I was touched by a series Rediff is doing on Mumbai Slum dwellers. This is the story which touched me the most. A youngster full of hope struggling due to poverty. I kept wondering what I could do for him or people like him; apart from donations probably nothing much! Well, yups, a wish did flutter in my mind, How can the super duper rich people of Mumbai [ for that matter across the world ] live in sheer luxury when such extreme poverty exist in our country. Well, I have nothing against earning and accumulating wealth but surely against balant display of wealth! e.g. the Ambanis, How can Sr. Ambani brother live in sheer wasteful luxury of a billion dollar 24 floor complex or how does his wife travel in millions worth jet with no real purpose of journey when they know for fact that many many children go without food, education and decent living condition just some meters away from their luxurious homes?! I just don't get it! I couldn't have slept with out giving up considerable amount of wealth each and every day!
just to clear my conscience, I am not critiquing without any action on my part; I do contribute amble or rather a component of my income in charities every year ... Also most of my ownings are rather practical and minimum is 'luxury' so to speak.
So just as a wish since I have not much capacity to make difference; People who have that much wealth; please share it with have nots!
And I am happy to share the information that such feats have happened in world before:
Warren Buffett, pledged to donate $37 billion - about 85 per cent of his $44 billion fortune - to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Well Bill Gates donated couple of billion dollars to the charity in beginging and he plans to give to charity 95% of his wealth before his death.
I hope the weathy of our desh make a note of this.

I am copying the post from Rediff in verbatim below.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2009/jan/22-the-car-washer-who-wants-to-play-for-india.htm
John Shetty, Deepak Chawl, Malad, Mumbai
John Shetty is a teenager brimming with confidence. He is 17, passionate about cricket and aspires to make it to the Indian cricket team one day.
"Yes, one day I will surely play for India," he says confidently about the unofficial national game of the country.
"I'm an all-rounder (he bats and bowls right-handed), just like Yuvraj Singh [Images]," he smiles. In addition to flamboyant left-hander Yuvraj, John also loves to watch pace sensation Ishant Sharma [Images] in action.
His passion for cricket motivates John to wake up at 5 every morning. By 6 he completes his morning chores -- the common toilet is shared with scores of other families in his neighbourhood, where he has to queue up for at least 15 minutes each morning. He then leaves home to wash cars at the residential buildings nearby, for which he earns Rs 1,000 every month.
"Out of this, I pay Rs 500 every month to play cricket at Azad Maidan [a prominent Mumbai common ground where several clubs play cricket]," he says. "The rest is deposited in my mother's savings bank account so that I will have enough money to pay for my education later."
John, who lives in a 12 by 12 tenement room in a slum located close to the InOrbit Mall in Malad, lost his father when he was only nine. John says his father died after being run over by a train. Ever since, he has been fending for himself.
Though his mother was given a job in place of his father in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where she works in the conservancy department (staff that sweep roads and clean gutters), John wants to be a self-made man one day.
"I started washing vehicles after my Class X exams, two years back. I have taken a break from studying so that I can earn enough to complete my studies at least till Class XII," says John, who doesn't want to bother his mother with the cost of his education.
His elder brother did not study beyond Class VIII and is currently working with the BMC's conservancy department too. "My sister doesn't go to school. She is not intelligent enough."
Halfway through the conversation, John says he has to rush. "I have a match today at Azad Maidan and I don't want to be late."
Though he hasn't heard of Slumdog Millionaire, the film about a Mumbai slum that has won four Golden Globe [Images] awards, John is an avid movie-goer. "I make it a point to see any film that stars Hrithik Roshan [Images]. I also love to watch Tamil superstar Vijay," he adds quickly.
A native of Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu, the last two generations of John's family have spent their lives in Mumbai trying to make a living. They have been sending some money back home for family who cannot make it to the city of their dreams.
Despite his present struggle, John believes it is just a matter of time before a great future awaits him in the cricketing stadiums of the world.

Readers who wish to help John can contact:
John Shetty
Room No. 135
Deepak Chawl
Motapada
Behind Kamladevi Mittal College
Malad West, Mumbai - 400064

The Paradoxical Commandments

2009-01-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

I did some housekeeping with my blog and changed the template; something new for the new year :) Well, I was browsing and felt a bit confused that the blogs listed were from 2007 and I thought I was blogging since 2004! Where are those blogs?? Well, I found the answer myself! I used to blog in Rediff and I switched to blogger in Sept 2007. Incidentally knowing myself and my ill-fated memory I had posted the exported all blog digest from 2004 - 2007 Sept as the first blog 'The baggage' smart ain't it :) :D so then I was browsing it and found this sparkler! Wish there could be a 'yellow sticky' for the mind to remember such pearls of wisdom !

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

Non-violence cannot tackle terrorism: Dalai Lama

2009-01-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

A thought provoking statement by Dalai Lama who has life long been an advocate of non-violence! Alas! What has world come to, today! Indeed his statement is an eye opener! We need fresh solutions for problems of today. Here is the article:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nonviolence-cannot-tackle-terrorism-dalai-l.../411980/
Posted: Jan 17, 2009 at 2025 hrs IST
New Delhi: The Dalai Lama, a lifelong champion of non-violence candidly stated that terrorism cannot be tackled by applying the principle of ahimsa because the minds of terrorists are closed.
"It is difficult to deal with terrorism through non-violence," the Tibetan spiritual leader said delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture here.
He termed terrorism as the worst kind of violence which is not carried by a few mad people but by those who are very brilliant and educated.
"They (terrorists) are very brilliant and educated...but a strong ill feeling is bred in them. Their minds are closed," the Dalai Lama said.
He said the only way to tackle terrorism is through prevention.
The head of the Tibetan government-in-exile left the audience stunned when he said "I love President George W Bush." He went on to add how he and the US President instantly struck a chord in their first meeting unlike politicians who take a while to develop close ties.
"I told him 'I love you but some of your policies I oppose'," said the spiritual leader to a loud round of applause from the audience which included Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Election Commissioner Navin Chawla and several ministers, diplomats and artistes.
The Dalai Lama said in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks he had asked Bush to spend billions of dollars on education and promotion of non-violence instead of warfare.

Miracle on Hudson!

2009-01-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

Oh well, I just could not stay away!
Hero crash pilot Chesley Sullenberger' skills or someone really up there; 155 people on-board the US Airways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 were really extremely lucky to have come through that incident with only very few injuries! Image is curtsy Janis Krums who was on the ferry going from Manhattan to New Jersey which was first to come to rescue the passengers of the ill-fated air plane.
Hip hip hurray for the hero pilot Mr Sullenberger, 57, of Danville, California, is a former Air Force fighter pilot who has flown for US Airways for 29 years. He also runs a safety consulting firm. One thing is for sure, next time you see Air India crew with grey in their hair, be happy, they have years of experience under the wings! Any day I will prefer that instead of chirpy youngsters!

Temporarily abandoned

2009-01-06T04:10:00.001-08:00

some turmoil might take weeks to resolve; till then ...

Action and not words!

2008-12-21T01:55:00.001-08:00

Well, after 26/11 terror attack we saw many states and center too talk about many many measures which they plan to take. There has been talks of Police reforms, National Investigative Agency, NSG in all four metropolis, special law against terrorism... blah blah blah !!

Check out http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080077276&type=News
"Railway Ministry has allocated Rs 60.76 crores for procurement of modern security related equipment to be used by RPF. Besides AK-47, the railways will also procure modern security gadgets, such as INSAS 5.56 mm rifles, SLR 7.62 mm, carbine 9 mm and auto 9 mm pistol.
"A training exercise is being carried out in Bahadurgarh for the RPF men to handle these latest weapons. The training module has been prepared keeping the changed security scenario in mind," said the official. "

I like Laloo's rustic intelligence; He is not just talking but reform is happening right now! Budget allocated for weapons, training is already on the way!

I like it.

Satyam calls off Maytas deal on -ve mkt reaction

2008-12-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well, one interesting report which points to a 'system' working! At the same time I just cannot understand how Mr Raju thought he could get away with robbing his flagship company to feed his sons companies! Ooops I am wrong; a public limited company is NOT Mr Raju's company; He just happens to be its Chairman! The cash in company is NOT his to give away to his relatives!

http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/experts-decry-satyam-maytas-deal-call-it-unethical-/371198
http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/govt-to-look-into-violationssatyam-maytas-imbroglio/17/05/371316
http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-37080020081217

More than anything I am happy to know that system was in place and it worked and the deal had to be called off; more so it would not have gone through any ways. Now they are also under scrutiny of the Ministry of Company affairs for probably violation of Company Act. The Institutional investors may also push for change in company's board too.

Good!

Four statements on Mumbai terror strike

2008-12-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Its actually very interesting how SAME incident has so many viewpoints!!!!!

Well First I found Ajmal Kasab's statement supposedly in verbatim to police
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081211/jsp/nation/story_10236283.jsp
Interesting aspects are they were looking for some building with roof top! they never knew Cama hospital was a hospital and they killed three TOP Mumbai police officials !! Also somethings I read for first time that he was already injured before he was apprehended by police at girgaum & they had never been to Mumbai but were shown pictures maps etc! Another point a bit wierd is that he thought the skoda car had three ladies whom they asked to vacate and took over! Whereas in media there is guy who was telling the story of he and his friends (he didn't say friends were guys or girls) were asked to step out of the car and terrorist drove off! Well, somewhere in media also there was a mention that these terrorist were high on drugs to make them aggressive and awake through days and nights! In his statement seems to be the typical brainwashed dumb youth sent on terror highway!

