A New Milestone

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

On the occasion of my birthday, I complete some milestones and begin my life's next milestone by deciding to do something new on this day. After much thought I have decided to move my blog to the Promised Land i.e. WordPress.

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

Fellow bloggers and WP users convinced me. Yesterday my feed readers count suddenly decreased from 19 to 14 and drove the last nail in my blogger coffin. And so I moved. All my readers, visitors, commenters and feed readers are requested to update their blogroll with this new url. My new feed is available on this url.

New Blog : http://opinionsandexpressions.wordpress.com/

See you all there!!!

Lost Love and Fair Skin

An advertisment of Pond's White Beauty face cream is being aired on TV nowadays which shows a guy dumps his gf and 3 years later she comes to know he is a celebrity now and engaged with another celebrity girl. The ex-gf sees an ad of the product which claims to give "a white glow" (read: become fair skinned) and starts thinking...rather decides to buy it. For part 1 of the story watch the video. Now in part 2 the fiancee is shown to be a short tempered girl who cares more about her fingernails than the gifted diamond ring. The ex-gf uses this cream and becomes all fair and glowing and the guy comes to her flower shop (by chance) and can't stop ogling at her. She is still in dilemma whether to tell him that she still loves him.
Now my point is do these Pond's guys intend to show that an ex-bf can be won back by becoming fairer??? If that is so then should a guy who apparently dumped you for your looks be wooed back??? Even if he didn't dump you on basis of looks , still should he be wooed back at all??? that too by becoming fairer n all??? What is with this prejudice against the dark skin in India when we are on the receiving end of racism?? I think the British rule made the Indians fascinated with white skin and we have not got over that yet. All dark or wheatish colored girls are made to think as if they are some misfits and have to apply all sorts of creams or soaps to become fair to get married or an audition or guy or whatever. Infact now guys are also being targetted and urged to become fair to woo girls!!! In arranged marriage being fair is a must criteria for the girl, no matter how the guy looks. Being very fair is a bonus. The qualifications and the nature of the girl are hidden or compromised upon after seeing her shining beauty. In fact I suspect even in an affair the girl may use such creams to keep her guy happy lest he leaves her for some more "greener pastures".
This prejudice and discrimination irks me no end. My elder sister is wheatish colored whereas I'm fair. Since childhood I've listened to many comments on the difference which has made me very annoyed with people who advocate fair color. Even when I was 7 yrs old or so, I gave a piece of my mind to some 70+ old men in my mother's village where we had gone for vacation. They had dared to say "how different Niru's (my mom's name) kids are in color" or words to that effect. I have seen my roommates desperately using these products. For what? for whom? Someone who will judge you and accept/reject you by your looks? So much effort for that? Does being fair give confidence? Helps you win laurels?? No I don't think so. I admit being fair does give an edge due to all the pre-existing prejudices and morons who judge by a person's looks but if you have it in you no one can stop you for getting what you want. Be it clearing a job interview or getting your guy or winning an Oscar. Check out Halle Berry's Oscar acceptance speech.
As for winning back ex-bfs I don't think a jerk like the one shown is that much of a trophy and if it was so easy as made out to be in the ad then there wouldn't be so many heartbreaks in the world. You know the ad says "sometimes life gives you a second chance"....and the second chance is cosmetic product????? what #@#$&%!
Part 3 of the ad is awaited. First time I'm waiting for a sequel in an advertisement and curious to know what will they show ultimately.

P.S. Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless: peacocks and lilies, for instance. ~ John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice

My Look Alikes

I got this funny game from Sulz's post. I had once read somewhere that there are atleast 7 people in the world having same facial features. I found 8 having similar faces as mine!!!! There are 2 more who are not celebrities and not listed in the website MyHeritage.com because people have mistook me few times in real life for two different lady teachers in two different colleges in two different cities!!!

