Okay, so I just got back from my trip to Orissa. And it was wonderful. Just a quick overview though because it's really late and I should be getting off to sleep soon because I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.
So, this is how it went. We went to Bhubaneshwar, from there to Lake Chilka, then back to Bhubaneswar, spent a day at Puri and Konark and then got back.
All in all, a brilliant six days spent!! I shall give a detailed account soon!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Reading Rushdie
I've started reading another Salman Rushdie. I got it from a friend, and it's not that easy to pick up and glance over. For one thing, you have to read each and every word, else you'll lose track of the gist of Rushdie's humour and wit. I like reading Rushdie - this is my sixth Salman Rushdie, after Midnight's Children (awesome 1981), Haroun and the Sea of Stories (really good 1990), East ,West (1994), and Shalimar the Clown (2005), The Enchantress of Florence (2008).
I picked up my first Salman Rushdie in 2001 while on vacation in Paris. I was staying at one of my family friend's places, and they had a copy of Haroun and the Sea of Stories. That is one book that I would recommend to all young people - it's cute and witty and lovely to read.
Midnight's Children I finished two years back while in Ludhiana. I liked the book - some portions were brilliant. I even liked Shalimar the Clown and East, West. I didn't like The Enchantress of Florence so much though - in fact, I thought that Rushdie may be beginning to lose his touch after that one.
I started to read Shame, but I misplaced my copy and never got around to finding it again. Currently I'm reading Satanic Verses and courtesy the Internet, it is easier to read. I can imagine though why it has been banned from being sold in various countries though. Some of the contents are simply blasphemous.
I picked up my first Salman Rushdie in 2001 while on vacation in Paris. I was staying at one of my family friend's places, and they had a copy of Haroun and the Sea of Stories. That is one book that I would recommend to all young people - it's cute and witty and lovely to read.
Midnight's Children I finished two years back while in Ludhiana. I liked the book - some portions were brilliant. I even liked Shalimar the Clown and East, West. I didn't like The Enchantress of Florence so much though - in fact, I thought that Rushdie may be beginning to lose his touch after that one.
I started to read Shame, but I misplaced my copy and never got around to finding it again. Currently I'm reading Satanic Verses and courtesy the Internet, it is easier to read. I can imagine though why it has been banned from being sold in various countries though. Some of the contents are simply blasphemous.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Julie and Julia (2009)
Based on the life of Julia Child and a true story about a young lady growing up in Manhattan, this is a nice feel good family movie about a person who loves to cook, and the project she decides to undertake. With the help of a New York Times article, she makes it big as a writer.
Interestingly enough, her blog takes off and gets her all this attention.
Wow!! See, I have a blog as well!! Any editors interested in signing me up? I'm a good catch!!??!!
Interestingly enough, her blog takes off and gets her all this attention.
Wow!! See, I have a blog as well!! Any editors interested in signing me up? I'm a good catch!!??!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
500 days of summer & Push
Awww... it's been a while since I saw a cutsie wootsie movie that is essentially a chick flick. My husband couldn't sit through it. But I liked it.
It's about a girl called Summer, who starts to date a boy. Boy falls in love with her, but she's not too sure.
I guess we all go through something like that. A breezy kinda relationship. It's fun in a way!! Though my husband didn't think too much of the whole film. I liked the way it was made, the direction, the artiness involved.
What I didn't like was Push. It's an okay movie. People with special skills, blah blah, pursued by the Division. Interesting, yet couldn't hold my interest. I was playing blocks most of the time.
I have a cold - have had it for the past few days. Am on medication that gets me drowsy within an hour of its consumption. My hour is coming up.
I better sign off then. Gnite!
It's about a girl called Summer, who starts to date a boy. Boy falls in love with her, but she's not too sure.
I guess we all go through something like that. A breezy kinda relationship. It's fun in a way!! Though my husband didn't think too much of the whole film. I liked the way it was made, the direction, the artiness involved.
What I didn't like was Push. It's an okay movie. People with special skills, blah blah, pursued by the Division. Interesting, yet couldn't hold my interest. I was playing blocks most of the time.
I have a cold - have had it for the past few days. Am on medication that gets me drowsy within an hour of its consumption. My hour is coming up.
I better sign off then. Gnite!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
CFS - and other such symptoms
These days I'm feeling listless. I've got a perpetual body ache and am feeling so tired. On top of that I cannot concentrate and I feel like I have a migraine all the time.
Do I have chronic fatigue syndrome? I hope to God not!!
I have noticed one thing about myself though. If I feel that the stress is getting to me, I decide to relax. Whether it is through reading a book, or watching a film, I completely slow down and make the pressure go away.
Most days though eating a chocolate (particularly a Cadbury's Wowie) helps a lot. I dunno why. But it does. Or ordering a pizza. This isn't doing much for my waistline though. So I think exercise is in order now.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Bhubaneshwar this month. That should be relaxing and refreshing. I think most of our expenditure will be on food and drink - we're planning to spend a day at Chilka Lake and see the birds and flora. This should be exciting. I believe there is a 95% chance of seeing a dolphin at the beach. So I'm quite excited about it all!!
I was thinking though why we hadn't gone to Goa or to someplace more exotic, like Ladakh. But then, Ladakh in winter, isn't such a great idea. And Goa I've been to before. This time I wanted to go someplace new which I haven't seen and would not easily see either. Bhubaneshwar is out of the way but at the same time the state of Orissa is so culturally rich that it begs to be visited. Further, one of the ancient dhams, the temple of Puri, is a must-visit place for any good Hindu. Now I'm not particularly religious, but I thought that this would be a nice place to go to for our first vacation trip together.
Do I have chronic fatigue syndrome? I hope to God not!!
I have noticed one thing about myself though. If I feel that the stress is getting to me, I decide to relax. Whether it is through reading a book, or watching a film, I completely slow down and make the pressure go away.
Most days though eating a chocolate (particularly a Cadbury's Wowie) helps a lot. I dunno why. But it does. Or ordering a pizza. This isn't doing much for my waistline though. So I think exercise is in order now.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Bhubaneshwar this month. That should be relaxing and refreshing. I think most of our expenditure will be on food and drink - we're planning to spend a day at Chilka Lake and see the birds and flora. This should be exciting. I believe there is a 95% chance of seeing a dolphin at the beach. So I'm quite excited about it all!!
I was thinking though why we hadn't gone to Goa or to someplace more exotic, like Ladakh. But then, Ladakh in winter, isn't such a great idea. And Goa I've been to before. This time I wanted to go someplace new which I haven't seen and would not easily see either. Bhubaneshwar is out of the way but at the same time the state of Orissa is so culturally rich that it begs to be visited. Further, one of the ancient dhams, the temple of Puri, is a must-visit place for any good Hindu. Now I'm not particularly religious, but I thought that this would be a nice place to go to for our first vacation trip together.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Kolkata for a wedding
Recently a very good friend of mine was getting married. So I got the opportunity to visit Kolkata - the old capital of India during British rule. I've visited Kolkata before, so it wasn't such a new discovery. With my sis we had visited all the typical touristy places when we had gone there to present a paper at Jadavpur University.
It's a sooty city; it looks old and the streets are narrow and congested. There is a brilliant metro line in place that is like the Mumbai's train system - it forms the lifeline of the city and you cannot imagine travelling in Kolkata's heavy traffic without it.
Satya and I were lost in translation - because my Bengali ain't even upto 1%. Satya's was better though, having spent time there as a kid. We spent a nice morning at Park Street in the middle of the wedding festivities, lounging around in the Oxford Bookstore and then having a light snack at Flurrys. Totally chilled out. I feel so relaxed just thinking about it.
I also dragged Satya to watch the latest Twilight installment. I must confess though that I myself did not like the film too much. I found it all too trite and absolutely ridiculous in places. But, I am a twilight fan and hence, I did watch the movie at the Empire Theatre. Imagine that almost five years ago I'd watched another English movie at the Empire Theatre in Kolkata with my sister and a friend. Amazing right?
So the marriage went off well... and I came back home via Jet Lite (which was delayed by almost two hours!!). I still find it amazing how quick and easy travel has become now. Bhubaneshwar is the next trip out. We are trying to find things to do there though!! :)
It's a sooty city; it looks old and the streets are narrow and congested. There is a brilliant metro line in place that is like the Mumbai's train system - it forms the lifeline of the city and you cannot imagine travelling in Kolkata's heavy traffic without it.
Satya and I were lost in translation - because my Bengali ain't even upto 1%. Satya's was better though, having spent time there as a kid. We spent a nice morning at Park Street in the middle of the wedding festivities, lounging around in the Oxford Bookstore and then having a light snack at Flurrys. Totally chilled out. I feel so relaxed just thinking about it.
I also dragged Satya to watch the latest Twilight installment. I must confess though that I myself did not like the film too much. I found it all too trite and absolutely ridiculous in places. But, I am a twilight fan and hence, I did watch the movie at the Empire Theatre. Imagine that almost five years ago I'd watched another English movie at the Empire Theatre in Kolkata with my sister and a friend. Amazing right?
So the marriage went off well... and I came back home via Jet Lite (which was delayed by almost two hours!!). I still find it amazing how quick and easy travel has become now. Bhubaneshwar is the next trip out. We are trying to find things to do there though!! :)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Wings of the Dove (1997)
I saw this movie a few days back. It is an old film, and well worth watching. I particularly liked all the scenes in Venice, Italy.