Second is Lashkar chief Hafeez Saeed, he is completely on his own trip! He completely denies LeT or Jamaat ud-Dawa having anything to do with the attack!
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/11/pakistan.mumbai.attacks/index.html
"It is India's habit to name Pakistan," Saeed said. "Before they took ISI's name, now they take Jamaat-ud-Dawa's name." I found above quite amusing! Is there something wrong with pointing fingers at two groups? Thats exactly India saying these "state" and "state-less" actors are all working together! Well, of course, he is clever as a fox to accept any charge what so ever.
"Saeed, whose face was shielded by group of men who surrounded him during the news conference, " <-- What is the point of shielding his face!? Was it really him or some body double?!

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Killers-will-pay-for-slaying-innocent-Indians--Rahul/397248/
"It is not enough for us to protect the people ... we should go one step beyond. People who have done this should understand very clearly ... not only do we hold lives of our people highly, but there is also a cost to killing innocent Indians," Gandhi said. <-- I like that http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/mumbai-assault-an-attack-on-idea-of-india-rahul-gandhi_100129874.html
Speaking out against politicisation of police forces, he said: “As a young politician I would like to say that in the interest of the country we must desist from it. Also, that in the interest of common people we must stop interfering in the working of these institutions.” <-- Finally one politician said it! In fact I saw in TV news that he said too much focus is on VIP security! <-- finally one politician has EARS!!

Shri Advani, I guess he is now over with elections, campaign and its results too; He has focused on issue on hand. Finally he stood with the government as one reply to terror. Much needed act.
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080076163&type=News
In his speech, which at times saw ruling coalition members joining those in the opposition in thumping desks, Advani described the current action against some of the terror outfits in Pakistan as a "drama" and "show" and asked the Indian government not to be "fooled" by such acts. <-- Good Point!

A begining

2008-12-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

News reports say 'Operation against LeT-Dawa launched in AJK'
http://www.dawn.com/2008/12/08/top3.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5305642.ece
One official told The Times that among those arrested was Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, an LeT activist whom Indian officials have accused of masterminding the Mumbai attack.
I welcome this step. I do not have any idea if indeed the right people have been arrested or this is an eyewash; but still it is indeed a beginning. Pakistan till now has been blindfolded, probably now they have opened their eyes wide and are looking at the ground reality. I support this, I cheer them to do more, to snub the terror in its roots.

PS: Amit raised an interesting and quite obvious point in his comments to my earlier posting. He asked what is the logic behind being compassionate to the lone terrorist caught by Mumbai Police. Well, I agree there is no reason we should show any sympathy or compassion other than humanity. My point is supported by a woman who lost her husband and daughter to this terror attack who gave a statement, forgiving the terrorists!
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/12/04/mumbai.synchronicity/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
"We must send them our love, forgiveness and compassion," Kia Scherr told reporters Tuesday of the Mumbai attackers, nine of whom were killed by Indian forces. "As Jesus Christ said long ago, they know not what they do. They are in ignorance, and they are completely shrouded and clouded by fear, and we must show that love is possible and love overpowers fear. So that's my choice." Alan Scherr, 58, and Naomi Scherr, 13, were among 25 people who had traveled to India for a meditation retreat with Virginia-based spiritual group Synchronicity Foundation, to which the Scherrs belonged.
Very magnimous of Kia and I agree with her. Love, forgiveness and compassion separate us from these terror gunmen! That does not mean I am asking for them to be let loose. Only let the law take it course and let us not fill our own hearts with hatred but compassion for these people who have lost their way.

Human face of terror

2008-12-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

I came across this news item where a reporter actually visited the village of in Faridkot near Depalpur, Pakistan. Still need to verify the validity of this article but the article does show us another side to the whole story
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/57251.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/world/stories/120708dnintindia.3e15dbb.html
But village mayor, Ghulam Mustafa Wattoo, confirmed that a man named Ameer lives in Faridkot, with a son named Ajmal. But he said Ameer claimed his son was not the man captured by Indian authorities. But everything in the village fit the details leaked from the Indian police interrogation of Ajmal. Indian police identified the father as Mohammad Ameer, who earns a meager living selling home-made snacks from a mobile cart, and his wife as Noor. At the tiny family house, located on a narrow street deep inside Faridkot, the McClatlchy reporter on a second visit Friday noted a mobile food cart lying in the courtyard. Ameer, 44 and his wife, Noor, 47, were nowhere to be found. According to several villagers, who asked not to be named for their own security, "a bearded mullah" took them away during the night, likely, they thought, to be a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Islamic extremist group accusing of being behind the Mumbai attack.

When I read this bit from the report, my heart went out to the family including the dreaded terrorist. It was easier when terrorist is just another faceless demon whom we all hate and see as the enemy which has to killed at any cost. After I read all this I feel incredibly sadder; likely the enemy is not what we see or someone to whom the facts point to! I know many many people will laugh and say we should not be weakened by emotions; but it does, I begin to empathize. Think if this family was not so poor and this person was educated and had better means in life, how much is the chances that he would have chosen the path which he chose? Well, there is another aspect about highly learned people joining wrongful cause but then its an informed decision and surely I would react completely differently. When I dig deeper, I find no country no religion no clan at fault. The fault is so human, its the feeling of hatred which is getting propagated for years, decades and even centuries!

Yes, in a very philosophical way I will say, Enemy is indeed the hatred which people feel and the only antidote is love. There has to be a way by which we can all come together and say forgive and forget the past, lets start a new chapter now.

Pure Thirst

2008-12-06T04:11:00.000-08:00

I read this Persian saying in Amrita Pritam's 'Seedhi ticket'; thought about it and was really blown away by depth of it.

In desert we sometimes mistake shining sand as water and are fooled, pained and confused by this. The learned and wise are not mistaken and they understand the difference. I say, they don't lack in learning and wisdom but they be lacking in their thirst that is why they do not mistake sand for water; I must be lacking in learning and wisdom and must be a fool but nothing lacks in my thirst!

Deep, isn't it? :-) :D

Go India Go !

2008-12-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

The citizens rally in front of gateway of India. By nightfall more than hundred thousand people had joined the rally. Similar rallies happened in many cities across the nation.
I am praying that this turns into a revolution of a kind and brings about much pending change in our country.

2008-11-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?sectionName=&id=c9cec637-b51b-4c85-b6d7-9066ab8036ae&&Headline=What+is+X,+Y+and+Z+security+category?&strParent=strParentID

According to this article:

Z+ category has a security cover of 36 personnel.
Z category has a security cover of 22 personnel.
Y category has a security cover of 11 personnel.
X category has a security cover of 2 personnel.

Isn't it sickening?? It took 200 NSG commandos to take care of all incidents in bombay where as each and every VIP is given cover of 36 SPG personnel !!!!!!!!! No wonder these people cannot feel the security lapse and terror for common man on the street.

How do we tell that NONE of the politicians is worth even a single SPG commando cover. I am quite okay if these people come under attack from terrorist! After all such small incidents do happen sometimes in big cities!!!!!!!

How Patil and Deshmukh could have reacted

2008-11-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought a lot about the public outrage against the politicians, they are not wrong but keeping in mind that yet these people are also humans with limited resources and working inside the system. IF they were really remorseful and wanted to show ownership and responsibility, they could have done it. Putting myself in their shoes, I thought. This is my thinking. Shivaraj Patil, Deshmukh and RR Patil should have been at the scene of action [ well not literally but at least in the area.. maybe inside gateway of India or even in sea next to Apollobunder ]. Even with their big contingent of security personnel or even only say two gaurds, As it is the whole areas of action were cordoned off by local security agencies, what fear they had? They could have sat in the media area and spoken about their concern and things which were done and steps taken to stop this kind of terror act and why they failed and scarcity of funds or resources. Whatever it took to explain their situation and demonstrate their solidarity with the people affected and people at large. They could have sat there for at least couple of hours every day or night and showed their concern.

Instead, Deshmukh and Shivraj Patil went in hiding; R R Patil repeatedly put his foot in his mouth with his arrogant stance. Not once they were any apologitic! Shows they are completely worthless. This I say to them:
Any shame in you, resign and go away!

Edit: 1/12: Good news: Shivraj Patil lost his Home portfolio to P Chidambaram. Also it is very likely late today, Deshmukh and RR Patil will also be asked to step down.
Interestingly and very sadly, I would like to add that, the cheapness of politicians is not limited to specific party. Others are also equally worthless, shameless and good at putting thier foot right into their mouth.
Mr L K Advani and Rajnath Singh has no time to attend all party meet on security today; busy campaigning you see, of course with his Z level security through NSG commandos - after all votes is more important than any security for people at large
Mr Narendra Modi offers 1cr compensation to Mrs Karkare widow of ATS chief Karkare! Surely Mrs Karkare threw back the money offered right back at his face!
Mr VS Achudanandan lands up at Mr Unnikrishnan, Sunil Unnikrishnan's, home uninvited! Mr Unnikrishnan quite right showed him the door!
BJP ofcourse wants to make hay while the sun shines, hoping for this terror attack to bring down UPA govt; BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar, demanded that the UPA government should resign taking responsibility for its “failure” to handle internal security! Well it does sound great but my question, why did Narendra Modi and Vijayraje Scindia not resign after the bomb blasts? Even LK Advani did not resign after the Parliament attack. Also what exactly did they do after it? Except ofcourse spend tons of money and put troops on the border to do nothing!
So this is what I have to say next:
Please Mr Politician do not open your mouth to put your foot right into it. Its just to sickening to hear conscienceless people. We, the people of India, do NOT want to hear stupid remarks and political statements.

FIGHT BACK! BUT HOW?