Beyonce!!!!!!!! Hee hee :) :)
Ahem! Monica Lewinsky ...Umm ..No problem..its about face resemblance only.
Atleast I didnt get any suggestion that my face resembles anyone of opposite sex. [Amit :P]

World War 3.0

So now I know how the world is going to end. It will be annihilated by the commencement of World War III. How did I reach to this conclusion? Read on.

There was a bomb blast in Thane, Mumbai on June 4 2008. Some more bombs were recovered live from other places. Two Hindu extremists have been arrested for the same. Supposedly they belong to some Hindu organizations called Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and Sanatan Sansthan. Read the whole news here. Now after this happened, the Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamna ran an editorial in which Mr.BT (the editor) advocated "build-up of Hindu response to counter the 'growing Islamic terrorism' in the country while ridiculing members of a Hindu fundamentalist organisation held for low-intensity bomb blasts in Thane." Of course it doesn't matter that 7 people died (correction:injured) in the blast and my guess would be all of them were not Muslims. What is the problem if 7 die (correction:get injured) among 13 million population of Mumbai? Sacrifice must be made for the greater good, right? I guess this is the convoluted mentality of these people.

So Mr.BT has commended the creation of Hindu suicide squads as a tit for tat for Islamic outfits. I've already expressed my indignation over how irresponsibly leaders speak and behave. But this has crossed the limit. How can a leader in his sensible mind ask his people to form suicide groups for spreading violence? How can he ask them to sacrifice their lives and families to die for his absurd cause or rather I presume his personal vendetta? In today's world how can a leader champion the cause of terrorism and blood for blood? Our Nation's Bapu must be turning and tossing in his grave!! (yes, I know he was a Hindu) How can a leader encourage his people to take the law in their own hands?

I condemn such fundamentalist leaders of any country who show the path of violence and bloodshed to their people. Instead of waging wars why doesn't he encourage people to form cleaning squads to keep Mumbai clean and water logging free?
According to Mr.BT these Hindu squads should go to Islamic countries and carry out bomb blasts there. I guess if this happens those countries will retaliate and US & EU will jump in too in the foray. Taking the opportunity China may attack India from other side. And thus World War 3.0 will ensue. And the world will come to an end.

On second thought, that might be a good thing. Everything will start anew after humans have wiped out each other. Sigh! A 6 yr old kid is wiser than a 80+ adult.

Click to enlarge and read

P.S. Logos credited to northernsun.com

The Other Side of Bench

All of us have been students but few have got the opportunity or have chosen to be on the other side of the benches as a full time job. It provides a different perspective, an understanding of the things which seemed to bother as students, some shocking realities, some realizations and some funny moments. And it helps if one doesn't forget his or her time on the bench. It helps not only to connect but also to see through many tricks of one's students. These are few thoughts for all students out there from the Other Side of Bench.

#1 Some of us are always aware what each one of the class is doing and can make out who is faking writing down the lecture or looking out of window lost in thoughts or ogling at a girl classmate. We can make out when a student starts to press calculator buttons just to show he/she is solving the given numerical when we approach his/her bench.

#2 Don't think the invigilator won't know what you are up to when you crane your neck forward or when you lean back sliding little on the seat. We know that's when you are going to asking your friend answer to a question. All other tactics ( I'll not mention here) are also known to us and sometimes we just pretend to ignore.

#3 Writing absolute nonsensical/irrelevant stuff or repeating the same words over n over again and making the pages of answer sheets look filled is not going to work because we read before giving marks.

#4 Literally writing Ramayana in Hindi for 5 pages just because you had time to kill in the exam room is not going to help either. We are secular when valuating answer sheets.

#5 Why do guys need to write in scrawly handwriting and draw horrible diagrams? Even if the roll number is hidden we know which one is a girl's copy and which one a guy's. And girls, please don't use glitter pens. We don't like our palms and faces to shine.

