Today the news headlines in Delhi blasted out one salient point - that the mercury in the capital region had touched a whopping 43.5 degrees centigrade (111 degrees fahrenheit) on April 29th 2009. It was recorded as the hottest day in 51 years! Amazingly enough... I was out on this day and I did feel the heat (literally).
Why I write about it on my blog is because of another related news story that followed on page 15 of the paper in the International section. The author, reporting from Tromsoe, Norway, reported that the northern ice front of the Wilkins Ice Shelf has become unstable and the ice shelf has started to collapse. The area is 700 sq km of ice - almost the size of New York city - and was part of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Al Gore in his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, talks about relationships between various climatic changes across the world. One thing that hasn't been highlighted though is the link between environmental degradation and the rise of new diseases - such as the swine flu that has recently emerged.
How did a disease that earlier never was transmitted between pigs and humans suddenly emerge as harmful to us? As per latest reports, 150 people have died in Mexico and 1 person has died in the United States. All over the world, countries have started to quarantine suspected swine flu patients. It all resembles some Michael Crichton novel... but the scary thing is, that this is now becoming a reality.
I don't have any kids, but I sometimes do wonder about the kind of world we'll be leaving our next generation.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friendship
Yday I read an interesting article about how having friends can make you live longer. So I decided to get some quotations on friendship.
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born - Anais Nin
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. - Aristotle
What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? - George Eliot
Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. - It's a Wonderful Life
Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance. - Rabindranath Tagore
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The verb "to love" in Persian is "to have a friend." "I love you" translated literally is "I have you as a friend," and "I don't like you" simply means "I don't have you as a friend." - Shusha Guppy
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. - William Blake
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. - Dale Carnegie
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born - Anais Nin
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. - Aristotle
What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? - George Eliot
Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. - It's a Wonderful Life
Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance. - Rabindranath Tagore
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The verb "to love" in Persian is "to have a friend." "I love you" translated literally is "I have you as a friend," and "I don't like you" simply means "I don't have you as a friend." - Shusha Guppy
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. - William Blake
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. - Dale Carnegie
Monday, April 27, 2009
The bet
Recently I made a bet with a friend of mine. After exactly one year, we would check if we'd put on any weight compared to the year before. The resolve was that we shouldn't gain any weight over the year.
Interesting right? The amount involved is nominal - Rs 100, but what really matters is the resolve behind it; along with the competitive factor - who will lose? not me surely?!!
Losing weight is difficult. Whenever I think about it, I think about Haruki Murakami's novel - Kafka on the Shore, in which the young boy Kafka is shrinking his stomach. Imagine that - ofcourse when you're losing weight your stomach is shrinking - but I never did think of it like that.
So what do I do to lose weight? First and foremost, I walk for 45 minutes everyday, no matter what. Sometimes I do get tired; but I still walk regularly. If not three rounds, then one. Getting out of the house is the main aim. There have been studies that have linked exercise to endorphins - which create a natural high and keep you happy.
Secondly, I have made a resolve NOT TO EAT CHIPS. I'm so addicted, it is scary. But I do not anymore. Burgers have also been put on the back burner.
Thirdly, I drink more water than I normally do. It helps that the Indian summer is here as well. It keeps you well hydrated.
Interesting right? The amount involved is nominal - Rs 100, but what really matters is the resolve behind it; along with the competitive factor - who will lose? not me surely?!!
Losing weight is difficult. Whenever I think about it, I think about Haruki Murakami's novel - Kafka on the Shore, in which the young boy Kafka is shrinking his stomach. Imagine that - ofcourse when you're losing weight your stomach is shrinking - but I never did think of it like that.
So what do I do to lose weight? First and foremost, I walk for 45 minutes everyday, no matter what. Sometimes I do get tired; but I still walk regularly. If not three rounds, then one. Getting out of the house is the main aim. There have been studies that have linked exercise to endorphins - which create a natural high and keep you happy.
Secondly, I have made a resolve NOT TO EAT CHIPS. I'm so addicted, it is scary. But I do not anymore. Burgers have also been put on the back burner.
Thirdly, I drink more water than I normally do. It helps that the Indian summer is here as well. It keeps you well hydrated.
Fury
Salman Rushdie wrote a novel by this title which centered around the life of a very angry Professor Solanka. This was one of the first novels I read of Rushdie's and I was completely blown away. I also got to know about the three furies for the first time - Alecto, Tisiphone and Megaera - who did not listen or were not moved by anyone or anybody and did as they pleased wreaking their vengeance. They appear in Greek mythology.
Why do people get angry though? Do some people always need disorder and chaos in their lives to survive? There is a song by Garbage called "I'm only happy when it rains" in which the lyrics go something like this:
I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when its complicated
You know I love it when the news is bad
I think that some people like to thrive on disorder and it all stems from the inner bitterness they feel inside. But I do not know. Any ideas on this would be mucho appreciated.
Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness; and concealed often hardens into revenge. ~Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry. ~Lyman Abbott
The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough. ~Bede Jarrett
For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ~Author Unknown
Why do people get angry though? Do some people always need disorder and chaos in their lives to survive? There is a song by Garbage called "I'm only happy when it rains" in which the lyrics go something like this:
I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when its complicated
You know I love it when the news is bad
I think that some people like to thrive on disorder and it all stems from the inner bitterness they feel inside. But I do not know. Any ideas on this would be mucho appreciated.
Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness; and concealed often hardens into revenge. ~Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry. ~Lyman Abbott
The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough. ~Bede Jarrett
For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ~Author Unknown
Friday, April 24, 2009
Doing darshan in Rajasthan
I've been to Rajasthan many a time now. Last year I got to go to Ranthambore and even managed to spot a tiger there. On the way to Delhi I passed through Bharatpur - couldn't get off the train but I did silently resolve to go to the sanctuary sometime in the near future.