2008-11-30T00:20:00.000-08:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/angry-india-asks-how-much-is-too-much/79401-3.html
Underlining the popular sentiment, Shobhaa De began the debate with a "fight back" war cry. “Mumbaikars are burning with rage and are looking for leadership that the city has spectacularly failed to provide. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh says there was information but not specific ones. As if terrorists will call and inform the CM about the locations they intend to strike! I have never heard such a ridiculous statement," she said.

I can agree too much with Shobha De! Its not a failure of any security group at all, it is failure of our security establishment as a whole. We need some different way of handling this kind of terror, the old police and intelligence will NOT work.
The other questions which comes to my mind are
1. Why did Vilasrao had to physically land in Mumbai to take decision? Had he left back his brains and mouth in Mumbai? If he had them where ever he was ( in Kerala reports say) why his brains didn't tell him that strike at multiple places is not something his resources can handle and ask for NSG immediately? He called Home minister Patil at 11pm! That is like at the least 1hour late.
2. Why NSG needed IL76? Why couldn't a private airline boeing be asked for? It took from 11pm to 5.25am to reach Mumbai? Why couldn't security agencies think of better logistics? Also the basic question, if NSG is based at one location, Why do they not have their own transport? Did the home minister need a mainframe computer to tell him that it is logical requirement for a security agency of this kind?

I understand Shivaraj Patil the National home minister has resigned. I demand for whole of Maharastra government's head. They need to go. In fact I demand even Indian Prime Minister should submit his resignation and work as 'care taker' government for 2-3months which is time left for national elections. Go away Deshmukh, R R Patil and Mr Singh.

More questions:
3. Why the same old lethargic people being considered for Home Minister post? P. Chidambram? How is he going to give fresh ideas on security? Why is no security specialist being considered? Why can't someone from outside (maybe a career IPS?) being considered? Why no out of box thinking? [The basic parliament membership need can be easily handled through Rajya Sabha membership?] I would be happy even if at the least someone young someone of this century like Rahul Gandhi or Milind Deora could be considered, the likelyhood some 'fresh' ideas could be much more.

Could the answers be..

2008-11-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

1. to bring peace in region by converting the LoC to international border? This will remove the 'dispute' status and maybe reason for special focus on India from extremist organization. No, this will NOT be giving in to the extremist forces. We have to realize we have not had those regions outside of LoC for more than half a century! We are not really losing anything. Yes the logistics of such declaration should not escalate into another 1947, for which this will need to be done under eyes of UN or even a special body under UN.

2. Then we can look at strengthening our borders and coastline. Maybe even having constant patrolling in areas in high seas near international border with Pakistan.

3. A strict decision to NOT allow any movement of people across borders, maybe for a decade to start with. Its just too risky!

‘Don’t give air time to politicians’

2008-11-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

India Today reports that TV channels across the country have been flooded with calls, text messages and emails from angry and disturbed citizens asking for politicians not to be given any air time to express their grievances, views, or political statements.
A text message from fashion designer Wendell Rodricks reads, "Dear friends, please use your influence with friends in media, especially television for not giving any coverage or sound bytes to politicians who will now come crawling out with their excuses and accusations as well as hiding their own inefficiencies."
Well I'd like to agree completely! PLEASE yes just as a dedication to the hundreds of people who got killed or injured in this attack, if nothing else, let us NOT allow these politicians to make a mockery of this loss!

Type 'SALAAM' and sms to 56388 to dedicate your thoughts to the heroes of the country. This is a service done to nation by NDTV

Hamare liye kuch mushkil nahi hai

2008-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

The words ring in my brain, these are the words of a NSG commando, just after the Taj operation which last the longest for 59hours and also was most difficult due to layout of the oldest hotel of India, Taj Mahal Palace; as he finally reacted to Times Now reporter persistent asking about how difficult the whole operation was !!
Isn't it amazing, an immense amount of learning, some sort of mantra! This is the way to live!
Hamare liye kuch mushkil nahi hai

Save Pakistan To Save Us All

2008-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

Well I echo thoughts of writer of this article. There is no way any government, any security agency beat the terrorist in this cat and mouse games in wide coastline and humongous populated country. How can one keep eye on every inch and every person of the country. Terrorism cannot be answered with traditional methods. The way I can think is by going to the crux of the matter and thus pretty obviously to our neighbor Pakistan!
I have copied the editorial in verbatim and acknowledge it as the writer Gautam Adhikari IP.
Save Pakistan To Save Us All
9 Nov 2008, 0034 hrs IST, Gautam Adhikari
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/TOP_ARTICLE__Save_Pakistan_To_Save_Us_All/articleshow/3770216.cms
The ferocious cruelty and unprecedented nature of the terror strikes in Mumbai may have left many in the world gasping at the daring and meticulous planning of the operation. There's also some mud on India's face as a result. But this is an excellent opportunity for New Delhi to try bold thinking and some sorely necessary plain speaking.
To start with, call a spade what it is. It's Pakistan. Much of global terrorism today, not just what hits India, emanates or is planned from Pakistan. Just take a few instances that are obvious to all in the know but the world's eyes seemed, till recently, reluctant to see.
Look at how Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who masterminded the 9/11 operation of 2001, was captured in Pakistan; notice how Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri are hiding and leading al-Qaeda from Pakistan, or the Pakistan-Afghan non-existent border, for years; count the jihadi terrorist groups that work from inside Pakistan who seem to enjoy considerable flexibility of movement within that country despite promises of crackdowns made periodically by the Pakistani security forces. And that's not all.
Recall that the US confronted Islamabad, to apparently little avail, with evidence of the involvement of Pakistan-inspired elements in the July bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul; wonder how the world's premier nuclear smuggler and rogue proliferator, A Q Khan, can lead a low-profile, yet comfortable and virtually unexamined life in Pakistan while being under so-called house arrest, with no one from the rest of the world allowed to go near him; and, to gently remind everyone of India's concerns, Dawood Ibrahim a terrorist by any official standard continues to be sheltered by Pakistani security forces.
No, Pakistan's people are not the problem. To the contrary, it is the people and their future in other words, the viability of Pakistan's state and economy that the world must get together to stabilise and help prosper. There's no time to lose.
The world doesn't have to believe New Delhi, which has been warning about the threat of an unhinged Pakistan for years. Everyone in the know of things now sees the threat clearly; the point is to undertake a global approach to tackle the problem head-on.
Stabilising Pakistan which means genuinely democratising its polity and helping its economy grow back to a sustainable level of prosperity in the medium term will help ensure a viable future for the nation and its people, thereby beating the menace of Islamist extremism that provides ideological energy for jihadi terror. An unstable and economically desperate Pakistan, on the other hand, will continue to promote terrorism under the guidance of the ISI, which helps a corrupt military establishment keep its stranglehold on power by citing external threats and warning of chaos as the alternative to their remaining in effective charge despite the recent transition to civilian rule.
The world must call the Pakistani military's bluff and quickly. But the answer can't be a military one, except in the very limited sense by which sporadic raids are carried out by outside forces and unmanned aircraft or missiles into the badlands on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, where the Taliban and al-Qaeda leadership run free. US president-elect Barack Obama perhaps sees the problem of Pakistan in stark outline, more so than the Bush administration for most of its tenure had cared to see. But increasing allied troop levels in Afghanistan alone won't be able to deal with the crux of the problem.
The crux of Pakistan's problem lies within that country, specifically in the country's military establishment. Remember it ain't Iraq, which itself is still not amenable to a military solution after five years of fierce armed intervention. This is a larger country, with a complicated terrain, and it genuinely has weapons of mass destruction which its armed forces would cleverly threaten to use if push ever came to real shove.
No, the answer might lie in a concerted global effort, at ensuring, first, the sustainability of Pakistan's democratic experiment. And, second, in pouring in as much assistance as required, under strict supervision of not just the IMF but perhaps a specially designed international political-economic authority that would oversee the country's direly needed transition from military domination to democratic viability.
In short, the world, under the newly assertive leadership of an Obama-led United States, must devise a Marshall Plan for Pakistan. Such an effort will require the support of not only the traditional G-7 powers; it must have the cooperation of India and, most importantly, China, which is Pakistan's all-weather friend.
If China, and to a large extent Saudi Arabia, can be persuaded to weigh in with their considerable influence financial as well as strategic over Islamabad, implementing a global plan to pull Pakistan out of chaos might actually succeed. And India should quietly help such a plan from the sidelines as a close ally, as it has become today, of the US.
If, however, China and Saudi Arabia choose to continue to offer their shoulders for Islamabad's military establishment to lean on in order to extract sustenance financial and strategic indefinitely, there won't be any hope of devising a global rescue plan for Pakistan. In which case, we might as well give up any serious hope of fighting terror. The export of the Pakistani-Afghan mayhem to the rest of the world will continue merrily.

Is anyone listening?

Terror attack on Mumbai

2008-11-27T04:48:00.001-08:00

I have no words to explain the pain and anguish at this act of cowardly terrorists! My prayers for all who have been affected by this tragedy.
Edit 28/11:
Oh the sights on TV about terror still alive in Mumbai! My heart goes out to the hostages still in the hotels and Nariman House.
I REALLY wish if there was a way out! There is NO point blaming the government or security agencies or even intelligence. The circle of hate is coming back to hit us. Yes, deep inside I do think the 'Babri Masjid' incident was the ignition to this extreme terrorism in India. IF only it had not happened! I can debate that the terrorist strikes won't have been even 5% of what they are now. Anyways what is done cannot be undone!
Interestingly the game of politics is probably the only gainer of this terror strike! Various politicians are trying the gain political mileage and are shooting off their mouth and even trying hard to accomodate their feet there! One such politician claims "Islamabad's "blatant violation" of UN conventions" !!!!!! I can only embarrasingly laugh, IF Islamabad had any control on all this terror would they have let their Mariott be bombed? Would their own daughter of soil lost her life? Sheer stupidity! Sadly a big chunk of population in that politician's home state, listens with admiration! I would rather listen to Prime Minister's "disappointing" address than his extremely shameful speech which only points finger at everyone else! I would like to know what was he upto when his own city was being bombed in serial blasts!