The story tells about a young recently turned rich woman and her love for a young struggling idealist journalist. He is cute, she is pretty. Apart from the fact that they may live on the verge of poverty, they have everything going for them. After all, all you need is love like the Beatles song says.
Tis not to be though. A young heiress enters the scene and she falls in love with Kate Croy's Merton Densher. A sad and twisted plan is plotted; and no one is left happy in the end.
I wonder what the most optimal solution would have been in this case?
The story tells about a young recently turned rich woman and her love for a young struggling idealist journalist. He is cute, she is pretty. Apart from the fact that they may live on the verge of poverty, they have everything going for them. After all, all you need is love like the Beatles song says.
Tis not to be though. A young heiress enters the scene and she falls in love with Kate Croy's Merton Densher. A sad and twisted plan is plotted; and no one is left happy in the end.
I wonder what the most optimal solution would have been in this case?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Made ten years after the genocide in Rwanda, Hotel Rwanda is an excellent retelling of a true story involving a very brave hotel manager and his family, who give shelter to over 1200 refugees. It is a remarkable story.
Rwanda was a former colony of Belgium, and the Belgians had divided the local populace into two communities, the Hutus and the Tutsis, according to certain visible genetic traits, like the size of the nose and height. The Tutsis were the minority, and reared to be the privileged ones. THutus fought back with a vengeance culminating in the genocide which left almost a million Tutsis dead in Rwanda.
The International community did nothing unfortunately. The United Nations did not send enough peace keepers, the whites were evacuated on priority - almost every single thing that you can think of which screams discrimination and apathy took place. It's almost shocking just how blatant every thing was. I'm glad that 300 peace keepers did stay - but considering the might of the United Nations, and the developed nations, that is nothing.
A must see movie.
Rwanda was a former colony of Belgium, and the Belgians had divided the local populace into two communities, the Hutus and the Tutsis, according to certain visible genetic traits, like the size of the nose and height. The Tutsis were the minority, and reared to be the privileged ones. THutus fought back with a vengeance culminating in the genocide which left almost a million Tutsis dead in Rwanda.
The International community did nothing unfortunately. The United Nations did not send enough peace keepers, the whites were evacuated on priority - almost every single thing that you can think of which screams discrimination and apathy took place. It's almost shocking just how blatant every thing was. I'm glad that 300 peace keepers did stay - but considering the might of the United Nations, and the developed nations, that is nothing.
A must see movie.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Forgiveness
There was once a very stupid show that I used to watch called "Love at First Sight". Now it is from that 1980s era, where young girls read Millsoos (I suppose that happens today as well) and dream about the TDH guy who will come and sweep them oft their feet.
Sorry, I'm getting off my topic here.
There was once this episode called Forgiveness. Leave aside all the silliness involved, that episode on "Love at First Sight" was my favourite. I don't exactly recall the details, but in the end she forgives her TDH and they live happily ever after. It took some time though.
Forgiveness is not easy. Especially when the vindictiveness is still alive in a number of ways. I think that in your heart you should forgive, but if you feel that the other person is still out to do you harm, you should avoid all contact with them, lest they get another opportunity to harm you again. I've noticed that most people don't really care what you've done for them in the past. If there are deep stilled feelings of animosity, they will still arise at every opportunity they get to throw a jibe at you.
Hence my advice to all. Forgive, but do not forget. And avoid if that can be done.
Now this cannot be done all the time. Sometimes it may be a close family friend, or even a family member. Where there is a will, there is a way though. And I think that once the person knows that you're doing this deliberately, they'll also get the point.
But in the end, I'd like to quote these lovely verses I came across on Sacred Space in the Nov 27 edition of Times of India, which I sent to all my near and dear:
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver
Life is so precious,
And each day is a gift.
So enjoy every minute,
As it were your last to live.
Cherish your loved ones,
Hug them tight,
Share with them your heart,
And your time.
Nothing is forever,
And life goes so fast,
Each minute that passes,
Is one you can't get back.
When troubles arrive,
And knock you off your feet,
Stand up and smile,
And remember life is too sweet.
Every morning when you wake,
Decide right from the start,
That "Today will be a good day"
And let it all in with an open heart.
Laura Strickland
Never allow anyone to rain on your parade
and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day.
No talent, no self- denial, no brains, no character
are required to set up in the fault-finding business.
Nothing external can have any power over you
unless you permit it.
Your time is too precious to be sacrificed
in wasted days combating the menial forces
of hate, jealously, and envy.
Guard your fragile life carefully.
Only God can shape a flower,
but any foolish person
can pull it to pieces.
Og Mandino
Sorry, I'm getting off my topic here.
There was once this episode called Forgiveness. Leave aside all the silliness involved, that episode on "Love at First Sight" was my favourite. I don't exactly recall the details, but in the end she forgives her TDH and they live happily ever after. It took some time though.
Forgiveness is not easy. Especially when the vindictiveness is still alive in a number of ways. I think that in your heart you should forgive, but if you feel that the other person is still out to do you harm, you should avoid all contact with them, lest they get another opportunity to harm you again. I've noticed that most people don't really care what you've done for them in the past. If there are deep stilled feelings of animosity, they will still arise at every opportunity they get to throw a jibe at you.
Hence my advice to all. Forgive, but do not forget. And avoid if that can be done.
Now this cannot be done all the time. Sometimes it may be a close family friend, or even a family member. Where there is a will, there is a way though. And I think that once the person knows that you're doing this deliberately, they'll also get the point.
But in the end, I'd like to quote these lovely verses I came across on Sacred Space in the Nov 27 edition of Times of India, which I sent to all my near and dear:
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver
Life is so precious,
And each day is a gift.
So enjoy every minute,
As it were your last to live.
Cherish your loved ones,
Hug them tight,
Share with them your heart,
And your time.
Nothing is forever,
And life goes so fast,
Each minute that passes,
Is one you can't get back.
When troubles arrive,
And knock you off your feet,
Stand up and smile,
And remember life is too sweet.
Every morning when you wake,
Decide right from the start,
That "Today will be a good day"
And let it all in with an open heart.
Laura Strickland
Never allow anyone to rain on your parade
and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day.
No talent, no self- denial, no brains, no character
are required to set up in the fault-finding business.
Nothing external can have any power over you
unless you permit it.
Your time is too precious to be sacrificed
in wasted days combating the menial forces
of hate, jealously, and envy.
Guard your fragile life carefully.
Only God can shape a flower,
but any foolish person
can pull it to pieces.
Og Mandino
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Electronic lyrics
Now, my head is spinning
At the back of my mind, I think I'm winning
I was somebody falling for one who was not
Somebody tired of dreaming
Now its already dawning that this time I've got
Someone who won't leave me feeling...
Disappointed, once more
Disillusioned, encore
I think I love you, for sure
So you're not disappointing at all
Not a bad song..... courtesy Electronic...
Far from the Madding Crowd (1998)
Thomas Hardy's well known novel was watched by me yesterday evening. It took a whole 3 hrs and 15 mins while Bathsheba (What kind of name is that?) Everdene kept three men dangling trying to decide whom was best fit to marry her.
Everyone knows that Gabriele was the best suitor. Boldwood was too old and Troy too reckless and cavalier. Too big an ego. I still can't understand why he would be so angry if a pretty young thing like Fanny Robin kept him waiting at the altar. For god's sakes man, there are a million churches.
The book shows both city and rural life quite well. The adaptation version I saw was quite engrossing, and way better than many films I've seen recently. I liked the fact that Bathsheba was so fiercely independent - and that Thomas Hardy showed how difficult it was for a young woman to be accepted in society as capable of dealing in business matters. I think that this whole novel could also be considered as a feminist novel.
This story too ranks in the greatest love stories list of all time. I've written a post on this as well. See http://socialartist-mysteriesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/heathcliff-and-cathy.html. Bathsheba finally does come to her senses in the end. But she sure does take a long time to do it!!
Everyone knows that Gabriele was the best suitor. Boldwood was too old and Troy too reckless and cavalier. Too big an ego. I still can't understand why he would be so angry if a pretty young thing like Fanny Robin kept him waiting at the altar. For god's sakes man, there are a million churches.
The book shows both city and rural life quite well. The adaptation version I saw was quite engrossing, and way better than many films I've seen recently. I liked the fact that Bathsheba was so fiercely independent - and that Thomas Hardy showed how difficult it was for a young woman to be accepted in society as capable of dealing in business matters. I think that this whole novel could also be considered as a feminist novel.
This story too ranks in the greatest love stories list of all time. I've written a post on this as well. See http://socialartist-mysteriesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/heathcliff-and-cathy.html. Bathsheba finally does come to her senses in the end. But she sure does take a long time to do it!!
My Life in Ruins and Public Enemy
Two movies I saw recently -
The first was My Life in Ruins (2009) about a depressed travel guide who finally finds her way. It was a cutsie wootsie story and I liked it. I like Nia Vardalos. Even though it wasn't all there - it was lovely to see glimpses of Greece. One can only imagine just how beautiful the country would be.