Four years back I got a chance to see the various forts that dot the landscape in Rajasthan. Our trip started in Jaipur, where we saw the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and City Palace. I'd seen all these places before though, almost 10 years ago when I spent almost two weeks with a good friend of mine and my sister in Jaipur. We saw all that Jaipur had to offer, did a bit of shopping and I bought for the first time, my first set of Rajasthani puppets, which I absolutely adore.
I'd been there around three years back as well, for a friend's wedding. That's where I first found out about Rajput culture. But that's not the title of my blog today.
Turning back to my exploration of Rajasthan, we went to Jodhpur next where we saw the main attraction - the Mehrangarh Fort. Situated on a very high hilltop, it was a sight to behold. Some of the customs that prevailed though in the 15-16th century still had reminders embedded in the walls - such as the ladies who had imprinted their hands before proceeding for sati.
Sent shivers down your spine.
We also saw the Taj Umain Bhawan Palace which is a hotel in Jodhpur which has been given to the Taj Group with some agreement regarding profit sharing. The Taj Group in turn has made it one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Very very impressive.
Too bad we didn't stay there though.
We proceeded for the very hot city of Jaisalmer - where I saw one of the only living forts in India - the Jaisalmer Fort. It was a very pretty site to behold indeed. The accomodation there though left much to be desired. I remember it resembled a chawl and there was no A/c to speak of!! But to be fair, the nights are very very cool in the desert.
Which is where we went next for a camel safari while we watched the sun set over the Thar Desert.
Nice time overall. We even saw Udaipur. One memorable visit was to Mount Abu and the Dilwara Temples (which are beautiful as I mentioned earlier) - but more than that was the visit to Ranakpur. Ranakpur is worth the visit - it is dedicated to Adinatha - and is spectacular. Anyone going to Rajasthan must see this temple.
But as I recall all the times I have been in Rajasthan, I remember that I had gone there with my parents, brother and sister as well. We visited both Jaipur and Udaipur, while doing a short trip to Pushkar as well. Udaipur is the city of lakes; and I remember when I went with my parents I had a view of one of the lakes where I saw a young man jump in and not emerge for the next 10 minutes. I got very worried but he soon emerged some time later. I think maybe I had been very young for thinking that he had drowned.
Pushkar was a city dotted with lakes and temples. Many of the swamis around us looked like they were on... well... they looked slightly in a dreamlike state. I remember seeing a lot of memorials there etched in the marble.
I also saw Ajmer with my parents; and did darshan at the dargah of the Muslim Sufi Saint Muinuddin Chisti - the 'Benefactor of the Poor'. That too, was an interesting experience. So was visiting Mount Abu and seeing the beautiful and breathtaking Dilwara Temples.
Now that I look back on it, truly I have seen Rajasthan a great many times over!! :) I'm fortunate that way I think!! One place I've always wanted to see was Chittorgarh; where there is a Tower of Victory that I've read about.
Four years back I got a chance to see the various forts that dot the landscape in Rajasthan. Our trip started in Jaipur, where we saw the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and City Palace. I'd seen all these places before though, almost 10 years ago when I spent almost two weeks with a good friend of mine and my sister in Jaipur. We saw all that Jaipur had to offer, did a bit of shopping and I bought for the first time, my first set of Rajasthani puppets, which I absolutely adore.
I'd been there around three years back as well, for a friend's wedding. That's where I first found out about Rajput culture. But that's not the title of my blog today.
Turning back to my exploration of Rajasthan, we went to Jodhpur next where we saw the main attraction - the Mehrangarh Fort. Situated on a very high hilltop, it was a sight to behold. Some of the customs that prevailed though in the 15-16th century still had reminders embedded in the walls - such as the ladies who had imprinted their hands before proceeding for sati.
Sent shivers down your spine.
We also saw the Taj Umain Bhawan Palace which is a hotel in Jodhpur which has been given to the Taj Group with some agreement regarding profit sharing. The Taj Group in turn has made it one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Very very impressive.
Too bad we didn't stay there though.
We proceeded for the very hot city of Jaisalmer - where I saw one of the only living forts in India - the Jaisalmer Fort. It was a very pretty site to behold indeed. The accomodation there though left much to be desired. I remember it resembled a chawl and there was no A/c to speak of!! But to be fair, the nights are very very cool in the desert.
Which is where we went next for a camel safari while we watched the sun set over the Thar Desert.
Nice time overall. We even saw Udaipur. One memorable visit was to Mount Abu and the Dilwara Temples (which are beautiful as I mentioned earlier) - but more than that was the visit to Ranakpur. Ranakpur is worth the visit - it is dedicated to Adinatha - and is spectacular. Anyone going to Rajasthan must see this temple.
But as I recall all the times I have been in Rajasthan, I remember that I had gone there with my parents, brother and sister as well. We visited both Jaipur and Udaipur, while doing a short trip to Pushkar as well. Udaipur is the city of lakes; and I remember when I went with my parents I had a view of one of the lakes where I saw a young man jump in and not emerge for the next 10 minutes. I got very worried but he soon emerged some time later. I think maybe I had been very young for thinking that he had drowned.
Pushkar was a city dotted with lakes and temples. Many of the swamis around us looked like they were on... well... they looked slightly in a dreamlike state. I remember seeing a lot of memorials there etched in the marble.