Well, let me not fall prey to such cheap and senseless political environment.
What can I do? Is there anything which I can do to reduce the terrorism even by an iota?

Cruelty

2008-11-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

This is second case which I have come across where normal looking, seemingly educated people have meted out immense cruelty on their under-aged servants. The question is not whether they worked according to the requirements of the employer or not, even not whether they might have stolen money or other items; Question is does the employer has any right to beat the under-age servant? Another bigger questions is, how long will we turn blind eye towards child labor? Why did the neighbors and relatives not question the employers?

Boy pays heavy price for Rs-5 bread
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Nov242008/scroll20081124102462.asp?section=updatenews
On Saturday evening, Latha asked Vijay to buy some goods from a nearby shop. The boy went to the shop and bought the goods. The shopkeeper returned him a balance amount of Rs 5 which Vijay used to buy bread as he was hungry. When he returned home, Latha asked him for the balance amount. When the boy said he had bought bread with the money, a fuming Latha beat him black and blue and hit him on the head with a piece of wood several times and put him in a room. After some time, she branded him with a hot iron on his legs, hands, stomach and face.

Minor girl working as help rescued in Gurgaon
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/Minor_girl_working_as_help_rescued_in_Gurgaon/articleshow/3689889.cms
Reportedly, one of Lakhi's eyes was swollen, three of her teeth were broken and there were burn marks on her arms and back. Lakhi complained it was because she was burnt with a hot pan on several occasions. Worse, she had head injuries as she was reportedly thrashed against the wall.

I have taken a decision, if I ever come across child labor; I am going to question the employer even if it is my neighbor or relative AND report it to police.
My request = You also do the same.

History made

2008-11-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Americans and Obama for making history - first African-American to hold the nation's highest office!

Vacation Time!

2008-10-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yes! Its vacation time! A full three weeks vacation for me!

Unashamed greed!

2008-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, strong words, I know but this is what comes to me every time I read news items like this.
These Wall St bosses took home over $1 bn!
http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/oct/08sd1.htm
In the midst of a financial turmoil that has raised questions, among other things, about fat executive pay packets, a media report listed out 12 top Wall Street bankers who collectively took home over $1 billion (yes, $1 billion!) in the past five years.
The total take-home pay of the 12 bankers, current and former chiefs of some of the biggest names in the US financial space, stands at $1.053.15 billion during 2003-07, as per data compiled by The New York Times.
Text: PTI, Agencies
Well, let the common man end up in streets, let old people's lifetime saving get wiped out, let parents savings for their child's education reduce to pittance; THE executives who are responsible for the blood bath in financial sector, unashamedly rake in tons of money!
Kali kaal :) I guess!

How many women need to be raped

2008-10-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

How many women need to be raped before the men relish their victory?
Everyday I see news of women being raped! A few days back it was a nun! Today I read a Hindu orphan girl mistook for a christian raped and murdered! Something in common I've seen is be it communal divide, geographical divide or any conflict; not just India but world over, be it east or west, men have to rape women to prove their victories!
Oh I cannot stop writing sentences with enough exclamations but its extremely sickening; I must say men should hang their head in shame. Its not their victory, actually its their failure. This is the Ravana in them and not Rama.
We sure need a Maha Kali to avenge this dishonor on womankind.

The Solitary Reaper

2008-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Behold her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland Lass !
Reaping and singing by herself ;
Stop here, or gently pass !
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain ;
O listen ! for the vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.

No nightingale did ever chaunt
More welcome notes to weary bands
Of travellers in some shady haunt,
Among Arabian sands :
A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard
In spring-time from the cuckoo-bird,
Breaking the silence of the seas
Among the farthest Hebrides.

Will no one tell me what she sings ? –
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago :
Or is it some more humble lay,
Familiar matter of to-day ?
Some natural sorry, loss, or pain,
That has been, and may be again ?

Whate’er the theme, the maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending ;
I saw her singing at her work,
And o’er the sickle bending ; –
I listened, motionless and still ;
And, as I mounted up the hill,
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.

- William Wordsworth

Sajjanpur, Big Boss, this and that

2008-09-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well I caught yet another new movie this weekend. 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' or 'Mahadev ka Sajjanpur' as the censor board certificate mentioned. Earlier this year when I saw 'Kismet Konnection' I thought that was very sweet movie made quite rare in bollywood; well rarity happened twice this year !! 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' is extremely sweet movie which is comic and thought provoking at same time.
I also updated myself with things happening in 'Big Boss 2' and was quite amused at the histrionics happening there. Surely entry of Diana Hayden has brought about some amount of sanity. I like the way Diana speaks all so mature and practical. Surely she seems beauty with brains! Her cool as cucumber attitude might just win her the game! Then I think, the boys would surely try to vote her off! Well anyways all this does make the program very interesting to watch. I actually watch it online! who has time to watch it late in night and then keep patience with many breaks of boring endless commercials!
Anyways, in both the movie 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' and 'Big Boss 2' just like Shilpa Shetty commented, there is no dearth of 'characters' and their peculiarities which make them extremely entertaining. I just can't imagine how a reality show could become as engaging and conflicting as a saas-bahu serial !!
Also another highlight of the weekend was the amazing 1000kg blast in Mariott Islamabad! wow, did you guess see [on tv/news] the crater the blast made? and also the CCTV footage! All I can say is WOW, what all can anger and hate make people do! I REALLY wish I could ask those Al-Qaida people, what did they achieve? Most of the near 60 people who lost their lives were drivers, security or staff of the hotel! Mostly poor and middle class people who have literally no say in either local government decision or least of all world politics! Has taking these lives helped al-Qaida's cause any way at all? Does their Allah allow such killings in name of Jihad? These people were likely thier own kin in some ways, at least by way of common faith! So in my opinion all what Al-Qaida has done is kill their own! So what is the point they are try to make?
In the same way many activists of Bajrang Dal have believed to have attacked and ransacked various churches in areas in and around Mangalore. They have even ransacked a prayer hall of nuns of a special order which only does prayers 24x7 and do not even interact with outside world! I believe the Bajrang Dal is against the coerched conversions but then 99% of churches which they ransacked do NOT do that at all !!! These dim-witted people even lack basic understands of various orders in christianity! Something like some American manhandled some sikhs after the 9/11 relating their 'pagadi' as similar to Osama !!!! I wonder if some Americans even think, Obama is some distant relation to Osama ! I won't be surprised.... so what is really these people's point at this violence?? Sadly this stupidity is not even amusing that these people who cannot even differentiate between right and wrong have immense amount of physical power to bring enough hurt in people! That 40 feet wide and 25feet deep crater stands witness.
Seriously speaking, I think these 'terrorist' are nothing but bunch of lunatics who have completely lost their mind! We need some very intelligent pyschologist who can cure these people's mental disease.

Protesting against communalism

2008-09-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone would have read about widespread violence in Mangalore, Karnataka. I understand that number of churches were destroyed and christian protesters were physically harmed even when the protest was non-violent! Shame on the local police to have either supported or being meek bystander in the process. Down with these people who in name of religion bring harm to others. As a devout Hindu, I would like to disown these people who are trying to claim Hindu support. Surely NOT! I protest against harming of unarmed non-violent people who mean no harm to others.
I do not support forced conversions from one religion to another, which I do understand is quite common in India. Drones of missionaries land up on our shores with plan to 'enlighten' supposedly dark minds. I wonder how can a closed mind open minds of others! This is as serious as the terrorism harming countries worldwide. In name of religion christian missionaries are polluting local culture. I wish I come across one such missionary and have an argument against religion conversions. In the same breath, I'd say Indian Federal or state governments have to bring in specific laws banning this practice of conversion without which these people have all the lawful rights to influence gullible rural poor people into conversion.
Someone said this before, not sure who, I may not agree with what they say but I will support all out that they have all the rights to say and do whatever they want to say and do !!!!!!

Do you agree?

Socialism

2008-09-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the bailout of Freddie Mac, Fannie May and AIG by US Federal Reserve had me thinking! I guess the middle path of socialism is the right way to go rather than extreme capitalism and communism!
I am happy that on twenty-sixth day of November, 1949 "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ", Under social equality, everyone has equal status and opportunities. Economic equality in this context means that the government will endeavor to make the distribution of wealth more equal and provide a decent standard of living for all.
Does this make sense to everyone or I am extrapolating illogically?

Video Eyewear

2008-09-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

Everytime I see some interesting video on my mobile or laptop or for that matter even TV, I wished I could see it in much bigger frame and clarity but not using a projector for which I need a huge plain wall or screen and rest of paraphernalia!
I ask the web using Google if there is something like a portable bioscope of olden times! and lo behold, there is not one but many companies offering their wares in this sphere and such things so to speak are called 'Video eyewear'! Seriously, this is the ultimate cool stuff to put on ur nose and step into the world of entertainment.... this is something on TOP of my wishlist........
Here are two examples:
Vuzix: AV920
The AV920 from Vuzix features our best mobile experience yet; a wearable virtual 62” big screen compatible with almost any audio/video device. Ditch your small screen and watch your movies with portable DVD players or personal media players in beautiful, crystal clear high resolution 2D and 3D. The AV920 also works with your video iPod! A small built in lithium ion battery allows for 5 hours of continuous use, and the iWear’s lightweight and ergonomic designs ensures long use in perfect comfort. The AV920 offers the ultimate big screen experience on the go.
ezGear: ezVision
ezVision X4 Video Glasses offers you a 64" virtual screen that fit like a pair of glasses. The ezVision X4 Video Glasses are ultra lightweight, weighing less than 4.0 ounces. With built in earphones, an 5 hour rechargeable Lithium ion battery pack, iPod Video* & DVD adapters, and the included wall charger, you canenjoy movies, music videos, cartoons, and podcasts. ezVision takes the “home” out of home theater and makes a portable wide-screen experience…well..ez.