Public Enemy (2009) was a major let down. Do not watch it. It has a superb cast including Johnny Depp, Christian Bale), but nothing much else. It tells the story about how the FBI brings down John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber who only steals from the banks, not the customers (like isn't that the same thing?). There is a disturbing scene when the agents beat up a female. Not done at all.
The first was My Life in Ruins (2009) about a depressed travel guide who finally finds her way. It was a cutsie wootsie story and I liked it. I like Nia Vardalos. Even though it wasn't all there - it was lovely to see glimpses of Greece. One can only imagine just how beautiful the country would be.
Public Enemy (2009) was a major let down. Do not watch it. It has a superb cast including Johnny Depp, Christian Bale), but nothing much else. It tells the story about how the FBI brings down John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber who only steals from the banks, not the customers (like isn't that the same thing?). There is a disturbing scene when the agents beat up a female. Not done at all.
Less than MRP
There exists a concept in India called the MRP - Maximum Retail Price. Shop keepers are not supposed to exceed this amount while charging their customers for the item they're purchasing. It's posted on all products - so no one feels cheated.
Now I don't know the margins people make on what they sell. But a pretty fair indication for software and hardware products for computers is in Nehru Place - located in South Delhi. Now I spent a good part of my weekend at Nehru Place buying a router for our Internet. The old router got corrupted (I don't know how).
Now something that retails for Rs 1950 MRP we got for Rs 1450 at Nehru Place. Amazing right? I often wonder at just how high the margins for electronic goods really are.
Just imagine.
So even though this is not really a mystery of the world - one can actually construe it as one.
Now I don't know the margins people make on what they sell. But a pretty fair indication for software and hardware products for computers is in Nehru Place - located in South Delhi. Now I spent a good part of my weekend at Nehru Place buying a router for our Internet. The old router got corrupted (I don't know how).
Now something that retails for Rs 1950 MRP we got for Rs 1450 at Nehru Place. Amazing right? I often wonder at just how high the margins for electronic goods really are.
Just imagine.
So even though this is not really a mystery of the world - one can actually construe it as one.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Iran seizes Nobel laureat's medal
Shirin Ebadi, a peace rights lawyer in Iran, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 by the Nobel Foundation based in Norway.
Today I read that it had been seized by the Iranian authorities in an effort to curb "activities that they found against the state."
I have no issues with government rule of law. I do have a problem if your basic rights are curtailed.
What does it mean when a symbol is taken away? Do you think that just by taking away a medal, the authorities will accomplish much?
They say she has not paid the taxes due on her prize money (which Ibadi claims is exempt under Iranian law). Maybe because she is the only Iranian to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the authorities may just amend the law with retrospective effect and impose a 300% penalty on the tax sought to be evaded so that they can get her good.
"Truth can not be suppressed and always is the ultimate victor. So, we should tread on the righteous path." - Yajur Veda
"Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with deeper fangs than freedom never endangered" - Marcus Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC)
Pity they still live in Medieval times, though the world has clearly moved on.
Today I read that it had been seized by the Iranian authorities in an effort to curb "activities that they found against the state."
I have no issues with government rule of law. I do have a problem if your basic rights are curtailed.
What does it mean when a symbol is taken away? Do you think that just by taking away a medal, the authorities will accomplish much?
They say she has not paid the taxes due on her prize money (which Ibadi claims is exempt under Iranian law). Maybe because she is the only Iranian to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the authorities may just amend the law with retrospective effect and impose a 300% penalty on the tax sought to be evaded so that they can get her good.
"Truth can not be suppressed and always is the ultimate victor. So, we should tread on the righteous path." - Yajur Veda
"Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with deeper fangs than freedom never endangered" - Marcus Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC)
Pity they still live in Medieval times, though the world has clearly moved on.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Powerful people in the world today
Forbes magazine has recently taken out a list of the world's most powerful people. Interestingly enough, because there are 6.7 billion people in the world today, the list was reduced to 67 individuals only.
I am attaching the top 10 in the list as reported on http://weeksupdate.com/2009/11/obama-tops-worlds-most-powerful-list.html:
1. US President Barack Obama
2. Chinese President Hu Jintao
3. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
4. US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke
5. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page
6. Carlos Slim, chief executive of Mexico's Telmex
7. Rupert Murdoch, chairman of media group News Corp.
8. Michael T. Duke, chief executive of Wal-Mart stores
9. Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz
10. Bill Gates, co-chairman, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The list makes for interesting reading. Our Indian PM, Sh Manmohan Singh, was at no. 36 followed by Osama Bin Laden at no. 37. The only other person on the list with an Indian connection was Dawood Ibrahim, who was quoted to be the head of the "Mumbai-based crime syndicate". He was at no. 50.
Mom's favourite, Oprah was at no. 45, and the Dalai Lama at no. 39.
I think that it's sometimes scary that people who spread hope and good will are put in the same list as mass murderers and terrorists. There is something quite eerie about that. Can good exist without evil alongside?
There is no reason why good cannot triumph as often as evil. The triumph of anything is a matter of organization. If there are such things as angels, I hope that they are organized along the lines of the Mafia.
KURT VONNEGUT, JR., The Sirens of Titan
KURT VONNEGUT, JR., The Sirens of Titan
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
EDMUND BURKE
EDMUND BURKE
The small man thinks that small acts of goodness are of no benefit, and does not do them; and that small deeds of evil do no harm, and does not refrain from them. Hence, his wickedness becomes so great that it cannot be concealed, and his guilt so great that it cannot be pardoned.
CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A weekend well spent
Delhi was bustling with activity this weekend - but that is a wrong statement to make actually.
Delhi is always bustling with activity. But this weekend, I am happy to report, that I was part of the activity in my NCR.
The Saturday started off with a trip to the International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan. We arrived early - around 11, grabbed our tickets (barely took more than 5 mins) and entered the grounds. Good thing too - because that place was going to get even more packed!! I read an article on the Times of India website that said that "the rush on Saturday was unprecedented"!
Maximum rush was at the International stalls - where me and my Mom had also gone. We picked up quite a bit at the Pakistani, Turkey, Vietnam and Thailand stalls. The nazar bandis at the Turkey stall were very very popular.
My Mom calls them Nazar bandis - they're actually called the Nazar Boncuk Charm (or evil eye bead) - which is actually supposed to be an "eye". It is a small bead - usually of blue colour, in which is embedded a little eye looking circle. It is supposed to keep you safe and ward off evil intentions and spirits. I read that they're always put on little babies to protect them from evil.
Why blue though? Why not yellow or red or pink?
Well, actually if you think about it, Turkey is located in a part of the world where there isn't much water. So blue being the colour of water signifies something that is valuable. Plus water is essential for all life.
What astounded me was finding out that they evil eye beads predate the dawn of the Christian era. References have apparently been found on Sumerian clay tablets. In Madhubani art as well, there is a depiction of a one-eyed lady that will protect the home from the evil eye. I myself have drawn such an image.
After that, my husband and I saw a movie, while eating a whole lot of popcorn. The next day was also busy, as I had a lunch date with old friends followed by a nice refreshing walk in the picturesque Lodhi Gardens of Delhi. Very very awesome weekend overall!!
Delhi is always bustling with activity. But this weekend, I am happy to report, that I was part of the activity in my NCR.
The Saturday started off with a trip to the International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan. We arrived early - around 11, grabbed our tickets (barely took more than 5 mins) and entered the grounds. Good thing too - because that place was going to get even more packed!! I read an article on the Times of India website that said that "the rush on Saturday was unprecedented"!
Maximum rush was at the International stalls - where me and my Mom had also gone. We picked up quite a bit at the Pakistani, Turkey, Vietnam and Thailand stalls. The nazar bandis at the Turkey stall were very very popular.
My Mom calls them Nazar bandis - they're actually called the Nazar Boncuk Charm (or evil eye bead) - which is actually supposed to be an "eye". It is a small bead - usually of blue colour, in which is embedded a little eye looking circle. It is supposed to keep you safe and ward off evil intentions and spirits. I read that they're always put on little babies to protect them from evil.
Why blue though? Why not yellow or red or pink?
Well, actually if you think about it, Turkey is located in a part of the world where there isn't much water. So blue being the colour of water signifies something that is valuable. Plus water is essential for all life.
What astounded me was finding out that they evil eye beads predate the dawn of the Christian era. References have apparently been found on Sumerian clay tablets. In Madhubani art as well, there is a depiction of a one-eyed lady that will protect the home from the evil eye. I myself have drawn such an image.
After that, my husband and I saw a movie, while eating a whole lot of popcorn. The next day was also busy, as I had a lunch date with old friends followed by a nice refreshing walk in the picturesque Lodhi Gardens of Delhi. Very very awesome weekend overall!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Think Positive and an excerpt from "Da Vinci Koda"
From TOI's 20.11.2009 edition Sacred Space
(Cuz I really liked the quotations today and will also paste the article in my diary)
Waters from many rivers continually flow into the ocean but the ocean never overfills. In a like manner, desires and attachments constantly flow into the mind of the Illuminated One, but he, like the Ocean, in its deepest depths, is totally still and never disturbed.
- Bhagawad Gita, 2.70
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
- Lao Tzu
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
- Marcus Aurelius
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
- Swami Vivekananda
Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will.
- Norman Vincent Peale
The law of attraction says that like attracts like, and when you think and feel what you want to attract on the inside, the law will use people, circumstances and events to magnetise what you want.