I also saw Ajmer with my parents; and did darshan at the dargah of the Muslim Sufi Saint Muinuddin Chisti - the 'Benefactor of the Poor'. That too, was an interesting experience. So was visiting Mount Abu and seeing the beautiful and breathtaking Dilwara Temples.
Now that I look back on it, truly I have seen Rajasthan a great many times over!! :) I'm fortunate that way I think!! One place I've always wanted to see was Chittorgarh; where there is a Tower of Victory that I've read about.
Election season
So India heads for the Lok Sabha elections. There's a sense of decision in the air - who will come next. Even me with my rudimentary knowledge of politics am anticipating the results like an eager beaver.
While thumbing through the newspaper today, amidst reports of fighting in Sri Lanka and the creeping forward of Taliban forces in Taliban, I came across an article by Thorsten Reuter who is covering the Indian elections.
He said something that has stayed with me all day:
"So many who have nothing are being convinced to vote for someone who has everything."
Gurcharan Das in one of his books once commented that the middle class in India are privileged because they live far better than they can ever dream of - and when comparing themselves to the poor; live like rajas. But did you ever think about all those people who do live like rajas? What are their lives like? And what have the contributed to their society?
I used to think that philanthropy is a no-no in this country. But that is not true. So many people help eachother in this nation; you just have to see it. Sometimes just by being here, shopping for your vegetables; your clothes; making a donation; giving your old clothes away - you make a difference to someone's lives. It's not always possible for all of us to be like Baba Amte or Mother Teresa; but you can help. Even taking a ride on your local cycle rickshaw - you are helping someone else.
Oh God you must be thinking. What is this person saying? They provide a service - and you use it. Nothing is free. True; that is so true. But by opting take the cycle rickshaw instead of driving down to the local market - you've given someone their daily dues.
So I think sometimes, what about all those people like the IAS and other services, our country's politicians, who have the power, the means and the money to build development projects, fix the roads, provide employment.... - wouldn't it be great if everyone puts aside their own personal agendas and gets some work done for the vast majority who haven't been so lucky?
While thumbing through the newspaper today, amidst reports of fighting in Sri Lanka and the creeping forward of Taliban forces in Taliban, I came across an article by Thorsten Reuter who is covering the Indian elections.
He said something that has stayed with me all day:
"So many who have nothing are being convinced to vote for someone who has everything."
Gurcharan Das in one of his books once commented that the middle class in India are privileged because they live far better than they can ever dream of - and when comparing themselves to the poor; live like rajas. But did you ever think about all those people who do live like rajas? What are their lives like? And what have the contributed to their society?
I used to think that philanthropy is a no-no in this country. But that is not true. So many people help eachother in this nation; you just have to see it. Sometimes just by being here, shopping for your vegetables; your clothes; making a donation; giving your old clothes away - you make a difference to someone's lives. It's not always possible for all of us to be like Baba Amte or Mother Teresa; but you can help. Even taking a ride on your local cycle rickshaw - you are helping someone else.
Oh God you must be thinking. What is this person saying? They provide a service - and you use it. Nothing is free. True; that is so true. But by opting take the cycle rickshaw instead of driving down to the local market - you've given someone their daily dues.
So I think sometimes, what about all those people like the IAS and other services, our country's politicians, who have the power, the means and the money to build development projects, fix the roads, provide employment.... - wouldn't it be great if everyone puts aside their own personal agendas and gets some work done for the vast majority who haven't been so lucky?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'll be back
So yesterday I was flipping channels mindlessly looking for something good on television. Now at around 6:00 in the evening, nothing too good is really on; these days you can watch the election coverage but apart from that and constant IPL highlights, there really ain't anything too good on.
It was by accident that I caught the first episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles on AXN. I didn't even though that it was the first episode until the story started coming together. Why they had to travel forward in time is still a mystery: It was good to see a vault from inside though and how they had put up the time travel contraption. The girl who plays the robot who's come to help John Connor is quite realistic - she does a good job in keeping her emotions in check.
I'm sorry if this appears to be a mindless blog, but I am a fan of the Terminator franchise. I didn't like the third part though where it turns out that nuclear war is inevitable though. It was kinda a bummer. I don't know why the writers insist on doomsday endings. Wouldn't it have been cooler to just prolong the tension?
Now I know I'm an adherent of non-violence; but television really makes it all seem like it's not going to affect you anyways.
It was by accident that I caught the first episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles on AXN. I didn't even though that it was the first episode until the story started coming together. Why they had to travel forward in time is still a mystery: It was good to see a vault from inside though and how they had put up the time travel contraption. The girl who plays the robot who's come to help John Connor is quite realistic - she does a good job in keeping her emotions in check.
I'm sorry if this appears to be a mindless blog, but I am a fan of the Terminator franchise. I didn't like the third part though where it turns out that nuclear war is inevitable though. It was kinda a bummer. I don't know why the writers insist on doomsday endings. Wouldn't it have been cooler to just prolong the tension?
Now I know I'm an adherent of non-violence; but television really makes it all seem like it's not going to affect you anyways.
Ghajini (2008)
After a long time of wanting to watch this film, I finally did. And I must tell you one thing: It is VIOLENT.
Directed by A R Murugadoss, this film looks into the mind of a person who has short term memory loss, brought on during a violent episode which results in the death of his loved one, Kalpana, played by Asin Thottumkal, the Tamil actress. Sanjay Singhania, the tormented survivor, is played by our very own Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan does a good job of his portrayal of the vengeful Sanjay. There are a few loopholes, such as How does he remember that she died and How does he know he has to take revenge during the day - but overall the film is well knit. I like how the movie is named after the villain - Ghajini.