#6 Writing "Sir, please please ( 5-10 times) pass me. I'll be eternally grateful/I'll touch your feet/You'll get my good wishes" in the end of your answer sheet is not going to help. Firstly a Madam may be valuating your answer sheet and she may get offended by the presumption of Sir. Secondly, unless you have written enough to be passed no pleading will work even if you write "Om Sai Ram"/"Om Ganeshaye Namah"/"Jai KaalBhairavi" at the beginning.

#7 Some of us are merciless and some are generous in valuation. So, once you have passed, even on border marks, DO NOT apply for revaluation. 95% chances are you'll fail.

#8 We have a personal life too. And sometimes we are really busy personally or professionally and unable to give time to solve your doubts. That doesn't mean we don't care.

Click to enlarge and read

P.S. Wish I could take and post snap shots of some classic answer sheets I recently valuated but that was against my ethics. Cartoon images (except C&H) credited to clipart.net

The Expansionist Meme

Nova and Nita tagged me to do this meme. So here it is.

Please thoughtfully consider the following, and choose one item for each of the categories below. (Be sure to describe your reasons for choosing)

One religious work from a non-familiar tradition you’ll read:
The Bible...I'd always wanted to read it.
One music video–that you like–from your “least likely to listen to’ genre:
I never listen to ghazals and especially Jagjit Singh as he depresses me big time! But I like this song very much..."Koi Fariyaad" from the movie Tum Bin.
A book from a genre you almost never read, that you have read, or you will read (promise!):

I guess "Freakonomics" which I'm currently reading anyway. Otherwise I'm a fiction or thriller or mystery or comics reader.

Somewhere you’d never thought to go on holiday/vacation, and why it might be fun to go there?
Mauritius because I love the sea and sand (not the sun though)
A specific food you’ve never tried, but will because of this meme, honest!:
I have not tried any of McD burgers yet (only Pizza Hut/Dominoes pizzas) but I will..Promise!!

A sport or game you really hate, or haven’t tried yet, but are willing to give one more go:
I'll like to try out Table Tennis as a dear friend is very interested in that and I wonder whats the hype about!

A style of dance you probably won’t try (we won’t make you promise on this one):

Any Indian classical dance..too much costume!
A career job you don’t feel you’re suited for, and why:
An industrial job - too much hardwork and no holidays!!! :D :D
An item that’s “thinking out of the box’ for this meme that hadn’t been included:
What is it that you will dare to wear which you have never worn before? (This question has been suggested by Nita to the people she tagged)
This nice red branded evening gown worn by the actress Anne Hathaway!!

It’s there’s one thing in life you wanted to do, and will do because of this meme, what will it be?
"Will do"? Is it a promise? Ummm...I'll go scuba diving right after I learn how to swim.

I tag Sridevi, Adarsh, Beth, Joel and Vaibhav

P.S. I'm on a meme spree and there are many more drafts waiting to be published. So brace yourselves for reading and getting tagged!!

My First Tag

I'd been tagged to do this meme sometime back by Nova, but it required a lot of soul searching and mostly overcoming the hesitation of sharing it and now I've finally come around to posting it.

I am: 30% friendly, 20% sensitive, 20% curious, 20% wilful, and 10% cynical :D :D

I think: everything happens at its own time no matter how desperately we want it to be according to our convenience.

I know: its not possible to get everything......win some lose some.

I want: to be happy and content in life.

I have: my own set of ethics and rules.

I wish: the mind had shift+ delete option for pain and bad memories.

I hate: backbiting, ridicule and hypocrisy.

I miss: my sister and the fun times of my hostel life.

I fear: going through a heartbreak, lightning, ghosts.

I feel: a restlessness inside me.

I hear: people's unsolicited advice and comments and filter them, keeping the ones which are heartfelt.

I smell: fishy going-ons very soon and I'm usually right about them.

I crave: for all the friends I've lost on the way.

I search: for the uncomplicated Me.

I wonder: what has the so called Destiny in store for me.