One Wednesday

2008-09-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

One Wednesday, 10th September 2008, the world will be enlightened!
No, I am not talking about the bollywood movie which released last week! I am talking about the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of Council for European Research Nuclear (CERN) in which the scientists will send out two beams of subatomic particles in opposite directions, to collide in the center of the detector leading to not only production of immense amount of energy but also maybe some special type of particles which scientists think exist but have never seen or felt them!
This link gives details on the need of the experiment -> http://public.web.cern.ch/public/en/LHC/WhyLHC-en.html
I am pasting details of the experiment from NY Times article here
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/science/09collide.html?ref=science
The collider, 14 years and $8 billion in the making, is the most expensive scientific experiment to date. Thousands of physicists from dozens of countries have been involved in building the collider and its huge particle detectors. It is designed to accelerate protons to energies of seven trillion electron volts — seven times the energy of the next largest machine in the world, Fermilab’s Tevatron — and smash them together.
In recent weeks, there has been a blitzkrieg of papers and predictions on what might or might not be discovered, by theorists eager to get their bets down before the figurative roulette ball drops or the dice begin to tumble.
At stake is a suite of theories called the Standard Model, which explains all of particle physics to date, but which breaks down at the conditions that existed in the earliest moments of the universe. The new collider will eventually reach temperatures and energies equivalent to those at a trillionth of a second after the Big Bang. There are many theories about what will happen, including the emergence of a particle known as the Higgs boson, which is hypothesized to endow other particles with mass, or the identity of the mysterious dark matter that provides the invisible scaffolding of galaxies and the cosmos.
But nobody really knows for sure, which is part of the fun, but which has led to a few alarming claims that the collider could spit out a black hole or some other accidental phenomenon that could end the Earth or the universe. Those claims have been vigorously rebutted by a series of safety reports and studies, the most recent of which was published last week in The Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, a peer-reviewed journal.
The director general of CERN, Robert Aymar, said in a news release, “The LHC is safe, and any suggestion that it might present a risk is pure fiction.”
Even if its critics are right, the end is not nigh. For now, the beams will only be circulating, not colliding, in what is more of what Tommaso Dorigo of the University of Padua called a “mediatic” event on his blog, dorigo.wordpress.com. The intensity of the beams, he wrote, “will be more or less like that of vehicles on a dust trail in Arizona, and our detectors will be like poor souls dozing on the side, thumb up for a hitchhike in case a car stops.”
The first collisions, at a non-Earth-shattering energy of 450 billion electron volts apiece, will not happen for another couple of weeks or so. And it might take a month or two to ramp up the proton energies to five trillion electron volts — as high as the machine will go before shutting down for the winter — and collide them.
The whole world will be watching. Information on how to join them is here: lhc-first-beam.web.cern.ch.
Just FYI: India has made financial contributions to this project and is one of the observing nations.

Amitabh Bachchan

2008-08-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/08/27/day-126/

We cannot all excel all the time; we cannot choose to direct all as we wish; we cannot but improve but by learning from experience…. collect yourself, dismiss the noise and bother of all other troubles in your life, give over your spirit to embrace your work. It is your best, most powerful and most enduring lover, your most devoted prayer to the Gods..

I was as usual browsing Mr Bachchan's blog and as usual was quite impressed by his writing skills. Today's post describes in details how goes time before a show. Makes a very interesting read. I am pasting the part text here. I guess with due credits its quite valid! I would like to document this in MY blog........... or maybe not :) ones who are interested can jump to this link here http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/08/27/day-126/
But I can't help post here a part which absolutely touched my heart strings:

I work. I work for the love. I work for the affection. I work for the flying kisses. I work for the waving hands. The happy tears. The smiles and the exuberance. The squeals and screams of joy and happiness.
This is my stage. This is where I perform. This is where this mass of humanity has put me. I will give them all and more. And more. And more !!
This is my work, my most enduring lover. My most devoted prayer to the Gods !!
I hold nothing back. I cannot. In prayer or in love. I continue, trance like minute after minute after minute.
How the four hours pass is a mystery. The smiling faces and screams in the audience, the yelps of enthusiasm back stage.
And then just as suddenly as it started, it ends…..
I am back in the car. Quiet. Contemplative.
Thank you Lord for making me who I am and thank you Lord for giving me the Mother and Father you gave me !!
I sit silently on my bed.
And without asking or warning a tiny tear, slides down my cheek.
Ah ! the Lord heareth me !!
- Amitabh Bachchan

bigb.bigadda.com

Independence Day

2008-08-15T03:54:00.000-07:00

Independence = the quality or state of being independent = self-governing =having control or rule over oneself; specifically : having self-government
This independence day, I make a promise to myself of having control over myself! I will let go of my past and not let it 'control' me in way at all.
An addition done after a thought: I would like to spread awareness of Solar power across our country. Scarcity of power has been one of big limitations of our country. We have probably ignored the biggest power source which belongs to everyone in this world! Our Surya devata, Sun! Well, I googled and saw commercially available solar products from house of Tatas
http://www.tatabpsolar.com/prod_gallery.html

Here is link to their regional offices: http://www.tatabpsolar.com/regional.html

Balika Vadhu - Kacchi umar ke pakke rishte

2008-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

For the first time I would suggest everyone to watch this serial on the idiot box. For the first time in my notice is a serial which really looks are problems faced by women in this patriarchal society. Especially in rural areas where superstitions, traditions and customs are dice loaded against women in every aspect social, economical, psychological and even legal in some ways. I really wish women at large watch this program and learn or rather their eye open to the reality!

Set in rural Rajasthan, ‘Balika Vadhu’ traces the arduous journey of child bride Anandi from the brink of childhood to womanhood. Married at the tender age of eight, to an equally young Jagdish, she enters a new world which is at once alienating and confusing. and torn away from the merriment of childhood and her family, she has to accept and accustom herself to this new family of strangers, new relationships and accept her roles as a friend, lover, wife and a mother as she forges her way in the world. ‘Balika Vadhu’ very sensitively portrays the plight of children who are unwittingly forced into marriage, in the name of tradition, and have to bear the repercussions for the rest of their lives.

Friendship

2008-08-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Well this post is inspired by Juneli's post on Love. Well I read her post and was a bit thoughtful. Yes Love is an interesting emotion! Thinking a bit further I felt intrigued by 'Friendship'. One might call friendship a specific pattern of love but its all the more interesting behavior because usually in commonly seen love patterns there is some or other kind of reasoning or formality of relationship but friendship probably has the least. I think friendship is the most altruistic and selfless type of love between two individuals.
I liked what wikipedia has to say about friendship and thus I am simply copying and pasting it over here from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendship
Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more beings. This article focuses on the notion specific to interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them. Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
* the tendency to desire what is best for the other,
* sympathy and empathy,
* honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
* mutual understanding.

Actually I think it makes sense to have friendship in all relationships one has. I think it will strengthen your relationship, be it your parents, sibling, children or even spouse. Why! I would even say bring in friendship to workplace, hhhmmm.. , its very difficult to be 'friends' in workplace but at least try bringing camaraderie! If you are able to reduce the formality of relationship and bring in informal friendship in it, believe me, your world can be a much peaceful. I think two key points works for friendships, one is lowering of expectation and increase of acceptability. Would you expect your roommate friend to wake up early morning and cook for you? You would just curse a bit about the clutter he makes and get on with your things!

Well well, I pray my friends circle becomes as much as the globe!

Kismet Konnection

2008-07-28T00:56:00.000-07:00

'Yes Boss' is one of my favorite movies and so is 'Chaltae Chaltae'; Both of them are quite typical love stories told in not so typical way. Latest movie by Aziz Mirza is yet another such movie. One you'd want to see again and again. Nothing great about story, characters, not even Shahid, Vidya and Juhi but just the combination is just sweetest of the love stories. A 'must see' recommendation from me. Don't be too critical of Vidya Balan, she looks absolute lovely girl next door she portrays in the movie. Yes Shahid is ultra delicious chocolate boy next door. This kid is GOOD in ALL departments, looks, screen presence, dialog delivery, twinkle in eyes, restraint and yes, acting genes from his dad are really superb. My joke is Shahid is Shahrukh + ultra chocolate looks + Acting .. deadly combination .. it also seems some of Shahrukh's good luck has rubbed off on Shahid too :) More power to you Shahid.
check out this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt-_EwPx6V4
Bakhuda... tumhi ho, Har jagah, tumhi ho...
haan main dekhun jahaan jab... uss jagah... tumhi ho... ye jahaan... tumhi ho, wo jahaan... tumhi ho...
iss zameen se falak ke... darmiyaan... tumhi ho...
tum hi ho... beshubaa.... tum hi ho...
kaise bataayein tumhe... aur kis tarah ... ye... kitna tumhe hum, chahte hain...
sayaan bhi tera dikhe... to paas jake... uss mein simat hum jaate hain...
raasta... tumhi ho, rehnuma... tumhi ho...
jiski khwaahish hai humko... wo panaah tumhi ho...
tum hi ho... beshubaa.... tum hi ho...
tumhi ye saanson mein... tumhi jazbaaton mein... tumhi lamhaaton mein... tumhi din raaton mein...
kaise bataayein tumhe... shabb mein tumhaare... khwaab haseen jo aate hain...
kaise bataayein tumhe...lafz wo saare... jism ko jo mehkaate hain...
iftidaar... tumhi ho, intehaan... tum hi ho...
tum ho jeene ka maqsad... aur wajah tumhi ho...
Bakhuda... tumhi ho,
Har jagah, tumhi ho... haan main dekhun jahaan jab...
uss jagah... tumhi ho... ye jahaan... tumhi ho, wo jahaan... tumhi ho...
iss zameen se falak ke...darmiyaan... tumhi ho...
tum hi ho... beshubaa....tum hi ho...
tum hi ho.... mujhmein haan tum hi ho.... tum hi ho....tum hi...