I'm glad I waited for the DVD to come out. I think if I'd watched it in the cinema, I would have had to leave the theatre. And this coming from a person who watches movies like Die Hard and Terminator. If the person who gave me the DVD is reading this blog, thanks sweetie.
Directed by A R Murugadoss, this film looks into the mind of a person who has short term memory loss, brought on during a violent episode which results in the death of his loved one, Kalpana, played by Asin Thottumkal, the Tamil actress. Sanjay Singhania, the tormented survivor, is played by our very own Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan does a good job of his portrayal of the vengeful Sanjay. There are a few loopholes, such as How does he remember that she died and How does he know he has to take revenge during the day - but overall the film is well knit. I like how the movie is named after the villain - Ghajini.
I'm glad I waited for the DVD to come out. I think if I'd watched it in the cinema, I would have had to leave the theatre. And this coming from a person who watches movies like Die Hard and Terminator. If the person who gave me the DVD is reading this blog, thanks sweetie.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The first day of the rest of our lives
I recently began reading Y P Singh's Carnage of Angels, a fictionalized account of his own days in the Indian Police Service. I only finished the first chapter yesterday, but it was enough to make me realise just how difficult it has become these days for ordinary people living out their lives. It also made me think about karma, and how we don't really impart this aspect to our future generations. I think it has also to do with declining moral and religious values, where we think about ourselves and today first and others and tomorrow later.
So what does karma have to do with anything?
In all faiths, there is an underlying priniciple that you will pay for what you do, in this world or the next. Judgement day will judge you on your deeds and misdeeds, and you will be punished or rewarded accordingly. With this at the back of our heads, we progress forward through this world we live in.
But what happens when we forget that whatever you will reap, you will sow?
I think that a lot of it stems from not having your priorities right in this world. But what should your priorities be? We all leave this world how we came in it - with nothing. We may have touched other people's lives in some way, but we will all eventually pass away. So how should we live this life we have? Some very good views of this I reproduce below:
"There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else."- - Peyton Conway March
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
- Unknown
"To live without risk is to risk not living."- Pope Pius XII
"They who live have all things; they who withhold have nothing."- Hindu proverb
"Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."- Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), Indian philosopher and founder of Buddhism (c. 563-c. 483 B.C.)
Use your health, even to the point of wearing it out. That is what it is for. Spend all you have before you die; do not outlive yourself. - George Bernard Shaw
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. - Anonymous
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha
"Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton
I think that this is a good collection of thoughts on how to proceed further.
I like reading quotations. They put my mind at ease.
So what does karma have to do with anything?
In all faiths, there is an underlying priniciple that you will pay for what you do, in this world or the next. Judgement day will judge you on your deeds and misdeeds, and you will be punished or rewarded accordingly. With this at the back of our heads, we progress forward through this world we live in.
But what happens when we forget that whatever you will reap, you will sow?
I think that a lot of it stems from not having your priorities right in this world. But what should your priorities be? We all leave this world how we came in it - with nothing. We may have touched other people's lives in some way, but we will all eventually pass away. So how should we live this life we have? Some very good views of this I reproduce below:
"There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else."- - Peyton Conway March
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
- Unknown
"To live without risk is to risk not living."- Pope Pius XII
"They who live have all things; they who withhold have nothing."- Hindu proverb
"Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."- Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), Indian philosopher and founder of Buddhism (c. 563-c. 483 B.C.)
Use your health, even to the point of wearing it out. That is what it is for. Spend all you have before you die; do not outlive yourself. - George Bernard Shaw
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. - Anonymous
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha
"Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton
I think that this is a good collection of thoughts on how to proceed further.
I like reading quotations. They put my mind at ease.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Hannah No. 3
Today I watched a film called Milk, where Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk, one of the first gay activists elected to a public office in the US in 1978. He gets assassinated subsequently. And if you think I just gave away the ending please don't think that because this fact is revealed in the first five minutes of the film.
I liked the film - it was an in-your-face questioning of the rights of the state and the meaning of the civil rights movement in the US. I still can't believe that they classified pedophiles and gay people together - it's so stupid to even think that someone could think like that. There was a whole movement on how gay people shouldn't be allowed to teach kids because they would impart their "immoralities" to them.
It is a good film to watch. I liked that Sean Penn won an Oscar for his performance this year. He did deserve it.
I recently came across a song that I really liked: I'm reproducing the lyrics for my blog (I'm sure I"ll be noting this in my diary as well!!) It's by Miley Cyrus and it's called The Climb. This girl is apparently very popular for her role as Hannah Montana (Isn't it funny that this blog has yet another Hannah reference?)
I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
I liked the film - it was an in-your-face questioning of the rights of the state and the meaning of the civil rights movement in the US. I still can't believe that they classified pedophiles and gay people together - it's so stupid to even think that someone could think like that. There was a whole movement on how gay people shouldn't be allowed to teach kids because they would impart their "immoralities" to them.
It is a good film to watch. I liked that Sean Penn won an Oscar for his performance this year. He did deserve it.
I recently came across a song that I really liked: I'm reproducing the lyrics for my blog (I'm sure I"ll be noting this in my diary as well!!) It's by Miley Cyrus and it's called The Climb. This girl is apparently very popular for her role as Hannah Montana (Isn't it funny that this blog has yet another Hannah reference?)
I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
Friday, April 17, 2009
The two Hannahs
Well, I just finished watching The Reader, starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes.
It's set in the pre and post WWII era, and centres around the love story between Hannah and Michael. I don't think I can write much about it though. It should be watched; but I think that it is too deep a story to just treat as a normal type of film though. It's not just that it's about a brief affair; it's about human society and the laws that we have; it's about duties and responsibilities; about shame; about forgiveness.