- Rhonda Byrne
From the same newspaper on 20.11.2009 by Jug Suraiya commenting on cash deposits in Da Vinci Koda in his piece, Jugular Vein
"Take just one instance in the Koda case. A henchman of Jharkhand's ex-CM Madhu Koda is said to have paid Rs 640 crore into an nationalised bank. Let alone Rs 640 crore, you try putting in Rs 64000 cash into any bank, nationalised, non-nationalised, or piggy, and the IT heavies will jump on you with hob nailed boots and take you off scremaing to the dungeons to confess under pain of torture of being repeatedly read out Article 17, sub-clause 15(B) of the Income Tax Act 1951 as to just how in hell or hawala you got your filthy little hands on all that moolah, all 64,000 smackers worth of it."
Just to correct, there is no Income Tax Act 1951. What he is referring to is Income Tax Act 1961. Further, there is no Article 17, sub-clause 15(B) in this Act. There is a section 17, but it does not have 15 subsections.
It was a funny piece in any case.
(Cuz I really liked the quotations today and will also paste the article in my diary)
Waters from many rivers continually flow into the ocean but the ocean never overfills. In a like manner, desires and attachments constantly flow into the mind of the Illuminated One, but he, like the Ocean, in its deepest depths, is totally still and never disturbed.
- Bhagawad Gita, 2.70
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
- Lao Tzu
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
- Marcus Aurelius
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
- Swami Vivekananda
Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will.
- Norman Vincent Peale
The law of attraction says that like attracts like, and when you think and feel what you want to attract on the inside, the law will use people, circumstances and events to magnetise what you want.
- Rhonda Byrne
From the same newspaper on 20.11.2009 by Jug Suraiya commenting on cash deposits in Da Vinci Koda in his piece, Jugular Vein
"Take just one instance in the Koda case. A henchman of Jharkhand's ex-CM Madhu Koda is said to have paid Rs 640 crore into an nationalised bank. Let alone Rs 640 crore, you try putting in Rs 64000 cash into any bank, nationalised, non-nationalised, or piggy, and the IT heavies will jump on you with hob nailed boots and take you off scremaing to the dungeons to confess under pain of torture of being repeatedly read out Article 17, sub-clause 15(B) of the Income Tax Act 1951 as to just how in hell or hawala you got your filthy little hands on all that moolah, all 64,000 smackers worth of it."
Just to correct, there is no Income Tax Act 1951. What he is referring to is Income Tax Act 1961. Further, there is no Article 17, sub-clause 15(B) in this Act. There is a section 17, but it does not have 15 subsections.
It was a funny piece in any case.
Heathcliff and Cathy
Man, I know it's been a long time - but I have never read Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Nor have I seen the movie. So even I was surprised when I downloaded the recent miniseries and watched it on my laptop.
It is a sad sad sad story about a love that can only be described as unresolved, which destroyed all that were in contact with Heathcliff and Cathy. Emily Bronte wrote the novel in the 19th century and it was published in 1847 under the pseudonym of Ellis Bell.
I really liked it and I will read the novel as well. You feel for Cathy and Heathcliff - and wish you could just tell them what to do!! It is an amazing novel and Tom Hardy, who played Heathcliff in the miniseries, was just spectacular.
I came across a story on http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/aug/10/books.booksnews which talked about the greatest love story of all time and was surprised (but not astounded) to find Wuthering Heights at no. 1 position. Now I have a theory that the best love stories are always where they never get together (Gone with the Wind, Romeo and Juliet etc). So let's test this hypothesis with the list of top 20 novels given in the website. Now some novels I have not read so if a person who is reading this blog can please offer their own comments on the novels I don't know about, I'd be much obliged.
1 Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë, 1847 Don't get together
2 Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen, 1813 Get together
3 Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare, 1597 Don't get together
4 Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë, 1847 Get together
5 Gone with the Wind Margaret Mitchell, 1936 Don't get together
6 The English Patient Michael Ondaatje, 1992 Don't get together
7 Rebecca Daphne du Maurier, 1938 Don't know, haven't read yet
8 Doctor Zhivago Boris Pasternak, 1957 Don't get together
9 Lady Chatterley's Lover DH Lawrence, 1928 Don't know, haven't read yet
10 Far from The Madding Crowd Thomas Hardy, 1874 Don't know, haven't read yet
11 = My Fair Lady Alan Jay Lerner, 1956 Get together
The African Queen CS Forester, 1935 Don't know, haven't read yet
13 The Great Gatsby F Scott Fitzgerald, 1925 Don't know, haven't read yet
14 Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen, 1811 Get together
15 = The Way We Were Arthur Laurents, 1972 Don't know, haven't read yet
War and Peace Leo Tolstoy, 1865 Don't know, haven't read yet
17 Frenchman's Creek Daphne du Maurier, 1942 Don't know, haven't read yet
18 Persuasion Jane Austen, 1818 Get together
19 Take a Girl Like You Kingsley Amis, 1960 Don't know, haven't read yet
20 Daniel Deronda George Eliot, 1876 Don't know, haven't read yet
I don't know about you, but I like happy endings.
It is a sad sad sad story about a love that can only be described as unresolved, which destroyed all that were in contact with Heathcliff and Cathy. Emily Bronte wrote the novel in the 19th century and it was published in 1847 under the pseudonym of Ellis Bell.
I really liked it and I will read the novel as well. You feel for Cathy and Heathcliff - and wish you could just tell them what to do!! It is an amazing novel and Tom Hardy, who played Heathcliff in the miniseries, was just spectacular.
I came across a story on http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/aug/10/books.booksnews which talked about the greatest love story of all time and was surprised (but not astounded) to find Wuthering Heights at no. 1 position. Now I have a theory that the best love stories are always where they never get together (Gone with the Wind, Romeo and Juliet etc). So let's test this hypothesis with the list of top 20 novels given in the website. Now some novels I have not read so if a person who is reading this blog can please offer their own comments on the novels I don't know about, I'd be much obliged.
1 Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë, 1847 Don't get together
2 Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen, 1813 Get together
3 Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare, 1597 Don't get together
4 Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë, 1847 Get together
5 Gone with the Wind Margaret Mitchell, 1936 Don't get together
6 The English Patient Michael Ondaatje, 1992 Don't get together
7 Rebecca Daphne du Maurier, 1938 Don't know, haven't read yet
8 Doctor Zhivago Boris Pasternak, 1957 Don't get together
9 Lady Chatterley's Lover DH Lawrence, 1928 Don't know, haven't read yet
10 Far from The Madding Crowd Thomas Hardy, 1874 Don't know, haven't read yet
11 = My Fair Lady Alan Jay Lerner, 1956 Get together
The African Queen CS Forester, 1935 Don't know, haven't read yet
13 The Great Gatsby F Scott Fitzgerald, 1925 Don't know, haven't read yet
14 Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen, 1811 Get together
15 = The Way We Were Arthur Laurents, 1972 Don't know, haven't read yet
War and Peace Leo Tolstoy, 1865 Don't know, haven't read yet
17 Frenchman's Creek Daphne du Maurier, 1942 Don't know, haven't read yet
18 Persuasion Jane Austen, 1818 Get together
19 Take a Girl Like You Kingsley Amis, 1960 Don't know, haven't read yet
20 Daniel Deronda George Eliot, 1876 Don't know, haven't read yet
I don't know about you, but I like happy endings.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Big Bang Theory
Georges Lemaître proposed what came to be known as the Big Bang Theory - that our whole universe came into existence after a huge explosion in the cosmics.
But that's not what I'm going to write about.
I love this television series called The Big Bang Theory, which I watch on megavideo.com off and on. It's just so funny!! There are five main characters in it - Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard and Raj. All of them are scientists, except Penny who is a waitress and not that bright.
One of the funniest television shows I've seen!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Great Mughals
I know I know. I haven't been reading my novels and books and I haven't posted anything on my books blog for a long time. I've been busy.
But I did remember something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. I keep forgetting my Indian history, so I thought I'd do a bit of a refresher course here on one of my blog entries.
Great Mughal era lasted from and the main rulers were as follows:
Humayun (1508-1556) buried at Delhi, India
Akbar (1542-1605) buried at Sikandra, near Agra, UP, India
Jehangir (1569-1627) buried at Shahdara Bagh in Lahore, Pakistan
Shah Jahan (1592-1666) buried at Agra, UP, India
Aurangzeb (1618-1707) buried at Aurangabad (Khultabad), Maharashtra, India
I've been to the tombs of emperors Humayun, Akbar and Shah Jahan. Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb I was near, but I couldn't visit since the time had elapsed and it had fallen dark. I saw the Ajanta and Ellora caves nearby. What surprised me was Aurangzeb's ambition. It could not have been an easy task trying to capture the Deccan area.
He was a cruel yet pragmatic ruler. His ambition to the throne and tenacity to defeat kept him alive. He died at the age of 89 years, which is remarkable; particularly considering the life expectancy back then.
But I did remember something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. I keep forgetting my Indian history, so I thought I'd do a bit of a refresher course here on one of my blog entries.