I regret: making some bad decisions and trusting wrong people in life.

I love: my family, laughing, shopping and eating good food!!

I ache: to meet some special people of my life again.

I care: for those who manage to touch my heart beneath the tough shell.

I always: try to do unto people what I would have them done unto me.

I am not: a very traditional kind of person.

I believe: we build our fate with the choices we make at every step of life.

I dance: rather used to dance at parties during college life.

I sing: in the shower, while driving, sometimes "out of lyrics"!

I cry: when I remember some past hurts and events.

I don’t always: get around to complete my "to-do" list!

I fight: very badly when I lose my temper.

I write: my blog and long letters.

I win: whenever I follow my gut feeling.

I lose: whenever I ignore God's signs.

I never: forget though I may forgive.

I confuse: people when I don't want to give a straight answer.

I listen: to my heart and follow what it says most of the times.

I can usually be found: teaching engineers-to-be or surfing internet.

I am scared: of losing my loved ones.

I need: to avoid self-inflicted complications in my life.

I am happy about: the fact that life's been pretty good to me till now.

No compulsion to do it..still I tag Sakhi, Shoaib, Suda, RJ, and Swathi

P.S. Shoaib aaj tum khush to bahut hoge!! ...my blog cant get more personal than this meme!
*Shivering and clicking the Publish button*

My Death Day

I got a site's link in email which will predict the player's death date. And I got this result showing my death date and causes of death. And it shows a countdown in terms of seconds!!

Please click to enlarge and read

Hmmm....So I'm going to die as an old hag!!! Well ok not that old maybe..Is 72 too old or is 80+ too old? And even not that hag(gish??) ..maybe I'll be my street's nicest old lady. But by the rate of deterioration of resources and rate of inflation I don't think I will have safe & clean water to drink at 72. Also by then Global Warming would have done its work and the temperature in winter will be just like summer temperatures of now. And with all this genetic engineering and aliens visiting; new diseases will spread as shown in "I am Legend". So no wonder I'm going to die of either Disease or Heat or Water on 31 December 2053!!! Shucks!! There goes a New Year Party down the drain.

P.S. I tried the reincarnation link too. Seems I'm going to be a Pigeon in my next birth.

The Final Straw

I suspect that Ms.Ekta Kapoor has finally lost it...gone bonkers...has become raving mad, insane, deranged, unbalanced and sadist. She is planning and in fact has begun shooting of an episode of her popular soap opera Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii based on the sensational Aarushi muder case. The storyline is about a teenager in the serial who is killed by her parents because of her relationship with a boy and they are unwilling to surrender easily. Of course Balaji Telefilms say that they have only been inspired from the real life story. So finally Ekta and her writers (I doubt there is only one writer as the stories are all same with just a change of sequence of events as inferred from input given by my Mom) have run out of ideas to dish up to the viewers and they are resorting to cashing in on such a real life tragedy especially when it has been solved yet. I think all Ekta haters and Indians interested in saving the females of their families should launch a signed petition to close down Balaji Telefilms...."Save Our Moms" campaign. She is literally making hay while the sun shines!! What next? More real life murders and scandals will be incorporated in her various serials?

Much has been written about it so I wont rant much here. Just wanted to express my stand.For Aarushi murder case read hereFor news articles on Ekta's episode read here and hereTo know more about why Ekta is hated read hereP.S. Ok if not petitions then what about supari? It can be done online too!! I'm sorry if I've hurt the feelings of any Ekta Kapoor fan out there.Image credited to mangalorean.com

Pro-Men Indian Customs

Today is Jamai Shashthi i.e. Son-in-law day. Its a day in Bengali tradition; held every year in the Bengali month of Jaishtha; when the "Jamai" is treated with the best of the delicacies. The son-in-law is invited well in advance for the occasion. And when the daughter & son-in-law arrive, a few rituals are performed. The son-in-law also gets gifts from the mother-in-law. Basically a day to celebrate one's son-in-law.