Kate Winslet does an excellent job... you can't think of what the film would've been like if she hadn't been the main character.
I also finished reading "The Man of My Dreams" by Curtis Sittenfield. It too is an interesting story about a young girl named "Hannah" who is trying to find herself. Right now I'm finding the coincidence funny - I just finished reading a book where the chief protagonist is a girl named Hannah and finished watching a film where the same is the case.
Do we want to be adored? Do we want to be loved? Don't we want to be part of someone else's world? Hannah in the book is confused. She has a man who adores her, and yet she thinks:
"He forgave it all, he always thought she was beautiful, he always wanted to be around her. It became so boring! She'd been raised, after all, not to be accomodated but to accomodate, and if she was his world, then his world was small, he was easily satisfied."
I think this sentence said more about Hannah than the whole book put together. She really did suffer from low self esteem.
It's set in the pre and post WWII era, and centres around the love story between Hannah and Michael. I don't think I can write much about it though. It should be watched; but I think that it is too deep a story to just treat as a normal type of film though. It's not just that it's about a brief affair; it's about human society and the laws that we have; it's about duties and responsibilities; about shame; about forgiveness.
Kate Winslet does an excellent job... you can't think of what the film would've been like if she hadn't been the main character.
I also finished reading "The Man of My Dreams" by Curtis Sittenfield. It too is an interesting story about a young girl named "Hannah" who is trying to find herself. Right now I'm finding the coincidence funny - I just finished reading a book where the chief protagonist is a girl named Hannah and finished watching a film where the same is the case.
Do we want to be adored? Do we want to be loved? Don't we want to be part of someone else's world? Hannah in the book is confused. She has a man who adores her, and yet she thinks:
"He forgave it all, he always thought she was beautiful, he always wanted to be around her. It became so boring! She'd been raised, after all, not to be accomodated but to accomodate, and if she was his world, then his world was small, he was easily satisfied."
I think this sentence said more about Hannah than the whole book put together. She really did suffer from low self esteem.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Spotting a Tiger
Recently I decided to avail of the long weekend and get out of my comfort zone and go to the heavenly abode of the Gods - Uttaranchal. An impromtu conversation with a friend led us to decide to go to Jim Corbett National Park in Nainitaal district and then to spend the remainder of our long weekend at Nainitaal - a place where none of us had been to.
Nothing was planned. I reached the earliest and spent the night at a guest house at Haldwani. My friends joined us later in the morning. Then we got the call that would change our life. Despite the fact that K M Chandrashekar, Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India and other very senior dignatories were visiting the park, we managed to get a room for 10th April 2009 at Sarapdulli Guest house, which was 12 kms from Dhikala. We rushed to Jim Corbett.
Jim Corbett National Park is located across 512 sq kms and is the oldest National Park in India. It is named after Jim Corbett, an Indian born British hunter/consevationist who did a lot of good work in the region and is famous for his kills of leopards and tigers. He's written a number of book as well on his adventures in the Kumaon region.
We visited the Jim Corbett museum on the way to Ramnagar; it was small but decently maintained. We bought matching green Jim Corbett T-shirts there which documented how the male tiger's pug mark is bigger than the female tiger's!!
We reached the sanctuary and after settling in set off for the safari. We were lucky enough to spot a tiger - though it was at a very very great distance - on the High Banks of the Ramganga river. We also got to experience the beauty of the forest and the next day too was memorable. We almost saw another tiger who had just made a kill and had dragged the barking deer behind a few bushes and trees. All in all, it was a beautiful trip. The Park is beautifully maintained and one should definitely make a trip there. We also went at a lovely time. April is a beautiful month to see the park.
Soon after we set off for Nainitaal. We were already excited and were in touch with our batchmate, who was so brilliant and made our trip to Kumaon even more memorable. I really didn't know too much about the Indian Forest Service, but after this trip, I admire the great work they do in keeping our forests and environment safe.
Nainitaal is beautiful, despite the tourists and all the touristy things to do. The areas around Nainitaal are untouched relatively, and have so much beauty it takes your breath away. We went to Maheshkhand, Vinayak and Kilbury (from Kill and bury - scary right?); we trekked up to Naina Peak (8622 feet); we did a bit of boating on the Lake; we ate at Machan with one of our favourite seniors; we walked on the very busy mall road and bought candles; we visited the gurudwara and Naina Devi Mandir on Baisakhi day; we saw a bit of the Tibetan market and the nakli maal from China; we saw the lovely Nainitaal Zoo.. and much much more...
Outlook Traveller for the month of April 2009 has done a very good piece on Nainitaal. Though I couldn't visit all the places that were recommended in that article, I must say one thing stood out for me:
How we are so fortunate in this country of ours to have such beautiful places like Uttaranchal -- It truly is the abode of the Gods!!
Nothing was planned. I reached the earliest and spent the night at a guest house at Haldwani. My friends joined us later in the morning. Then we got the call that would change our life. Despite the fact that K M Chandrashekar, Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India and other very senior dignatories were visiting the park, we managed to get a room for 10th April 2009 at Sarapdulli Guest house, which was 12 kms from Dhikala. We rushed to Jim Corbett.
Jim Corbett National Park is located across 512 sq kms and is the oldest National Park in India. It is named after Jim Corbett, an Indian born British hunter/consevationist who did a lot of good work in the region and is famous for his kills of leopards and tigers. He's written a number of book as well on his adventures in the Kumaon region.
We visited the Jim Corbett museum on the way to Ramnagar; it was small but decently maintained. We bought matching green Jim Corbett T-shirts there which documented how the male tiger's pug mark is bigger than the female tiger's!!