Great Mughal era lasted from and the main rulers were as follows:
Humayun (1508-1556) buried at Delhi, India
Akbar (1542-1605) buried at Sikandra, near Agra, UP, India
Jehangir (1569-1627) buried at Shahdara Bagh in Lahore, Pakistan
Shah Jahan (1592-1666) buried at Agra, UP, India
Aurangzeb (1618-1707) buried at Aurangabad (Khultabad), Maharashtra, India
I've been to the tombs of emperors Humayun, Akbar and Shah Jahan. Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb I was near, but I couldn't visit since the time had elapsed and it had fallen dark. I saw the Ajanta and Ellora caves nearby. What surprised me was Aurangzeb's ambition. It could not have been an easy task trying to capture the Deccan area.
He was a cruel yet pragmatic ruler. His ambition to the throne and tenacity to defeat kept him alive. He died at the age of 89 years, which is remarkable; particularly considering the life expectancy back then.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Manu Sharma and Drag Me to Hell
Well, I saw a horror movie yesterday which was very scary, and I read something in today's paper which was equally scary. Sometimes I think that reality is stranger than fiction. Today I think that reality is definitely scarier than fiction.
Manu Sharma is the convicted killer of Jessica Lal, a case in India that got a lot of media attention after Manu Sharma killed Jessica Lal in cold blood because she refused to serve him an alcoholic beverage at their local club. In a rage he killed her in front of eye witnesses and fled the scene.
The police found it difficult to piece together a case as many of the witnesses turned hostile and the murder weapon was never recovered. Thanks to civil society though, the case was kept alive and a few months back Manu Sharma was given life imprisonment for the heinous crime.
So why am I writing about this?
Well apparently there are some laws in this country that allow a convicted felon like Manu Sharma to take bail -- to ostensibly take care of his ailing mother. Now, why a person facing life imprisonment should be allowed such a liberty, I just cannot fathom. And that it is a facility allowed to all prisoners is just scary. To think, I may be sitting in some cinema hall and the guy next to me could be out on bail for a life term.
That makes no sense whatsoever.
Oh yes, and I'm not far off with that cinema scenario. Manu Sharma was found loitering around at a night club in Delhi yesterday. Needless to say that today's press publicity will surely create a damper on his mood; and hopefully send him back to prison, where a person who is supposed to be serving a life imprisonment sentence, belongs.
Oh yes, and the role of our legislators. Really, they should rethink loopholes like this. It is unfair and dangerous; It makes a mockery of the efforts of the police who helped convict the criminal; It is a sham and devalues human life. One cannot even imagine what the family of the victim must be going through at this point of time.
You do the crime, you should do the time.
And what if there are laws like this? Our chief minister has gone on record to say that there was no special circumstance by which Manu Sharma got this privilege. It is extended to all prisoners.
In response, I can only say: RETHINK THE LAW.
Just because something IS, doesn't mean that it SHOULD BE.
I think that if politicians focused on actual issues rather than fighting over what language the oath was administered in while being sworn in, there would be more progress in this country.
Manu Sharma is the convicted killer of Jessica Lal, a case in India that got a lot of media attention after Manu Sharma killed Jessica Lal in cold blood because she refused to serve him an alcoholic beverage at their local club. In a rage he killed her in front of eye witnesses and fled the scene.
The police found it difficult to piece together a case as many of the witnesses turned hostile and the murder weapon was never recovered. Thanks to civil society though, the case was kept alive and a few months back Manu Sharma was given life imprisonment for the heinous crime.
So why am I writing about this?
Well apparently there are some laws in this country that allow a convicted felon like Manu Sharma to take bail -- to ostensibly take care of his ailing mother. Now, why a person facing life imprisonment should be allowed such a liberty, I just cannot fathom. And that it is a facility allowed to all prisoners is just scary. To think, I may be sitting in some cinema hall and the guy next to me could be out on bail for a life term.
That makes no sense whatsoever.
Oh yes, and I'm not far off with that cinema scenario. Manu Sharma was found loitering around at a night club in Delhi yesterday. Needless to say that today's press publicity will surely create a damper on his mood; and hopefully send him back to prison, where a person who is supposed to be serving a life imprisonment sentence, belongs.
Oh yes, and the role of our legislators. Really, they should rethink loopholes like this. It is unfair and dangerous; It makes a mockery of the efforts of the police who helped convict the criminal; It is a sham and devalues human life. One cannot even imagine what the family of the victim must be going through at this point of time.
You do the crime, you should do the time.
And what if there are laws like this? Our chief minister has gone on record to say that there was no special circumstance by which Manu Sharma got this privilege. It is extended to all prisoners.
In response, I can only say: RETHINK THE LAW.
Just because something IS, doesn't mean that it SHOULD BE.
I think that if politicians focused on actual issues rather than fighting over what language the oath was administered in while being sworn in, there would be more progress in this country.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The new NGMA, This is it and a new Sci Fi
Okay, so I had a really nice weekend.
I decided to go and catch the exhibit at the National Gallery of Modern Art of the paintings flown in from the Victoria and Albert Museum called "Indian Life and Landscape by Western Artists". It was a cool exhibit - some of the scenes were beautiful and it was amazing that there was so much detail in some of the works. Plus, NGMA has been totally redone and has new wings so I recommend that everyone who is in Delhi should now go and see the current exhibit and the new wings showing the permanent exhibits.
We also went and saw Michael Jackson's documentary cum musical called "This is It". It was sad to see him so thin and emaciated. But he did look like he was enjoying himself; and after all, he was the King of Pop. Music was his life.
I just wish he'd taken better care of himself.
Last but not least, I saw an amazing movie which I recommend 100% called "Moon". It is starring Sam Rockwell and it is amazing. You figure out most of it through the film; but it is a good watch nonetheless. I give it a 5/5.
Rottentomatoes.com gave it an 89%. Go see it if you haven't!!
I decided to go and catch the exhibit at the National Gallery of Modern Art of the paintings flown in from the Victoria and Albert Museum called "Indian Life and Landscape by Western Artists". It was a cool exhibit - some of the scenes were beautiful and it was amazing that there was so much detail in some of the works. Plus, NGMA has been totally redone and has new wings so I recommend that everyone who is in Delhi should now go and see the current exhibit and the new wings showing the permanent exhibits.
We also went and saw Michael Jackson's documentary cum musical called "This is It". It was sad to see him so thin and emaciated. But he did look like he was enjoying himself; and after all, he was the King of Pop. Music was his life.
I just wish he'd taken better care of himself.
Last but not least, I saw an amazing movie which I recommend 100% called "Moon". It is starring Sam Rockwell and it is amazing. You figure out most of it through the film; but it is a good watch nonetheless. I give it a 5/5.
Rottentomatoes.com gave it an 89%. Go see it if you haven't!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I love you Beth Cooper (2009)
Beth Cooper is the cool girl in school and on the day of their graduation, the class valedictorian professes his undying love for her. What ensues is a helter skelter of comedic runaway scenes, some silly moments and an overall okay movie.
I didn't mind it so much. It was actually quite tragic at some points. Kids leaving the safety of their homes, the last few moments in high school, an exercise in self belief and self worth....
What was there not to like? It could have been made into a mini series on television I thought; a sort of cute take on Reality Bites.
It didn't do too well at the Box Office though.
My verdict: 3/5. And definitely worth watching once on DVD.
I've decided to start writing the capital of a country (and other facts) that I keep forgetting at the bottom of my blogs to keep up with my GK. So today's capital is of TANZANIA which is DODOMA. The most well known city though is DAR ES SALAAM, which is well known. A portmanteau of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, it is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 4600 m.
I didn't mind it so much. It was actually quite tragic at some points. Kids leaving the safety of their homes, the last few moments in high school, an exercise in self belief and self worth....
What was there not to like? It could have been made into a mini series on television I thought; a sort of cute take on Reality Bites.
It didn't do too well at the Box Office though.
My verdict: 3/5. And definitely worth watching once on DVD.
I've decided to start writing the capital of a country (and other facts) that I keep forgetting at the bottom of my blogs to keep up with my GK. So today's capital is of TANZANIA which is DODOMA. The most well known city though is DAR ES SALAAM, which is well known. A portmanteau of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, it is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 4600 m.
Friday, October 30, 2009
A day before the Day of the Dead
Halloween has its origins 2500 years ago with the Celtics (basic Ireland), who believed that on this day, the last day of the year, dead spirits would rise and walk the Earth. To ward off these spirits, they would decorate their houses with bones and other scary items.
Ofcourse now it is celebrated differently, with horror movies being one of the main features.
So today of all days, I watched a horror movie on Halloween. How original right?
The one I saw was Paranormal Activity. It's been making waves in the US, primarily because it was a low budget film shot for $15000 and the director Oren Peli is a novice who has made a really great film.
It is a good film. The camera movements give you a headache though sometimes. I noticed this about me in Rachel Getting Married as well, where I vomitted after the film got over.
The ending in the DVD version is the one I saw, not the Spielberg ending. I liked it. It leaves you a little scared. The way she just keeps rocking is very eerie.
Ofcourse now it is celebrated differently, with horror movies being one of the main features.
So today of all days, I watched a horror movie on Halloween. How original right?
The one I saw was Paranormal Activity. It's been making waves in the US, primarily because it was a low budget film shot for $15000 and the director Oren Peli is a novice who has made a really great film.
It is a good film. The camera movements give you a headache though sometimes. I noticed this about me in Rachel Getting Married as well, where I vomitted after the film got over.