This got me thinking that why don't we have a day to celebrate daughter-in-laws in India? A son-in-law who has taken away the daughter, sometimes even taking money to do that and maybe even mistreats one's daughter is invited and showered with gifts!! And one burns the daughter-in-law if she has brought insufficient dowry!! Why don't we celebrate the girl who has left her parents to be a daughter to the new family too and to look after one's son and bear his child, who by the way carries your family name not hers. She even gives up her identity by adopting her husband's surname and is not able to look after her own parents often. But she is not appreciated or celebrated with one special day just in her name. Most thankless relation I say! I demand a "Bahu" i.e. Daughter-in-law day! When I become one I too want to get gifts and eat my favorite dishes on that day. If he (my future hubby) gets it I want it too. So there!

Taking this further, why are there so many symbols an Indian girl has to wear to show she's married? To declare she is someone else's property or taken or back off to everyone?? There's red bindi

sindoor or vermilion to be worn on forehead,

mangalsutra (a necklace made of black beads and gold),

a bichiya or toe ring

and red churis or bangles!!!

I mean there should be no doubt left of an Indian women's marital status in Indian society!!!
But what about our men? No, they don't wear anything which may indicate their marital status except maybe their pot-bellies when in middle age!! Why this discrimination? This is one of the things I like about Christianity that they have wedding bands for both husband and wife.

Atleast one can accuse one's husband in case he has an affair and the girl thinks he is single that "why did u take off your wedding band?" In Indian society there is no option at all!! Totally unfair I say!! What if I make my husband wear a ring with my name engraved on it ? Nice idea, eh?

Last but not the least, the tradition of Karwa Chauth and Vat Savitri Vrat which are different types of fasts Indian women are supposed to keep for the long life of their husbands and marital harmony!!! I suppose keeping them will solve problems of those women who are physically abused by drunk husbands? And a fast will ensure long life? Then why isn't there such a fast for the husbands to keep? Do they want their wives to die early? The desire for life long companionship and efforts to achieve that, even if religious in nature, should be on both sides of the sacred bond of marriage.

Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Though I have criticized, ranted, and grumbled about the 2nd movie of the previously trilogy & now "quadlogy" Indiana Jones series in my post earlier, I want to state for the record that the 1st and 3rd part were fine & enjoyable and had no such gross story lines.

Recently I saw the highly anticipated 4th movie in the series "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". First of all Indiana Jones movies are for those who like thrilling adventure stories, treasure hunts and don't mind far-fetched fantasy/fables added to it like the Holy Grail or the Lost Ark. As I enjoy such movies I was looking forward to watching the 4th part. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones has grown old but from what I've read he refused a stunt double and has done many action sequences himself. The movie is basically about the legendary city of El Dorado and Indy getting mixed up with KGB which is after the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. The meticulously planned and shot action sequences as seen in previous parts is missing but Spielberg has to be applauded for the way the movie seems to be really shot in the 60-70's. He has paid attention to costumes, cars, everything. Even the film print looks quaint. There is no dumb bimbo as the female lead character of the film. Cate Blanchett as Colonel Dr.Irina Spalko is the villain and I could hardly recognize her! And of course I liked her [mixture of power and evil in woman + the Russian accent..love that :D]

There is a young dude also who turns out to be Indy's son [Spoiler :D] and infact its shown in the end as if he will be next Indiana Jones and there will be a 5th part.

I liked the concept that Knowledge is the biggest treasure and that we can never ever gain complete knowledge about everything; physical, spiritual, philosophical and abstract; mostly because we can't handle it..we are just mere mortals. And sometimes we let go of our soulmates out of stupid reasons or fear or fights and just lose precious time which we could have spent together...As a character says "How much of human life is lost in waiting". The movie is entertaining and definitely worth watching once in the theater.