Crude Oil Eyewash?

2008-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well, Here is an interesting statistics which I understand are from Bank of Kuwait as per http://www.oil-price.net/
Can some one make me understand that why is that if cost of producing Oil is so less then why price of crude oil is upwards of $125? Well it did tumble nearly $16 over a week. I am sure it will tumble to $100 soon.
My thinking is that it will remain there for a long time with the push and pull logic whatever it is. One thing is sure that there is indeed no basis for such a price rise except mere speculation. I do understand that [ am i wrong? check Opec site] that there are indeed known reserves of oil to last this planet for another half century. Newer oil fields are discovered on daily basis sometimes even couple of billion barrels!
Thus ladies and gentlemen, I would like to question raising of the crude prices to three times within a year and putting economies of many countries in jeopardy as some sort of conspiracy!! ;) :D

Discovery

2008-07-22T11:22:00.001-07:00

A company that will go to the ends of the earth for its people
will find it can hire them for about 10% of the cost of Americans
;)

2008-07-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

Having seen so much life in my lifetime, very few things surprise me but I saw this news item and just the picture made me skip a heart beat and feeling breathless!
http://www.ddinews.gov.in/National/National+-+Other+Stories/fgfgf.htm
Around two-inch wide and five-feet-long iron rod pierced through 23-year-old Supratim Dutta’s body and remained embedded for 90 minutes but he survived and recovering at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The rod entered Dutta's body from the front on Saturday when his car rammed into a construction site on Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.
It remained embedded for one-and-a-half hours before he was taken to AIIMS.
A meticulous surgery was carried out on the HCL executive as a result of whom he is surviving.
"When he was brought to the hospital, we saw that an angle (rod) had pierced through the upper part of his abdomen and had come out of the thorax (chest) on the left side of the body," said Dr M C Misra, head of the department, Trauma Centre, AIIMS.
Even in that condition, he gathered strength to call up his family and friends for help.
"Locals had gathered by that time and managed to cut the angle and rushed him to the trauma centre," said one of Dutta's friends.
"When he was brought here, we saw that the rod had missed his vital parts, like the kidney and the heart," said Dr Biplab Misra, another surgeon who was a part of the team that conducted the surgery. Misra said this was the main reason for Dutta's survival too.
Another reason for Dutta's survival is that the rod was not extricated from his body.
"When the rod passes through the body, important blood vessels get punctured and the rod itself seals them. It is like a nail stuck in a tyre. If it is taken out, the tyre gets punctured. Till it is in, the tyre remains blown up. The same happened when the angle pierced through his blood vessels," said another doctor who did not want to be identified.
"Had anybody tried to take that rod out, Dutta would have suffered immense blood loss, leading to his death. But luckily he was brought with the angle in," Dr Misra said.
A team of anesthetists, trauma centre specialists and surgeons and workers from the blood bank struggled for nearly six hours and contributed to his survival.
"Several of his organs, including stomach and spleen, had been damaged when he was brought in. It is one of the rare surgeries. We had to be careful as one wrong move would have cost the life of the patient," said Dr Misra.
Dutta's condition is now stable and he will lead a normal life, said Dr Misra.

Well, My faith in someone really up there has increased. Also, some learning - Use presence of mind. Human body is pretty strong, more than body its our mind which needs training. I remember reading somewhere, the usual reasons of death in accidents or even bullet wounds is not the wound but loss of blood and shock. If one can contain that, you can bear almost anything.
Before closing, good luck and best wishes to Supratim Dutta. I guess I don't need to say God bless, He is indeed blessed but still God Bless!

Are you more knowledgeable than Dr Kalam, Mr Karat?

2008-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

ah well, no I am NOT aligning myself to left right or center! Just a thought cropped my mind and I wrote this blog. The political drama or should I say circus happening in media amuses me no end. The million dollar or rather billion dollar Question is about the nuclear deal with US. Is it in national interest or not? Here is what Dr Kalam says,
The Hindu Friday, Jun 27, 2008
Bangalore: The former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on Thursday favoured India signing the nuclear deal with the U.S., saying that it would benefit the country which needs uranium supplies till thorium reactors are ready.
Mr. Kalam, speaking on the sidelines of the International Conference on Aerospace Science and Technology organised by the National Space Laboratories to mark the institute’s golden jubilee celebration, said “the pact will help us.” — PTI

Ahem... I guess most of the world knows Dr Kalam's credentials to speak on the subject matter, and I will surely take his word on this.
Mr Karat, Gen Secy of CPI(M) who seems to speak for the entire left does not accept or not even really care what Dr Kalam says. Actually it seems to me, He (and the left) are not really even bothered about the treaty, their problem is that its with US and not China!! BJP and rest of opposition is just too happy with left abandoning the govt and asking for blood. Their only objective seems bringing down the government by hook or crook!
National Interest, wotz that??? whatever it is, surely can't be mixed with politics :)

Women in religious office

2008-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I'd like to clarify that I am not intending on showing any religion in bad light instead only put forth my personal view on this particular matter of current news.
Vatican says Anglican church's plan for women bishops 'a step backwards'
Indian City Opens Doorway to Female Hindu Priests
I surely don't like the idea of allowing only 'Male' human to take up clergy position. In this 21st century I think Vatican is being completely backward in not recognizing rights of all humans irrespective of their gender or choices. Why are women second class citizen of religion? I wonder why billion people who are Roman Catholic Christians not question this! I am happy that Hinduism has take step in right direction or rather realized that there is no hierarchy in faith! Hinduism has acceptance for everyone irrespective of gender or choices. I wish I could find more information on reasons why Vatican is so much against women bishops ( and I am assuming here it includes even priesthood). I am also looking for reasons why in catholics Priest cannot marry.
This is very similar to an intriguing fact that United states of America gained its independence in 1776 but women's suffrage happened nearly century and half later in 1920! I noted following interesting information from wikipedia
Women's suffrage denied or conditioned
* Brunei — Women (and men) have been denied the right to vote or to stand for election since 1962.[18]
* Lebanon — Partial suffrage. Proof of elementary education is required for women but not for men. Voting is compulsory for men but optional for women.
* Saudi Arabia — No suffrage for women. The first local elections ever held in the country occurred in 2005. Women were not given the right to vote or to stand for election.
* United Arab Emirates — Limited, but will be fully expanded by 2010.
* Vatican City — No suffrage for women; while most men in the Vatican also lack the vote, all persons with suffrage in Papal conclaves (the Cardinals) are male.
Isn't it interesting that Vatican is grouped with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates? :)

Meaning of success

2008-07-04T01:25:00.001-07:00

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is the meaning of success.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I saw this on Big B's blog and remembered that I had posted the same in my blog also probably a year or more back. My mind started a status inquiry, have I been successful? Here is the dissection:

To laugh often and much; ---> Yes I do that often and make efforts to keep humor in my life, my thought is Life is fatal, no point being serious about it :)
to win the respect of intelligent people ---> My work helps me here, I try to keep my curiosity and hard work in sync, I thank God that He has given me enough IQ as well to gain decent respect from intelligent people; surely its visible in their eyes when I am able to add value to our conversations
and the affection of children; ---> basic courtesy and ample attention is all what is required to gain affection of children, even though I am child-less, I have understood this from my interactions with children
to earn the appreciation of honest critics ---> Again my work helps here, no one signs on the dotted lines and pays top dollars for my creative solutions without 'critical appreciation' :)
and endure the betrayal of false friends; ---> ah well, this is touche' ..all I can say is yes, I barely managed to 'endure' .. yes it took all my energy and life spirit to come out of betrayal of friends who claimed to be true friends but weren't
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; ---> doesn't come natural but I indeed make efforts to see good part of others and turn blind eye to bad part ... another saying comes to mind... love like you've never been hurt ... tough but my conscience says thats the way girl!
to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. ---> Yes indeed ... this is indeed work in progress... believe me, nothing brings more peace to heart than to know that one life has breathed easier because you've done something

*smiles* *smiles* yes, indeed I am a successful woman! I surely have no regrets and also no wants no asks, even if I breathe my last just this moment. :-)

Asian Woman day out!