The ending in the DVD version is the one I saw, not the Spielberg ending. I liked it. It leaves you a little scared. The way she just keeps rocking is very eerie.
Lax security norms at Goa Airport
I read the most horrifying news story today about how Goan authorities are letting people enter India before getting a visa prior to arrival. The procedure is that you are supposed to get a visa from the Indian Embassy in the country of origin before you proceed for travel to India. There are some exceptional cases where visa can be issued on arrival in India - like family emergency etc.
Now I can only guess why they did this, as can us all. Most of the tourists who availed this facility - almost 2000 in all - were from Russia it seems. I don't know about most things, but I do know that Russia is a BIG country, and it may not always be possible to apply before hand for a visa. In some cases, the country requires you to come in person, and the process can take upto two weeks. E.g., in a recent case that I know of who wants to go to Copenhagen for the UN Conference on Climate Change, she has to fly to New York to get the visa and apply in person to the authorities in Denmark. This is, as you can imagine, costing at least $300 more. You can't simply send your passport and get it back by courier.
I know that in most places you can have tough laws and you can have easy laws. India is often criticized for its many digresses, lack of procedure etc. But what happens to the person who was deboarded at Czech Republic because he did not have a transit visa for London? And this poor guy was flying in from Poland. Do you make out that there is a security threat because he didn't know that to stay at Heathrow Airport you needed a visa? What of the time, money and anguish that was spent?
That's when I wish we were more harsh at Indian airports. But not indiscriminate harsh; just firm.
Now I can only guess why they did this, as can us all. Most of the tourists who availed this facility - almost 2000 in all - were from Russia it seems. I don't know about most things, but I do know that Russia is a BIG country, and it may not always be possible to apply before hand for a visa. In some cases, the country requires you to come in person, and the process can take upto two weeks. E.g., in a recent case that I know of who wants to go to Copenhagen for the UN Conference on Climate Change, she has to fly to New York to get the visa and apply in person to the authorities in Denmark. This is, as you can imagine, costing at least $300 more. You can't simply send your passport and get it back by courier.
I know that in most places you can have tough laws and you can have easy laws. India is often criticized for its many digresses, lack of procedure etc. But what happens to the person who was deboarded at Czech Republic because he did not have a transit visa for London? And this poor guy was flying in from Poland. Do you make out that there is a security threat because he didn't know that to stay at Heathrow Airport you needed a visa? What of the time, money and anguish that was spent?
That's when I wish we were more harsh at Indian airports. But not indiscriminate harsh; just firm.
Ice Age 3: Rise of the Dinosaurs
So I got to see this really cute animation film called Ice Age 3. I've seen Ice Age 1 and Ice Age 2 before - they were cute. I liked Ice Age 1 because the story was just so adorable. You put a cute little baby, a giant mammoth, a lazy sloth and a sabre tooth together and youv'e got a great plot.
I marvel at the imagination that goes into making these kinds of films. Ray Romano is excellent as the lead and so is the sloth, whose voice is actually of John Leguizamo's - you may remember him from The Happening and Moulin Rouge.
But what really really really gets to you in this 3rd installment - not Buck - the cavalier dinosaur chaser - but the cute little T Rexes who Sid tries to raise as his children. They were just so adorable. I don't know how you can make carnivorous fangs look cute but Blue Skies Studios certainly did!!
Seriously recommending with a 5/5 star recommendation. Go see it if you haven't. If you have kids, get the DVD for them!!
I marvel at the imagination that goes into making these kinds of films. Ray Romano is excellent as the lead and so is the sloth, whose voice is actually of John Leguizamo's - you may remember him from The Happening and Moulin Rouge.
But what really really really gets to you in this 3rd installment - not Buck - the cavalier dinosaur chaser - but the cute little T Rexes who Sid tries to raise as his children. They were just so adorable. I don't know how you can make carnivorous fangs look cute but Blue Skies Studios certainly did!!
Seriously recommending with a 5/5 star recommendation. Go see it if you haven't. If you have kids, get the DVD for them!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Babies, Brown and Badams
So I've moved into a place of my own. Earlier I was living alone as well, in Ludhiana - but now am part of a set of two, so there's more accountability one can say. It's not easy getting up at 6:30 am though. One great thing is that my husband has set up the Internet on wifi so I can pretty much write this blog from anywhere in the apartment.
We have a set of loud neighbours. I think it's the architecture of the apartments above that is more to blame than anything else. Plus that they are loud doesn't help much. Before we moved in we were told that a single lady lives there - now that we've moved in it's more like a family of three.
C'est la vie. A case of the lemons I guess. What to do? We've signed the lease and in Delhi it's not that easy to find a great place to stay.
Two of my close friends are expecting their first borns soon and it's so cute to hear about it!! Babies are great stress busters - 100% is the case if they're not yours - cuz you can play with them and forget all your problems. Mom tells me that one should always visualise strong healthy kids and that's what you'll get.
Dan Brown's Lost Symbol is what I'm reading these days. It's a good book - I'm 60% through it right now and I like it. In fact one can now see Robert Langdon solely as Tom Hanks, which is maybe not so much of a good thing. Imagination goes out of the window. But since there has been A Da Vinci Code and an Angels and Demons, it's too much to expect that your brain won't automatically revert to a picture image of Robert Langdon.
As part of the schedule for the day, I soak 10 badams every night for me and my husband. They actually taste really great at breakfast time and are very very healthy.
We have a set of loud neighbours. I think it's the architecture of the apartments above that is more to blame than anything else. Plus that they are loud doesn't help much. Before we moved in we were told that a single lady lives there - now that we've moved in it's more like a family of three.
C'est la vie. A case of the lemons I guess. What to do? We've signed the lease and in Delhi it's not that easy to find a great place to stay.
Two of my close friends are expecting their first borns soon and it's so cute to hear about it!! Babies are great stress busters - 100% is the case if they're not yours - cuz you can play with them and forget all your problems. Mom tells me that one should always visualise strong healthy kids and that's what you'll get.
Dan Brown's Lost Symbol is what I'm reading these days. It's a good book - I'm 60% through it right now and I like it. In fact one can now see Robert Langdon solely as Tom Hanks, which is maybe not so much of a good thing. Imagination goes out of the window. But since there has been A Da Vinci Code and an Angels and Demons, it's too much to expect that your brain won't automatically revert to a picture image of Robert Langdon.
As part of the schedule for the day, I soak 10 badams every night for me and my husband. They actually taste really great at breakfast time and are very very healthy.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Update
I wanted to let you know the status of my July 11 post.
I still have to finish the following novels:
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Alberto Urrea
Hot Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman
Everest Hotel by Allan Seally
In the meantime, I've started another one called The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever. Now, I hate to admit this, considering that I read so much, but I've never read a Bronte novel. I really should read one. This book is okay... a little too "Bridget Jones type". In this she does have a bf though, who has just shirked away from his marriage commitment by going off to France for a year.
I'd love to go off somewhere in Europe too!! But I'd like to have my husband with me though!!
I've also started reading a book on Yoga Nidra. It's quite interesting.
I still have to finish the following novels:
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Alberto Urrea
Hot Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman
Everest Hotel by Allan Seally
In the meantime, I've started another one called The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever. Now, I hate to admit this, considering that I read so much, but I've never read a Bronte novel. I really should read one. This book is okay... a little too "Bridget Jones type". In this she does have a bf though, who has just shirked away from his marriage commitment by going off to France for a year.
I'd love to go off somewhere in Europe too!! But I'd like to have my husband with me though!!
I've also started reading a book on Yoga Nidra. It's quite interesting.
The Alchemist and Diwali
I was reading about The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown on amazon.com recently. It's on the New York Times Best Seller list and has just been released in hardback. It's doing very well apparently in terms of sales.
On the side of the New York Times list I noticed an article on a book I read a while back called The Alchemist. I had actually not read this book for a long time, and I'd only heard about it. Then one day in Ludhiana I found a copy lying around so I picked it up. It only took me a day to finish the book. But I was mesmerised. Now I know, some of you may think - what is it about this book? After all, did you know that since its publication, it has sold 65 million copies? It was first published in Brazil in 1988.
The theme of the book is sort of like Byrne's The Secret. You are what you will yourself to be. If you work hard enough, you will get it. And the Universe will conspire to get it for you. If you think positively, positive things will happen.
Diwali is around the corner here in India and I think that one should pick up books just like The Alchemist around this time. It'll rejuvenate you for the rest of the year.
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paolo Coelho
"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”
- Paolo Coelho
On the side of the New York Times list I noticed an article on a book I read a while back called The Alchemist. I had actually not read this book for a long time, and I'd only heard about it. Then one day in Ludhiana I found a copy lying around so I picked it up. It only took me a day to finish the book. But I was mesmerised. Now I know, some of you may think - what is it about this book? After all, did you know that since its publication, it has sold 65 million copies? It was first published in Brazil in 1988.
The theme of the book is sort of like Byrne's The Secret. You are what you will yourself to be. If you work hard enough, you will get it. And the Universe will conspire to get it for you. If you think positively, positive things will happen.
Diwali is around the corner here in India and I think that one should pick up books just like The Alchemist around this time. It'll rejuvenate you for the rest of the year.