Rain Songs

Ahhhh!!! Finally rain has arrived in my town. Its such a beautiful evening with wet leaves and the wonderful smell of wet earth. Just felt like sharing my favourite rain songs. [Hope your internet speed lets you watch the videos and lyrics]

#1 Rain by Madonna (I'm a huge fan of the lady!!)





#2 November Rain by Guns n Roses (for rock lovers!!)

#3 I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabitt (wonderful music!!)





#4 It's In The Rain by Enya ( beautiful video!!)





#5 Crying In The Rain by A-ha (nice lyrics and great voice)





and last but not the least the classical I'm Singing in the rain by Gene Kelly (a must-must-must watch for the dance!!)

Save the Environment

Stop thinking like that!! On World Environment Day i.e. today, I want to list few tips and ways to do our part in saving the environment. Though there are many sites which tell about 100 ways or 51 ways to do it, I thought of listing some of them here as well.

In Your Office

# Copy and print on both sides of paper.
# Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.
# Set up a bulletin board for memos instead of sending a copy to each employee.
# Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.
# Use recycled paper.
# Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
# Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.
# Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.

In Your Home

# Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month.
# Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time.
# Set your refrigerator temperature at 36 to 38 and your freezer at 0 to 5 .
# Use a microwave whenever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.
# Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.
# Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to save money and energy.
# Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.
# Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.
# Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.
# Check and fix any water leaks.
# Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.
# Don't wash dishes or brush teeth with the water running continuously.
# Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
# Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.
# Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and cling wrap.

In General

# Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible.
# Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient.
# Buy products that you can reuse.
# Maintain and repair durable products instead of buying new ones.
# Reuse items like bags and containers when possible.
# Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.

So implement some of these atleast if not all before it comes to this:-

Last but not least, let us all strive to save the social environment too by promoting love and peace. As Michael Jackson puts it "Heal The World".

P.S. For lyrics to the lovely song read here. All images credited to Chris Madden.

Seed of Discord

Just now one of my colleagues called me to ask for a favour. Her relatives had gone to Ajmer Sharif and are now stranded there. She wanted to know from Internet about bus journey details from Ajmer to Ahmedabad. How distraught rest of the family must be feeling. For most of us its like "None of my near & dear ones are there. So it doesn't matter". Not only her relatives but around 50,000 people have been stranded as more than 50 trains have been canceled due to Gujjar women who have blocked the rail routes. Earlier, the men had damaged railway tracks. In fact it has been estimated that India's corporate sector has lost some $1.25 billion since May 23 and Indian railways suffered a loss of Rs.29.6 million ($696,659) on May 29 alone because of delays and cancellations of trains. Read this here and here. All this because the Gujjars want to be re-classified as a ‘Scheduled Tribe,’ to qualify for jobs and university places reserved for disadvantaged groups.

Do these people ever think of the sick persons, pregnant women, examination/interview candidates, small kids, the elderly or poor people who are stranded due to cancellation of trains? As if terrorists weren't a big enough problem for all; that now we have Indians causing problems for Indians. We have become so selfish in our demands and so greedy that we ignore everyone else's inconvenience. Like these Gujjar protests, political strikes in Kolkata etc etc. Satyagraha or rather Gandhigiri is just a celluloid dream. Now the attitude is "If I want something I'll snatch it by hook or crook"...rather only crook i.e. violence and riots.

My point is that Indian leaders who laid the foundation of a new country 60 years ago just sowed the biggest seed of discord by defining different castes and tribes and making provisions in the Constitution for them; by giving the word "reservation" a whole new meaning; by creating a divider bigger than the Partition. We are just reaping what they sowed. It was supposed to benefit the rural and backward classes who are poor to get education and job. But in reality? A friend of mine who is a Bachelor of Engineering, has own house, very good monthly income and is counted as upper middle class; gets job in public sector using "quota" allotted to his caste. And a kid in a village is still illiterate and a farmer or weaver. So Mr.Leader's soul, it hasn't quite turned out the way it should have been, right? Now what do we do?