2008-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes to be pampered every once in a while. One transforms into a child like state when our loved ones shower us with pampering. Well, now that I have no family living with me, I decided to pamper myself with a whole day spent in a spa. Also that the "pamper" really is felt I chose - Maharani for the Day package to indulge and be pampered like Royalty.
I entered a candle-lit room filled with aromas from exotic essential oils, surrounded by plants and sounds of trickling water, you are one with nature. The massage with a secret combination of herbs such as jamu together with hot compressors will lull you to deep sleep. This was followed by Hot Stone Therapy. Relax and unwind as dark smooth stones glide on your body. A combination with Swedish Massage with aroma oils and the heated stones is deeply soothing and relaxing. The stones are left at specific points of the body that stimulates a flow of energy that is relaxing and therapeutic. This was followed with an aroma bath of milk, exotic flowers and secret oils that make your skin supple and smooth as silk.
It didn't end there, After a nice hot lunch of nice north Indian cuisine; You walk along a pebble strewn path surrounded by plants and water features and climb wooden steps to your private hut. The Spa Therapists thoroughly cleanse, groom and restore the condition of your hands and feet. Relax while you soak those precious peds in the warm bath strewn with rose petals and essential aromatherapy oils. Skin is softened with a secret scrub, exfoliation and mask. The pedicures also include a heavenly lower leg massage with foot reflexology and acupressure.
Pamper those lovely hands as they soak cuticles in special lotions for maximum hydration and softness. It also includes a scrub mask to gently ex-foliate the hands and arms with pure essential aromatherapy oils, followed by a deep relaxing hand and arm massage, shaping of the cuticles and nails and finally, the polish of my choice.
Asian Woman Spa

Movies

2008-06-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

Oh well, I guess every one knows by now that I am a movie buff! I think its great that Moser Baer is making VCD/DVDs affordable at less than fifty rupees.
Check http://www.moserbaerhomevideo.com/index.aspx
I recently bought a special set of six movies of one of India's greatest directors Guru Dutt. My dad, also a Guru Dutt fan, and I sat and watch all these movies over the weekend.

Jaane Woh Kaise Log The Jinke Pyar Ko Pyar Mila
Humne To Jab Kaliyaan Maangi Kaaton Ka Haar Mila

Bichhad Gayaa Har Saathi Dekar Pal Do Pal Ka Saath
Kisko Phursat Hai Jo Thaame Deewane Ka Haath
Humko Apna Saaya Tak Aqsar Bezaar Mila
Humne To Jab...

Isko Hi Jeena Kehte Hain To Yunhi Ji Lenge
Uf Na Karenge Lab See Lenge Aansoo Pee Lenge
Gham Se Ab Ghabraana Kaisa Gham Sau Baar Mila
Humne To Jab...

2008-05-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

TV usually drones in the background, sometime playing cricket, other times bringing breaking news and most times plain singing music. I've never been a fan of the idiot box but I do love watching bollywood movies on it. Occasionally some interesting serials come up like Tu Tu Mein Mein, Office Office which has caught my attention and earlier I used to make it a point to see them.
Well, after a long time, I saw a serial on TV which moved me to tears, literally! The show is “Naya Roop Nayi Zindagi”. Yes, its that 'extreme makeover' desi makeover!! I have seen couple of episodes of 'Extreme Makeover' but it just amused me, that all. The desi version, maybe because I related to the Indian participant, really touched my heart. The first episode especially was really a heart-wrenching story of a teenager. The makeover was indeed extreme, she was transformed from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. You can see the episode online @ http://www.apnicommunity.com/naya-roop-nayi-zindagi/49935-naya-roop-nayi-zindagi-1st-episode-1st-may-08-a.html
Not that I believe in outer beauty and not the inner beauty but face is indeed the showcases of one's personality. Though I might try my best to be unprejudiced by what I see but stark truth is that most of the world does not. As a beautiful face and body turns people's head with acceptance and admiration; an ugly face and body can bring sneer in rejection. The flaws on the face hides the true personality and I think it become important to bring clarity on it so that the inner confidence and beauty sparkles through.
I also like that apart from physical transformation, the show also tries to enhance one or other skill of the person to build much more confidence. The teenager in the first show loved dancing but was stage shy due to her looks. The show got her to join Shamak Davar's Dance classes and she indeed performed brilliantly in later part of the show.
For once, a reality show which truly touches human lives and transforms them in a very positive manner. The show really builds back the confidence of people who have had some shocking and heart breaking incidents in their lives. My compliments to the show team and also the concept originator.
PS: I must share also that I doubly relate with the participants of the show because I myself went through similar transformation process myself. The change is NOT so drastic but good enough for my ego boost :-)

Tanhayee

2008-05-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tanhayee Tanhayee
Dil Ke Raaste Mein Kaisi Thokar Maine Khaayi
Toote Khwaab Saare Ek Mayusi Hai Chhayi
Har Khushi kho Gayi Zindagi so Gayi
Tumko Jo Pyaar Kiya Maine To Saza yeh hai Paayi
Tanhayee Tanhayee Milo Hai Faili Huvi Tanhayee

Khwaab Mein Dekha Tha Ek Aanchal Maine Apne Haatho Mein
Ab Toote Sapno Ke Shishe Chubte Hai In Aankhon Mein
Kal Koyi Tha Yahin Ab Koyi Bhi Nahin
Ban Ke Naagin Jaise Hai Saason Mein Lehrayi
Tanhayee Tanhayee Palko Pe Kitne Aansoon Hai Laayi

Kyon Aisi Umeed Ki Maine Jo Aisi Naakaam Huyi
Door Banayi Thi Manzil To Raste Mein Hi Shaam Huyi
Ab Kahan Jaao Main Kisi Ko Samjaon Main
Kya Maine Chaha Tha Aur Kyon Kismat hain layi
Tanhayee Tanhayee Jaise Andhero Ki Ho Gehrayi

Curtsy - Movie 'Dil Chahta Hai' - Javed Akhtar Saab

Ethics

2008-04-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2 a: a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values —often used in plural but singular or plural in construction
b: plural but sing or plural in constr : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group
c: a guiding philosophy
d: a consciousness of moral importance
3 plural : a set of moral issues or aspects (as rightness)
Ethics is a major branch of philosophy, encompassing right conduct and good life. It is significantly broader than the common conception of analyzing right and wrong. A central aspect of ethics is "the good life", the life worth living or life that is satisfying, which is held by many philosophers to be more important than moral conduct.

A basic set of eight such principles has been suggested by Resnik, David B.:
Non-malificence: Do not harm yourself or other people.
Beneficence: Help yourself and other people.
Autonomy: Allow rational individuals to make free and informed choices.
Justice: Treat people fairly: treat equals equally, unequals unequally.
Utility: Maximize the ratio of benefits to harms for all people.
Fidelity: Keep your promises and agreements
Honesty: Do not lie, defraud, deceive or mislead.
Privacy: Respect personal privacy and confidentiality.

I try to follow the above said principles in my life and happy to report that in my thinking I have been quite successful in doing so. Question though is how many people believe in these in today's world. In my experience, there are two principles which are surely ignored the most, Fidelity and Honesty. In my thinking Fidelity is a form of honesty, cause if you are not keeping your promises, well, you are lying! Many people just go ahead and say whatever comes to their mind to get out of sticky situation, some times even to demonstrate love or affection. Even though many religious texts and literature is full of examples of how sometimes lies or part lies are used to achieve a noble ending, I do not believe that is correct in any ways. Lie is a lie, avoid it as much as possible. I agree, its not easy to live an honest life in this 'Kali kaal' times but try as much as possible to not bend yourself to dishonesty.

Reminds me of really old Billy Joel's number
If you search for tenderness, it isn't hard to find.
You can have the love you need to live. But if you look for truthfulness
You might just as well be blind. It always seems to be so hard to give.

Honesty is such a lonely word. Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard. And mostly what I need from you.

The next question is obviously, WHY? Why should any one be ethically right? I have no answer to that. Religious answer that you'd go to hell or heaven depending on your acts in this birth is quite questionable and a matter of faith. I think that the only logical answer is that this is the correct way to lead a life in a society, to ensure that society raises its level of happiness and prosperity for its constituent and does not fall into lawlessness.

'Krazzy 4' case highlights Bollywood's copyright woes

2008-04-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Krazzy_4_case_highlights_Bollywoods_copyright_woes/articleshow/2952337.cms

Well, by now everyone would have already read or heard about this case. This is my understanding, Rajesh Roshan, the music director of Krazzy 4 liked some parts of Sony Ericson's advt. and wanted to use it in his song. Roshans approached Sony Ericson and got a no-objection letter from them. Now the twist in the tale is that I believe that Sony Ericson has no right to the tune! yes thats another part of discussion as to why is that IPR is NOT with the buyer of services to render to advt but with the composer!! but we will come to that later. Thus the NOC given by Sony was not worth much but presumably unknown to Roshans who went about releasing the music and working towards releasing the movies. In the meanwhile, Ram Sampath who was the original composer decides to stick in a court case right at the time the movie is to be released and tries to get a stay on the movie. Roshans panic and pay like 2crores !!

Now here is MY opinion, without much 'law' knowledge, going by common sense and ethics, I would say that Ram Sampath has acted in a very unethical manner! This is surely obvious in the way he waited till the last moment to stick in the court case after about six weeks of release of movie's music! Also, IF he was indeed ethical he should have NOT accepted out of court settlement or may be not at the least the kind of money he took from Roshans. That was sure shot taking advantage of someone's weak position! The court case and the stay order was all over the news so courts would have delivered justice sooner or later but Ram Sampth taking money from Roshans showed his intent was not really to get justice on plagiarism, if he didn't have any clue about Sony Ericson's NOC; but plain unethical extortion of money!

Well, for this exact reasoning I am completely FOR, yes for, NOT having any copyrights at all. Logistically its next to impossible to track and most often than not the copyright owners decided on exorbitant value of their IPRs. Take for example the DVD releases, One can get DVD originals of older movies for like Rs 40, but for newer movies it can be anywhere between Rs200 to 500!! This shows lack of ethics in the entertainment industry itself! They want to take the public on a ride and exhort money for public's interests in the movies! Even after making like Rs 100crore plus on movies, they still want to price the DVDs steeply at Rs499! Then when the DVD gets rampantly copied and sold in secondary market, they sit and complain about piracy!! Well, my point is they deserve it! :-) :D

PS: One day I want to also write about lack of ethics in todays world. I seriously think that lack of ethics leads to lack of guilt and repetition of wrong doing and makes this world worse place to live in. I remember reading an article to that affect as well; hhmm another day I will surely write about that.