We reached the sanctuary and after settling in set off for the safari. We were lucky enough to spot a tiger - though it was at a very very great distance - on the High Banks of the Ramganga river. We also got to experience the beauty of the forest and the next day too was memorable. We almost saw another tiger who had just made a kill and had dragged the barking deer behind a few bushes and trees. All in all, it was a beautiful trip. The Park is beautifully maintained and one should definitely make a trip there. We also went at a lovely time. April is a beautiful month to see the park.
Soon after we set off for Nainitaal. We were already excited and were in touch with our batchmate, who was so brilliant and made our trip to Kumaon even more memorable. I really didn't know too much about the Indian Forest Service, but after this trip, I admire the great work they do in keeping our forests and environment safe.
Nainitaal is beautiful, despite the tourists and all the touristy things to do. The areas around Nainitaal are untouched relatively, and have so much beauty it takes your breath away. We went to Maheshkhand, Vinayak and Kilbury (from Kill and bury - scary right?); we trekked up to Naina Peak (8622 feet); we did a bit of boating on the Lake; we ate at Machan with one of our favourite seniors; we walked on the very busy mall road and bought candles; we visited the gurudwara and Naina Devi Mandir on Baisakhi day; we saw a bit of the Tibetan market and the nakli maal from China; we saw the lovely Nainitaal Zoo.. and much much more...
Outlook Traveller for the month of April 2009 has done a very good piece on Nainitaal. Though I couldn't visit all the places that were recommended in that article, I must say one thing stood out for me:
How we are so fortunate in this country of ours to have such beautiful places like Uttaranchal -- It truly is the abode of the Gods!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Live Well, It is the Greatest Revenge
The above line which forms the title of my blog today is from the religious text "The Talmud", which is basically is a text of Judaism discussing its customs and history. I've read it in other contexts as well, but I thought it was interesting that a religious discourse also had this in its pages.
What do you think it means? Revenge isn't a concept you'd find in religion; though wrath and envy do form part of the seven deadly sins. But what I think it shows is that if you really want to live a fulfiling life - live it well, and don't compare yourself with others. Do what you want to do for yourself only.
I saw two movies recently (yeah, I have been watching TOO MANY films these days). I feel it's time I bought another cross stitch now! Both these movies deal with how you live your life.
The first is a movie starring Will Smith called "Seven Pounds". It is a good movie - strong acting, but sad and depressing most of the time; slow paced as well. It shows a grieving Will Smith you is trying to come to terms with a devastating accident, and is looking for people worthy of his "gifts". He even becomes an IRS officer to achieve his goals, which was quite intriguing. I wonder what exactly the scriptwriter does.
The second movie was one called "Happy Go Lucky", a British movie starring Sally Hawkins as Poppy, the ever happy, ever positive primary school teacher, who isn't as clueless as she appears to be. It was refreshing (though I can't see how anyone would not get annoyed if their property was stolen).
All this reminded me of a poem I read a long time ago in class - It's called Leisure by William Henry Davies and it follows underneath:
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
What do you think it means? Revenge isn't a concept you'd find in religion; though wrath and envy do form part of the seven deadly sins. But what I think it shows is that if you really want to live a fulfiling life - live it well, and don't compare yourself with others. Do what you want to do for yourself only.
I saw two movies recently (yeah, I have been watching TOO MANY films these days). I feel it's time I bought another cross stitch now! Both these movies deal with how you live your life.
The first is a movie starring Will Smith called "Seven Pounds". It is a good movie - strong acting, but sad and depressing most of the time; slow paced as well. It shows a grieving Will Smith you is trying to come to terms with a devastating accident, and is looking for people worthy of his "gifts". He even becomes an IRS officer to achieve his goals, which was quite intriguing. I wonder what exactly the scriptwriter does.
The second movie was one called "Happy Go Lucky", a British movie starring Sally Hawkins as Poppy, the ever happy, ever positive primary school teacher, who isn't as clueless as she appears to be. It was refreshing (though I can't see how anyone would not get annoyed if their property was stolen).
All this reminded me of a poem I read a long time ago in class - It's called Leisure by William Henry Davies and it follows underneath:
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Dark as hell, strong as death, sweet as love
When I was very young, I came across a book by Alexander Dumas called "The Count of Monte Cristo".
For those who haven't read the book, the main protagonist is Edmont Dantes. It is set in the time of the mid 19th century in France; Napoleon has been exiled and political intrigue is at its height. At its core, the book is about love, betrayal, revenge and forgiveness.
I've always loved this book. It is complicated, and one that should be read again. It is not something that can be finished in one reading. Wikipedia in fact has a chart showing all the characters in the book and their relation to one another. Films made on this book have fallen short of the true genius that comprises this genre - but there is a good mini series made by the French starring Gerard Depardieu which does some justice to the novel.
Dark as hell, strong as death, sweet as love - Old Turkish Proverb
I came across this for the first time in my recent trip to Nainitaal, Uttaranchal (Devbhoomi) outside a coffee shop on Mall Road. I thought it was very profound, particularly since death was attributed to be "strong". A bit of research saw that it was actually an old Turkish proverb, though there is some dispute. However, whatever it may be, I thought that it best describes the range of emotions that one sees in the Count of Monte Cristo, which I would strongly recommend to anyone and everyone who has yet not read the book.
For those who haven't read the book, the main protagonist is Edmont Dantes. It is set in the time of the mid 19th century in France; Napoleon has been exiled and political intrigue is at its height. At its core, the book is about love, betrayal, revenge and forgiveness.