As for these Gujjars, they want a re-classification!!! I want one too. From being "General" or "No Category"; I want to become "Categorized". I want to be given preferential treatment everywhere. I want my son/daughter to not do hardwork in studying and to get admission in finest colleges/schools just on basis of caste and to get a job just as easily.

As for these Gujjar women, have they stood up in protest against the rampant use of infanticide against the girl child in their caste? Have they ever raised their voice against abusive husbands or other malpractices against women? Have they protested against the falling sex ratio, unavailability of brides and the resulting polyandry in their caste? Then why now? Out of greed? Even if they are "re-classified" do they assure that they will send their daughters to school too and give them equal opportunity as their sons?

I just pray that may all the people stranded reach their destinations safe and sound. And...

रघुपित राघव राजाराम , पतित पावन सीताराम
सीताराम सीताराम, भज प्यारे तू सीताराम
ईश्वर अल्लाह तेरो नाम, सब को सन्मित दे भगवान

Translation:

Lord Rama, Chief of the house of Raghu,

Uplifters of those who have fallen,

(O divine couple) Sita and Rama,

Beloved, praise Sita and Rama,

God or Allah is your name,

Lord, bless everyone with wisdom.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely mine and I have no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. Neither do I support nor I oppose anyone.
All images credited to NDTV.

Social Awareness Ads

I came across these ads for social awareness on YouTube.

Although the uptight sophisticated feel & the price of ticket didn't appeal to me, this is the one thing I liked about Gold Adlabs in Pune that they played the National Anthem of India before the movie started and all stood up in respect. I don't know if all movie theaters of Maharashtra follow that or only Pune. And I've no idea about other states except MP & CG where there is no such practice.

This one is a bit long but a very nice song & theme and one cant guess whats the ad about till the end. I hope posting it here will spread the awareness.

I couldn't believe this one was titled "social awareness". I admit there should be freedom (with responsibility) to choose one's career/job/life partner but creating a ad about Mens' Freedom??? and what was the implication? First guys should get their freedom then girls??? What a sexist ad. Stop cribbing and comparing to women. But its funny. Enjoy!

Blogging Truth & C.W.S

After having experienced some weekends since I started blogging actively, I reached to this conclusion. I'm suffering from C.W.S - Comment Withdrawal Syndrome. Its typical symptoms are looking blankly at mail inbox [gmail in my case], refreshing it in the hope a new comment has come but gmail hasn't recorded it yet, refreshing blog page to see any new viewers in FEEDJIT and checking the FeedReader even when its tray icon hasn't gone orange to show new feeds..Meanwhile I get around accomplishing some of the resolutions posted earlier here. I do active commenting in the blogs I'd bookmarked to read later [Ishmeet must be feeling deluged right now]

I guess all experienced bloggers already know this...I'm posting this just for killing time and helping some newbies. This is the blogging truth my dears.

My blog readers & commenters seem to have a social life on weekends. On other hand there is me..whose circle of friends got separated after college, has now colleagues as friends, who lives in a small town which has only 2 or 3 hangout places and who even if hangs out there encounters many of her students & it becomes awkward. Sad state of affairs! Here is another flow diagram about my blogging process.

Please click and see enlarged view

This the reason why the bar doesn't reach 100% in the bar graph. But as rightly said in Bhagavad Gita;

Meaning : Your freedom is only in the field of action, and not in the field of bringing about the fruits of action. Never take yourself as the cause of bringing about a karma-phala (situation), and never resort to a life of inaction.

P.S. I made these diagrams on Smart Draw. Its a wonderful software with all sorts of templates ranging from engineering diagrams to organizational charts.