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paolo Coelho
"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”
- Paolo Coelho
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Angels and Demons (2009)
I just watched the film.
It's slick and fast paced. It definitely helps if you've read the book - cuz it'll be easier to pick up the story.
There are a lot of deviations from the book though. The Pope in the book is also the father of one of the characters - although the child is a miracle of science more than anything else, which is one reason why the Pope was a believer of the good of science. That was one of the major things that happens in the book, one of the most controversial points because of the divergent views on modern medicine and artificial means of reproduction.
All that is cut though. I remember I had read that the movie could not be shot in Vatican City because the Church was not happy with The Da Vinci Code. So I was surprised at how well reconstructed the sets were and how real the whole thing looked. Even the insides of the church, some of Bernini's statues - all quite well done.
Italy is a beautiful country to visit, steeped in a rich cultural heritage that has been well preserved over time. The deep seated religious beliefs of the country are comparable to those we find in India.
My verdict: Read the book, then watch the film.
"Only Angels and Demons can raise the dead".
It's slick and fast paced. It definitely helps if you've read the book - cuz it'll be easier to pick up the story.
There are a lot of deviations from the book though. The Pope in the book is also the father of one of the characters - although the child is a miracle of science more than anything else, which is one reason why the Pope was a believer of the good of science. That was one of the major things that happens in the book, one of the most controversial points because of the divergent views on modern medicine and artificial means of reproduction.
All that is cut though. I remember I had read that the movie could not be shot in Vatican City because the Church was not happy with The Da Vinci Code. So I was surprised at how well reconstructed the sets were and how real the whole thing looked. Even the insides of the church, some of Bernini's statues - all quite well done.
Italy is a beautiful country to visit, steeped in a rich cultural heritage that has been well preserved over time. The deep seated religious beliefs of the country are comparable to those we find in India.
My verdict: Read the book, then watch the film.
"Only Angels and Demons can raise the dead".
Friday, October 9, 2009
Karva Chauth in Nagpur
Yups, am now married and observed Karva Chauth on the 7th of October. Due to work I was in Nagpur that week.
There was an article in Times of India that day on how Karva Chauth was a festival that "trapped women". That's my reading from the article anyway. Apart from the article being badly structured and having no point, what I couldn't understand is how a festival, which celebrates the deep union between a husband and a wife, is actually sweet in its own way and has a completely peaceful agenda can be subverted to be a tool of patriarchal repression.
If you ask me, they're reading too much into it.
It was tough fasting without water. But more than anything it was an endurance exercise. Hell, I've done worse and felt worse while I was trekking upto 15000 feet in the Himalayas. My body was acclimatizing and at the same time I was trying to get as much oxygen in my body as I could.
I had a typically traditional karva chauth. I woke up at 4 o'clock, bathed, ate some fruit and the sayweeya. Then I fell back off to sleep because I had a long day of work ahead of me.
The day went keeping away from food and all forms of strenuous exercise. Needless to say I did not rush out and go jogging. I took the day easy and then after work came back, changed into the lovely saree I'd gotten from my Mom and got all ready for the pooja ceremony in the evening.
The pooja ceremony consists of worship of the karva (the earthen jar) which represents Lord Ganesha. You have a simple prayer in your head and wish for the good and long life of your husband and all your near and dear ones. A thali is arranged with all sorts of items (16 in my case) which are regularly used by you, which will be donated later. Since it was my first karva chauth, I also had in the pooja items that I was going to give my Mom, which I did the pooja with.
Around 8:00 the moon was sighted (thank god!!) and we broke the fast around 8:30. My sweet husband waited for me to have dinner first before he did, so that even though we were in different cities at least we could eat dinner at the same time.
Did I feel that I was being suppressed? In fact, the four of us married ladies who did the pooja together shared a common bond that day. They also took special care of me since it was my first karva chauth, and I'm glad that I had them around.
If anything, I felt it made you stronger as a woman and united us all together.
There was an article in Times of India that day on how Karva Chauth was a festival that "trapped women". That's my reading from the article anyway. Apart from the article being badly structured and having no point, what I couldn't understand is how a festival, which celebrates the deep union between a husband and a wife, is actually sweet in its own way and has a completely peaceful agenda can be subverted to be a tool of patriarchal repression.
If you ask me, they're reading too much into it.
It was tough fasting without water. But more than anything it was an endurance exercise. Hell, I've done worse and felt worse while I was trekking upto 15000 feet in the Himalayas. My body was acclimatizing and at the same time I was trying to get as much oxygen in my body as I could.
I had a typically traditional karva chauth. I woke up at 4 o'clock, bathed, ate some fruit and the sayweeya. Then I fell back off to sleep because I had a long day of work ahead of me.
The day went keeping away from food and all forms of strenuous exercise. Needless to say I did not rush out and go jogging. I took the day easy and then after work came back, changed into the lovely saree I'd gotten from my Mom and got all ready for the pooja ceremony in the evening.
The pooja ceremony consists of worship of the karva (the earthen jar) which represents Lord Ganesha. You have a simple prayer in your head and wish for the good and long life of your husband and all your near and dear ones. A thali is arranged with all sorts of items (16 in my case) which are regularly used by you, which will be donated later. Since it was my first karva chauth, I also had in the pooja items that I was going to give my Mom, which I did the pooja with.
Around 8:00 the moon was sighted (thank god!!) and we broke the fast around 8:30. My sweet husband waited for me to have dinner first before he did, so that even though we were in different cities at least we could eat dinner at the same time.
Did I feel that I was being suppressed? In fact, the four of us married ladies who did the pooja together shared a common bond that day. They also took special care of me since it was my first karva chauth, and I'm glad that I had them around.
If anything, I felt it made you stronger as a woman and united us all together.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
100 most inspirational movies of all time
The American Film Institute's List of the 100 most inspirational movies of all time:
Monday, September 28, 2009
Outlander (2008) and Observe and Report (2009)
Well this long Dusshera weekend was spent chilling, cooking Chinese food (only on Dusshera) and watching the new Amazing Race that has started on AXN. I also read the newspaper, heard the crackers and bought a new fridge and a new washing machine for our new apartment, which we will be shifting into shortly.
It's difficult setting up a new house; and quite an expensive affair. Thankfully our families have chipped in so it's not as hideously expensive as I thought it would be. And I will get a chance to try out my cooking skills... hmmmm.....
So this weekend I watched two films - Outlander (2008) and Observe and Report (2009).
Let me just say on the outset, that no one in their right minds should watch Observe and Report. It is a sad sad movie which is just so bad that one can't imagine how they got the money to make this film and the person who thought up the concept was just so sad that he came up with this film. Ugghhh...
Outlander on the other hand is an interesting film. Set in the times of the Vikings, it shows what happens when a stranger (Outlander) comes crashing from outer space (maybe from the future?) and brings with him an alien dragon. Yes, this plot is totally unrealistic, so far removed from reality that you will actually sit on a Saturday evening and watch what can only be termed as brainless entertainment and feel better having watched it. But it is still better than Observe and Report (2009).
I've started to read The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever. It's going okay right now - the main character appears very sad and forlorn, with no direction or sense of purpose. Another thing about these Bridget Jones types of books is that they all seem to say that "If you aren't married - there's something wrong with you" or something to that effect. I wonder what the silent Victorian (the main character in the book studies old letters by Charlotte Bronte) will do later on in the book.
It's difficult setting up a new house; and quite an expensive affair. Thankfully our families have chipped in so it's not as hideously expensive as I thought it would be. And I will get a chance to try out my cooking skills... hmmmm.....
So this weekend I watched two films - Outlander (2008) and Observe and Report (2009).
Let me just say on the outset, that no one in their right minds should watch Observe and Report. It is a sad sad movie which is just so bad that one can't imagine how they got the money to make this film and the person who thought up the concept was just so sad that he came up with this film. Ugghhh...
Outlander on the other hand is an interesting film. Set in the times of the Vikings, it shows what happens when a stranger (Outlander) comes crashing from outer space (maybe from the future?) and brings with him an alien dragon. Yes, this plot is totally unrealistic, so far removed from reality that you will actually sit on a Saturday evening and watch what can only be termed as brainless entertainment and feel better having watched it. But it is still better than Observe and Report (2009).
I've started to read The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever. It's going okay right now - the main character appears very sad and forlorn, with no direction or sense of purpose. Another thing about these Bridget Jones types of books is that they all seem to say that "If you aren't married - there's something wrong with you" or something to that effect. I wonder what the silent Victorian (the main character in the book studies old letters by Charlotte Bronte) will do later on in the book.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
State of Play (2009)
I watched this movie a bit blurry eyed. Russel Crowe plays an intrepid, yet sloppy reporter for the Washington Globe covering a major story that has the potential of bringing down a US Congressman who is in the midst of a very important corporate hearing.
A conspiracy theory though is abound and like all slick Hollywood movies, this one directed by Kevin MacDonald unfolds at a fairly good pace. It'll hold your attention and keep you guessing.
Russel Crowe's partner in reporting is the pretty Rachel McAdams. I really liked her in The Notebook and she's pretty good in Red Eye as well. She's playing the lead role in The Time Traveller's Wife opposite Eric Bana. That looks like a good movie as well.