I've always loved this book. It is complicated, and one that should be read again. It is not something that can be finished in one reading. Wikipedia in fact has a chart showing all the characters in the book and their relation to one another. Films made on this book have fallen short of the true genius that comprises this genre - but there is a good mini series made by the French starring Gerard Depardieu which does some justice to the novel.
Dark as hell, strong as death, sweet as love - Old Turkish Proverb
I came across this for the first time in my recent trip to Nainitaal, Uttaranchal (Devbhoomi) outside a coffee shop on Mall Road. I thought it was very profound, particularly since death was attributed to be "strong". A bit of research saw that it was actually an old Turkish proverb, though there is some dispute. However, whatever it may be, I thought that it best describes the range of emotions that one sees in the Count of Monte Cristo, which I would strongly recommend to anyone and everyone who has yet not read the book.
Finally
Finally!! I have finished the Quartet that makes up the Twilight series.
Okay, first things first.
There should be some disadvantages to being a vampire. I'm sorry, but there should. Okay, maybe drinking blood is not that great a way to survive, but being filthy rich and drinking only animal blood and living a long life.... well, those are things to be envious of (minus the blood part).
Secondly, though the last novel in the series finally brings everything to an end, it was overly melodramatic. And I still can't get over the imprinting thing. Seriously, all said and done, the first three in the series were much much better. The last should have had something - a sad death, a poor consequence - Even Harry Potter has more death and destruction.
Do we all like happy endings? Hmmm..... yeah, I suppose we do. But then, it's better to be pragmatic and optimistic rather than anything else right? However, having said that, what's the fun in having a vampire book if no one dies?
I wouldn't call myself a Stephanie Meyer fan (die hard fan i.e.). But I was truly disappointed with this book. Even though it has taken a long time to finish the 754 pages that make up this book, I must say, at least one has an ending. A happy ending, a not-so-imaginative ending, but an ending nonetheless.
Sorry if this blog has ruined the book for you. But I love blood and gore in my novels and get extremely annoyed if there isn't any.
Okay, first things first.
There should be some disadvantages to being a vampire. I'm sorry, but there should. Okay, maybe drinking blood is not that great a way to survive, but being filthy rich and drinking only animal blood and living a long life.... well, those are things to be envious of (minus the blood part).
Secondly, though the last novel in the series finally brings everything to an end, it was overly melodramatic. And I still can't get over the imprinting thing. Seriously, all said and done, the first three in the series were much much better. The last should have had something - a sad death, a poor consequence - Even Harry Potter has more death and destruction.
Do we all like happy endings? Hmmm..... yeah, I suppose we do. But then, it's better to be pragmatic and optimistic rather than anything else right? However, having said that, what's the fun in having a vampire book if no one dies?
I wouldn't call myself a Stephanie Meyer fan (die hard fan i.e.). But I was truly disappointed with this book. Even though it has taken a long time to finish the 754 pages that make up this book, I must say, at least one has an ending. A happy ending, a not-so-imaginative ending, but an ending nonetheless.
Sorry if this blog has ruined the book for you. But I love blood and gore in my novels and get extremely annoyed if there isn't any.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wall-E (2008)
The Best Animated Feature Award at the Oscars this year went to a Pixar animation film called Wall-E. Wall-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) is a cute little robot who has been trying to clean up the Earth for the past 700 years. Things are pretty much stagnant until a cute little robot probe comes along to check the Earth for life. And that's when things get moving.
I was quite amazed at just how imaginative this film is. They have this cute little robot collector, who has both intuition and curiousity.
It reminded me of a conversation between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully once on the X-Files
"Whatever happened to playing a hunch, Scully? The element of surprise, random acts of unpredictability? If we fail to anticipate the unforeseen or expect the unexpected in a universe of infinite possibilities, we may find ourselves at the mercy of anyone or anything that cannot be programmed, categorized or easily referenced. "
Very rarely do films surprise me these days. It all becomes mundane.... the plots, the story lines... sometimes there's so much gore and blood that you just don't know why you sat through that film in the first place (like the Saw series).
I just hope I remember one thing - and that is to always stay positive. I like these upbeat movies that leave you with hope. Even if hope is supposed to be an evil, I don't care.
I was quite amazed at just how imaginative this film is. They have this cute little robot collector, who has both intuition and curiousity.
It reminded me of a conversation between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully once on the X-Files
"Whatever happened to playing a hunch, Scully? The element of surprise, random acts of unpredictability? If we fail to anticipate the unforeseen or expect the unexpected in a universe of infinite possibilities, we may find ourselves at the mercy of anyone or anything that cannot be programmed, categorized or easily referenced. "
Very rarely do films surprise me these days. It all becomes mundane.... the plots, the story lines... sometimes there's so much gore and blood that you just don't know why you sat through that film in the first place (like the Saw series).
I just hope I remember one thing - and that is to always stay positive. I like these upbeat movies that leave you with hope. Even if hope is supposed to be an evil, I don't care.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Blood Thirst
Well, I just finished watching two really different movies based around vampires.
And I just have to say, that one should really watch "Let the Right One In". It is a Swedish movie, set in the 1980s. It centers around a 12 year old boy Oscar and his 12 year old neighbour, Ellie.
It's not your typical Dracula type vampire movie. A very deep connection forms between the socially excluded Oscar and the isolated Ellie. As the film progresses, you begin to feel a bit sorry for both of them; but the director highlights that is a question of choice as well. You either can choose death for yourself, or for others - it's your choice. The last scene of death in this film will probably remain pasted on my memory as an imprint for a few days to come.
The second movie was Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. Though I know I can't get those 90 minutes of my life back, I still feel it is important to share my thoughts on this film and devote at least 5 more minutes of my brain activity to the endeavour.