Calangute, Goa

2008-04-09T05:14:00.001-07:00

I am happy to report back from a super trip of Goa!
Am I happy about getting back? naaaaaaaaah! I could spend my life in the beach shack! My retirement plans are changed now, any one wants shares of Moonie's beach shack in Goa?

Bored

2008-03-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

boredom

Main Entry:
bore·dom Listen to the pronunciation of boredom
Pronunciation:
\ˈbȯr-dəm\
Function:
noun
Date:
1852

: the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest

Leo Tolstoy: Boredom: the desire for desires. - Anna Karenina

30 things every woman should have and should know by the time she’s 30

2008-03-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.glamour.com/lifestyle/articles/2007/02/haveandknowby30

This 1997 Glamour article has become a popular web chain letter, usually titled “Maya Angelou’s Best Poem Ever.” Glamour contributor Pamela Redmond Satran is flattered, but she wrote the list, updating it in 2005.
By Pamela Redmond Satran
By 30, you should have:
1One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13The belief that you deserve it.
14A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.
By 30, you should know:
1How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2How you feel about having kids.
3How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4When to try harder and when to walk away.
5How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8How to take control of your own birthday.
9That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15Why they say life begins at 30.

Random thoughts

2008-03-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have not posted anything for past couple of weeks now. I guess I am having something like a blogger's block 'cause I can't think about any one topic to post a proper post. I decided that I'd just post my thoughts in the meanwhile.

One of my most reoccurring thoughts is a realization which has dawned on me about importance of visible beauty in our society. I might want to deny it but the world still looks at waif-like pale faced woman as beautiful. Beautiful women are always sought out, may it be for an alliance, preference in work areas or even just a smile. People become benevolent to beautiful women. The idea seems same about men too but I ain't sure.

Most people out there have no clue about Religion and more so about religion they follow. You'd be amazed by sheer percentage of people who just blindly follow rituals and think thats religion.

Fear of unknown seems to me as the biggest fear people have and that seems to dictate all major decisions in people's lives. Its quite contrary to the fact that nearly everything about the future is unknown and uncertain! Strangely, no decisions are taken keeping in mind the unknown! Sounds strange na? Think about it!

Last but not the least, I finally have started to understand the enormous meaning of 'this too shall pass'; the enormity is so huge that there isn't words to explain it any more.

A Safer India

2008-02-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

I guess, this is what Mrs Kiran Bedi is upto after resigning from her job at Indian Police Service! Check out this website http://www.saferindia.com

This is a site of an NGO started by Ms Kiran Bedi you can go to this site an log your complaint regarding any crime if the police at your place is not accepting your complaint. Then this NGO will mail your complaint to the DGP of your area. You can also use this mail as the legal document in case of filing a case in the court of judgment.
This is to be noted that this site is directly administered by Ms Kiran Bedi so all your mails directly goes to her .

Friends spread this information in your network so that any one in such need can go to this site and launch his/her complaint.

PS: I was sort of disappointed though to see the website pop many errors; I hope they work on it and iron out the issues ASAP.
Update: I sent SaferIndia.com a feedback about broken links and lo behold! I got a reply from none other than Mrs Bedi herself!!! Wow! Well, Yes, the links have been fixed and the site is up and running without any errors.

Love Actually: Coma can't put a fullstop to this tale

2008-02-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

I was so touched by this news story that I just had to post it here to share with world at large! Well,
hai sabhee kuchh jahaan me, dostee hain wafaa hain
apanee ye kamanaseebee, hum ko naa kuchh bhee milaa hain

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/love-actually-coma-cant-put-a-fullstop-to-this-tale/58970-19.html

Mumbai: College romances are meant to be fun, laughter and companionship. But for 23-year-old Sunny Pawar, companionship has assumed a new meaning.

His girlfriend, Aarti Macwan, met with a serious accident a year-and-a-half ago and has been in coma ever since.

Sunny says Aarti - his girlfriend of of two-and-a-half years - was a cheerful, independent girl. But now she needs to be cared for 24 hours a day.

“I spent 15 months with Aarti before the accident and 15 months after. It’s those 15 months that have forced me, motivated me and given me the determination to go on,” says Sunny.

Sunny was a student before the accident but he has now given up his studies to take care of Aarti. He feeds her, keeps her clean, talks to her and takes care of all her daily needs.

Aarti's mother Bharati Macwan can only marvel at this young boy whose role has transcended way beyond the regular boyfriend.

“He is a male member and taking care of my daughter and serving her like anything even before marriage. He' s her boyfriend, he's her father,” she says.

Struggling with financial difficulties and the inevitable depression, Sunny pins up poems and positive messages on the wall opposite Aarti’s bed.

And even though this unique couple isn't bound in a marriage, they are already living their vows - together in sickness and in health, till death do them apart.

All of India is mine!

2008-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, Mr Raj Thackeray, you are highly mistaken and also just shrugging off that your party members are not responsible for deaths in Nasik does not resolve you of the responsibility you hold as a leader of a party which you incited into mob violence! You indeed did incite hatred between communities which were living quite peacefully.
Yes, you can keep harping about protecting Marathi manush rights but I stand for only rights of an Indian. I also have complete right to speak which ever language I feel comfortable in and find viable to communicate even if it is not the local language. Your Marathi manush has all the rights to go to any part of India and find employment too. Yes he can keep speaking in Marathi if he so wishes and is able to get his thoughts across!
Its so obvious that Mr Raj and like-minds are only doing this to gain political mileage. A case so similar to BJP's agitation at price rise of petrol and diesel; gasoline is hitting $100/barrel in international markets but BJP is against the raise in prices by Rs.2! This is called as playing with people's sentiments and gaining political mileage!
Mr Raj Thackerey chooses to close his eyes on the development of infrastructure, well being of the country as whole and inevitable movement of people across states in search of employment. Haven't lakhs of people moved from all parts of country to cities which are IT/ITES centers? That also includes the 'Marathi manush'!
I am not really for suppressing the local culture especially since thats what makes our country so colorfully diverse and vibrant; but one cannot suppress development and change! Due to the winds of change some local flavors are surely going to get mixed up with other prevalent cultures. We should be ready to accept these changes too! Gol-gappas will be called pani-puris and Aloo-tikki will renamed batata-vada etc.
I really do wish Mr Raj Thackerey reads this and it drives some sense into his brains. I would repeat my demand for apology from Mr Raj Thackerey to not just people of India but also poor migrant workers in Maharastra from whom Mr Raj Thackeray's party stole bread and water since they had to leave their only livelihood and go back to their villages in hope that things would settle down and they could come back to their jobs and give their families a better living.

Are you listening Mr Thackerey? kaay vichaar kara? ei changala nahi! :-) :D

Injustice?

2008-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Views of Hindu traditions on karma
Scriptures divide Karma into three kinds: Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (fruit-bearing) and Kriyamana (current) karma. All kriyamana karmas become sanchita karma upon completion. From this stock of sanchita karma, a handful is taken out to serve one lifetime and this handful of actions which has begun to bear fruit and which will be exhausted only on their fruit being enjoyed and not otherwise, is known as prarabdha karma. In this way, so long as the stock of sanchita karma lasts, a part of it continues to be taken out as prarabdha karma for being enjoyed in one lifetime, leading to the cycles of birth and death. A jiva cannot attain Moksha until the accumulated sanchita karmas are completely exhausted.

God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Just. Yet injustice is observed to persist in the world. How is this possible?
In the Advaita school of Vedanta, this problem is dealt with in detail by Sankara in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, 2.1.34-36:
Brahma Sutra 2.1.34: "No partiality and cruelty (can be charged against God) because of (His) taking other factors into consideration."
Sankara's commentary explains that God cannot be charged with partiality or cruelty (i.e. injustice) on account of his taking the factors of virtuous and vicious actions (Karma) performed by an individual in previous lives. If an individual experiences pleasure or pain in this life, it is due to virtuous or vicious action (Karma) done by that individual in a past life.
Brahma Sutra 2.1.35: "If it be argued that it is not possible (to take Karma into consideration in the beginning), since the fruits of work remain still undifferentiated, then we say, no, since the transmigratory state has no beginning."
The opponent now argues that there could have been no "previous birth" at the very beginning of creation, before which Karma could not have existed. Sankara replies that it is not so, for the number of creation cycles is beginningless, vide the next verse:
Brahma Sutra 2.1.36: "Moreover, this is logical, and (so) it is met with (in the scriptures)."
Sankara provides references from the Vedas concerning the beginninglessness of Creation: "The Ordainer created the sun and moon like those of previous cycles" (Rig Veda 10.190.3). This shows the existence of earlier cycles of creation, and hence the number of creation cycles is beginningless.
Thus Sankara's resolution to the Problem of Injustice is that the existence of injustice in the world is only apparent, for one merely reaps the results of one's moral actions sown in a past life, which is compatible with the Justness of an Omniscient and Omnipotent God.
On the higher level of Existence, however, there is no evil or good, since these are dependent mainly on temporal circumstances. Hence a jnani, one who has realized his true nature, is beyond such dualistic notions.

India defeat Australia in thriller

2008-02-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/cricket/story/0,,2255452,00.html
I am so very happy at India's win at Melborne in todays One day match. India recorded a win at the MCG against Australia after 22 years as the last win came in year 1986.