Man of Few Words

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.
~William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Please click and read the enlarged view if not clear

While browsing a matrimonial website together for obvious reasons [recent past time of my Dad, me a poor victim. Sigh!] we came across this profile. And it just reminded me of what Shakespeare said. Ahem!!...95% compatibility....Errr...Excuse me Dad for rejecting a qualified guy who is full of so much wit but it looks like I'll be in constant struggle to meet some pre-defined high standards and will be compared at every step. Thats only one reason. No comments further....everyone is entitled to write as little or as much possible in "about me" sections of a matrimonial profile. :D :D

P.S. Guys are MASHA-ALLAH!

A Teacher's Reward

Come to think of it, I have always been a teacher. And had wanted to become one since childhood as seen in this diary entry at age of 10 years. [yes I know my handwriting is bad :) ]

A teacher's best reward is when a student goes out into the world and makes use of the knowledge gained and acknowledges the one who imparted it to him. As a child I used to teach all sorts of things to my first student...right from alphabets to dances of India [inspired by geography book] by pulling the student's cheeks in different ways to explain difference between Kathakali and Yakshagana and of course practical demonstration by the teacher inspired from "Baje Sargam Har Taraf Se"!! I had subscribed to a children's magazine TARGET and it had all sorts of tidbits in it..[Has any of you read it? loved the mag but it got converted to TEENS TODAY and then got discontinued] It had a travel section and in one issue it covered China. The author had given 7 Chinese sentences and their meanings...like Xia Xia (Thank you), Ni Hao Mar (How are you), Dui Puchi (Welcome) etc etc [I don't remember the rest 4 sentences]. I took it upon my little shoulders to teach those as a foreign language to my student. I used to take oral tests to make the student memorize but as the student was more interested in pulling my frock and leg, I gave up.

Two days back, that student called up from France and said "I met some Chinese people today and when I talked to them in the sentences you had once taught me they were very happy with me. I called up to tell you that today your first student has achieved success". I was so amused and so very happy!! It made my day!! [Of course I said this too "See how it proved useful and you were never serious about it"]

Thank you dear student for humouring me and for being a wonderful playmate.

The teacher Reema in specs and her first & best student Didi

*************
Miss Wormwood: Yes, Calvin? You have a question?
Calvin: Yeah, I was wondering if we could stop the lesson here and adjourn to the playground for the rest of the day.

Miss Wormwood: Of course not. Now then, let's all turn to page 24 and...
Calvin: Miss Wormwood?
Miss Wormwood: Yes?
Calvin: How about just me then?

**************

P.S. Knowledge never goes waste.

[Image credited to schoolclipart.net]

The Chronicles Of Narnia - Prince Caspian

The Poster

I love fantasy and animation movies!! I have already mentioned it before but no harm in another affirmation. Though many people consider that kiddish but I like losing myself for sometime,taking a respite from the real world in the world of magic and fairy tales. I admire the imagination of the authors who write such books and the screenplay writers & the directors who bring the pages to life. I watched the movie "The Chronicles Of Narnia - Prince Caspian" today and proceeded to write a review.

The Pevensie Kids- Edmund,Peter,Susan and Lucy

Sadly, the movie doesn't stand up to the reputation and expectations left by its 1st part "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe". Somehow it seemed to lack the magical lustre in it. The storyline seems to lose its pace. In fact it drags a little bit in between. But the visual effects especially the river coming to life are worth watching. And I like the British way of talking..crisp and clear not like the American drawl. Would have liked Tilda Swinton to have more role in the part-2. [In fact I had The White Witch as my profile snap before. What can I say...I liked the mixture of Power and Evil in a woman. :D :D] The soundtrack isn't so great as it usually is in fantasy movies like Harry Potter or the 1st part. Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian) is cute looking. And I like the Centaurs very much [would like to ride one someday or in some life..hmmm]. The part where many Narnians have to be left behind to die is touching. The mouse warrior is cute and funny. Overall a family entertainer and to be enjoyed on the big screen.

Prince Caspian surrounded by the Pevensie kids

Reepicheep is one of the fiercest fighters in the realm

Aslan The Lion

Epic battle at Aslan's How for control of Narnia