Why on Earth would anyone even think that a prequel was necessary? Not that we care about how lycans originated (some genetic abnormality); how the vampires got defeated; how there was a love story angle all along and at the root of all conflict is some Romeo-Juliet relationship. Sheesh. I don't know what they were thinking.
So I continue reading "Breaking Dawn" by Stephanie Meyer. And I'm also thinking... am I totally obsessed with vampires??!!
And I just have to say, that one should really watch "Let the Right One In". It is a Swedish movie, set in the 1980s. It centers around a 12 year old boy Oscar and his 12 year old neighbour, Ellie.
It's not your typical Dracula type vampire movie. A very deep connection forms between the socially excluded Oscar and the isolated Ellie. As the film progresses, you begin to feel a bit sorry for both of them; but the director highlights that is a question of choice as well. You either can choose death for yourself, or for others - it's your choice. The last scene of death in this film will probably remain pasted on my memory as an imprint for a few days to come.
The second movie was Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. Though I know I can't get those 90 minutes of my life back, I still feel it is important to share my thoughts on this film and devote at least 5 more minutes of my brain activity to the endeavour.
Why on Earth would anyone even think that a prequel was necessary? Not that we care about how lycans originated (some genetic abnormality); how the vampires got defeated; how there was a love story angle all along and at the root of all conflict is some Romeo-Juliet relationship. Sheesh. I don't know what they were thinking.
So I continue reading "Breaking Dawn" by Stephanie Meyer. And I'm also thinking... am I totally obsessed with vampires??!!
Art for arts sakes
Sheesh, now if you're wondering why I write so much about art and don't put up any of my art pieces up myself - you are right to wonder why. I could always give the abstract answer and say that I see art in everything (which is true) and I appreciate the beauty of life and the inherent artistic qualities it embodies (which is also true).
I do paint and draw. Just haven't had time yet. Thankfully with the dawn of this new financial year, I've decided to make a resolve and do what I did with my writing. Mind you, it was easier to decide to go on a regimental regime and decide to write a blog entry a day, till I realised that it was becoming too taxing and the quality of my writing may suffer if forced. So now I do it as and when I feel like it, which has ironically become daily almost!!
Coming back to the topic of discussion, today I was reading about the various art appreciation courses offered by some institutes in and around Delhi. They looked so interesting and all something I would definitely enjoy!! But alas, the timings are anti-working people. Who can go for a 5:30 - 7:30 course? Even if I beg my boss, I can't leave before 6:00.
Does this mean I'm forever doomed to never attend an art appreciation course? I was quite sad and morose about this till I realised - Heh - If I can't attend it, let me devise my own and sit and read all those art books I have in the house. It may take a little longer and won't be as focused as a proper programme, but at least I'll be doing something I enjoy.
These days I'm hooked onto an American programme (yes, yet another one) called Top Design. Because its an old season, it is coming daily on one of these television channels. One episode a day and its actually quite interesting. I like the way they're given a topic at the beginning and some money and then they have to figure out how to execute a design in a limited amount of time. Some of them were quite amazing, and some not so much. Everyone needs to feel a space around them and plan out a singular experience. It's not as easy as it looks.
So yday, one of my favourite designers got sent off - a person called Goil. He had this wierd haircut, but all his ideas were totally unique. He'd always find a way of bringing an element of motion into a space that was otherwise stationary. He's also a hard worker - something that comes across very clearly.
But I should do more. Delhi is full of these brilliant pieces of architecture and in its own understated way, is a vibrant city. Ofcourse the metro construction does take the pleasure out of looking out over the cityscape; and the neverending traffic can really drive you crazy!! So starting this new financial year ..... I make a new resolve.
I think the last artistic thing I executed was my cross stitch.
I do paint and draw. Just haven't had time yet. Thankfully with the dawn of this new financial year, I've decided to make a resolve and do what I did with my writing. Mind you, it was easier to decide to go on a regimental regime and decide to write a blog entry a day, till I realised that it was becoming too taxing and the quality of my writing may suffer if forced. So now I do it as and when I feel like it, which has ironically become daily almost!!
Coming back to the topic of discussion, today I was reading about the various art appreciation courses offered by some institutes in and around Delhi. They looked so interesting and all something I would definitely enjoy!! But alas, the timings are anti-working people. Who can go for a 5:30 - 7:30 course? Even if I beg my boss, I can't leave before 6:00.
Does this mean I'm forever doomed to never attend an art appreciation course? I was quite sad and morose about this till I realised - Heh - If I can't attend it, let me devise my own and sit and read all those art books I have in the house. It may take a little longer and won't be as focused as a proper programme, but at least I'll be doing something I enjoy.
These days I'm hooked onto an American programme (yes, yet another one) called Top Design. Because its an old season, it is coming daily on one of these television channels. One episode a day and its actually quite interesting. I like the way they're given a topic at the beginning and some money and then they have to figure out how to execute a design in a limited amount of time. Some of them were quite amazing, and some not so much. Everyone needs to feel a space around them and plan out a singular experience. It's not as easy as it looks.
So yday, one of my favourite designers got sent off - a person called Goil. He had this wierd haircut, but all his ideas were totally unique. He'd always find a way of bringing an element of motion into a space that was otherwise stationary. He's also a hard worker - something that comes across very clearly.
But I should do more. Delhi is full of these brilliant pieces of architecture and in its own understated way, is a vibrant city. Ofcourse the metro construction does take the pleasure out of looking out over the cityscape; and the neverending traffic can really drive you crazy!! So starting this new financial year ..... I make a new resolve.
I think the last artistic thing I executed was my cross stitch.
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