I don't know how people think up books like The Time Traveller's Wife. I read it last year and it is a good yarn - a little bizarre but once you get used to the plot, it gets believable. One thing about that book is that it is very well written and you can't put it down. I would recommend reading the book because I'm sure the movie will not be able to match up to it.
It's also my baby brother's bday today!! Happy Bday little bro!! :)
A conspiracy theory though is abound and like all slick Hollywood movies, this one directed by Kevin MacDonald unfolds at a fairly good pace. It'll hold your attention and keep you guessing.
Russel Crowe's partner in reporting is the pretty Rachel McAdams. I really liked her in The Notebook and she's pretty good in Red Eye as well. She's playing the lead role in The Time Traveller's Wife opposite Eric Bana. That looks like a good movie as well.
I don't know how people think up books like The Time Traveller's Wife. I read it last year and it is a good yarn - a little bizarre but once you get used to the plot, it gets believable. One thing about that book is that it is very well written and you can't put it down. I would recommend reading the book because I'm sure the movie will not be able to match up to it.
It's also my baby brother's bday today!! Happy Bday little bro!! :)
Friday, September 18, 2009
El Khader
El Khader is a site of ruins located in the West Bank, Israel. National Geographic wrote about it as this:
"The ruins of El Khader (seen in the picture enclosed), a cross-shaped church built sometime between the fourth and seventh centuries and rebuilt by 12th-century crusaders, still stand on the outskirts of the town. For nearly a millennium after Christ, such Christian villages dominated the rocky hilltops of Palestine, declared holy ground by the emperor Constantine after his conversion to Christianity in 312."
Looks like an interesting place to go - right?
TATA Nano
Well, why am I writing about the TATA Nano?
First and foremost, I saw one of my first TATA Nanos on the road - that also on the Kalka-Zirakpur Highway a few weeks back. It looks like a cute little car - silver colour with little wheels and a little body...
What I've heard is that it is not advisable to drive this car on long journeys - it's more like a car you'd buy your veggies in and take the kids to school and back. It's meant for cities - and that too with loadsa traffic jams so that the slow pace of the car makes up for the lack in the engine capacity.
That's what I've heard.
Another big controversy is how this Rs 1 lakhs car (roughly $2000) is going to create a ruckus on the roads because obviously its low price is going to make it affordable to many more people. Eminent scientists and environmentalists have raised their objections on the car and how much pollution it'll add.
But a car is a car. I never saw anyone say anything when rich families were buying Skodas and Mercedes - just because they can afford more than one does it mean someone from a low class can't buy a cheap car? The "class" argument just didn't make any sense to me.
Plus I do think that our public transport deserves a lot of the blame. I haven't been in a bus since my college days - but I will tell you this - I didn't like getting mauled; I didn't like getting brushed up against; I didn't like getting my pocket picked; I didn't like almost dying because the bloody bus wouldn't stop for more than 3 seconds at the bus stop...
Argh.....
GO NANO!!!!!!
First and foremost, I saw one of my first TATA Nanos on the road - that also on the Kalka-Zirakpur Highway a few weeks back. It looks like a cute little car - silver colour with little wheels and a little body...
What I've heard is that it is not advisable to drive this car on long journeys - it's more like a car you'd buy your veggies in and take the kids to school and back. It's meant for cities - and that too with loadsa traffic jams so that the slow pace of the car makes up for the lack in the engine capacity.
That's what I've heard.
Another big controversy is how this Rs 1 lakhs car (roughly $2000) is going to create a ruckus on the roads because obviously its low price is going to make it affordable to many more people. Eminent scientists and environmentalists have raised their objections on the car and how much pollution it'll add.
But a car is a car. I never saw anyone say anything when rich families were buying Skodas and Mercedes - just because they can afford more than one does it mean someone from a low class can't buy a cheap car? The "class" argument just didn't make any sense to me.
Plus I do think that our public transport deserves a lot of the blame. I haven't been in a bus since my college days - but I will tell you this - I didn't like getting mauled; I didn't like getting brushed up against; I didn't like getting my pocket picked; I didn't like almost dying because the bloody bus wouldn't stop for more than 3 seconds at the bus stop...
Argh.....
GO NANO!!!!!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
30 days of night (2007)
I don't know why I didn't end up writing about this movie.
Now it's a typical slasher type film. There are vampires that descend on this little Alaskan town that goes through a phase of 30 days of complete darkness. They speak an eerie language and are creepy little critters on the whole with an insatiable taste for blood.
What more would one expect right? They are vampires after all!!
Why I write a separate blog on this is because of one of the lead characters, played by the cutie Josh Hartnett who plays the macho sheriff. He is just so good looking.... sigh!!
All in all, not a bad tv movie to watch on a Saturday with your own cutie on Star Movies.
Now it's a typical slasher type film. There are vampires that descend on this little Alaskan town that goes through a phase of 30 days of complete darkness. They speak an eerie language and are creepy little critters on the whole with an insatiable taste for blood.
What more would one expect right? They are vampires after all!!
Why I write a separate blog on this is because of one of the lead characters, played by the cutie Josh Hartnett who plays the macho sheriff. He is just so good looking.... sigh!!
All in all, not a bad tv movie to watch on a Saturday with your own cutie on Star Movies.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Khap Panchayats
In Haryana, a long established system of justice is still alive in the form of Khap Panchayats. Times of India today ran a full page segment on this system of law and order.
While there may be some benefits of having the local elders deciding on how punishments should be metted out, what is disturbing is what are considered crimes by these elders and how these crimes are punished.
From what I have read, the punishments range from flogging, rape and eviction. Some of the crimes include marriage within the same gotra and love marriages.
One quote that has become famous is "Love marriages are dirty, I don’t even want to repeat the word...Only whores can choose their partners". This was reported in Times of India today.
One awful story told was that of a young girl who fell in love. She was apparently stripped naked and hung from a tree.
Education is frowned upon by these panchayats, who state that this is the reason for most of the errant behaviour. This in a state that has the lowest sex ratio in India, and competes with Punjab for that position.
What should the government be doing about these honour killings I wonder?
While there may be some benefits of having the local elders deciding on how punishments should be metted out, what is disturbing is what are considered crimes by these elders and how these crimes are punished.
From what I have read, the punishments range from flogging, rape and eviction. Some of the crimes include marriage within the same gotra and love marriages.
One quote that has become famous is "Love marriages are dirty, I don’t even want to repeat the word...Only whores can choose their partners". This was reported in Times of India today.
One awful story told was that of a young girl who fell in love. She was apparently stripped naked and hung from a tree.
Education is frowned upon by these panchayats, who state that this is the reason for most of the errant behaviour. This in a state that has the lowest sex ratio in India, and competes with Punjab for that position.
What should the government be doing about these honour killings I wonder?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Ancient City of Petra
I recently got hooked on one of National Geographic's programmes called "Ancient Megastructures". Every week they cover a huge structure made in ancient times -- and it's amazing to see how the structures came together. I saw one episode on Angkor Wat; yday I saw one on Petra.
I haven't been to Petra. My sister has - she was in Israel and she went on a tour to Jordon just to see it. I heard from her just how beautiful it was. So when the programme outline talked about it, I was sure I would watch it.
Interestingly enough, Petra was constructed by a group of very wealthy traders called Nabataeans. There had been settlements before that, but it was the Nabataeans who using their genius on water engineering and dams managed to create a city that had water supply all year around. Apart from this though, is the architectural feat achieved with the building of the Khazneh.
The Khazneh was in all probability a burial site, and hence is a tomb of some sorts. Recent archaelogical digging has revealed that beneath the Khazneh were more rooms.
It is intriguing to come across cities that are so ancient and beautiful. Earthquakes they say have led to a lot of the damage seen in the structures... there is a lot of debate on the exact nature of the sculptures and rock art seen around Petra. But no one denies that it is a wonder.
In fact, it made it to the list of the new seven wonders of the world. FYI the list is as follows:
Giza Pyramid Complex (Egypt)
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Mexico)
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Colosseum (Italy)
Great Wall of China
Petra (Jordon)
Taj Mahal (Agra)
I am happy to report that I have seen three of these seven wonders.
You gotta have something else to do with your life right?
I haven't been to Petra. My sister has - she was in Israel and she went on a tour to Jordon just to see it. I heard from her just how beautiful it was. So when the programme outline talked about it, I was sure I would watch it.
Interestingly enough, Petra was constructed by a group of very wealthy traders called Nabataeans. There had been settlements before that, but it was the Nabataeans who using their genius on water engineering and dams managed to create a city that had water supply all year around. Apart from this though, is the architectural feat achieved with the building of the Khazneh.
The Khazneh was in all probability a burial site, and hence is a tomb of some sorts. Recent archaelogical digging has revealed that beneath the Khazneh were more rooms.
It is intriguing to come across cities that are so ancient and beautiful. Earthquakes they say have led to a lot of the damage seen in the structures... there is a lot of debate on the exact nature of the sculptures and rock art seen around Petra. But no one denies that it is a wonder.
In fact, it made it to the list of the new seven wonders of the world. FYI the list is as follows:
Giza Pyramid Complex (Egypt)
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Mexico)
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Colosseum (Italy)
Great Wall of China
Petra (Jordon)
Taj Mahal (Agra)
I am happy to report that I have seen three of these seven wonders.
You gotta have something else to do with your life right?
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