My Thoughts

Classical music and then some

2011-09-04T18:14:00.000+05:30

Good music is music that moves us. Be it any genre, a music piece that stirs a certain emotion (or more than one) is something that we listen to over and over again.

A friend recommended the book An Equal music by Vikram Seth. It is a story about a love affair between two successful musicians who meet after a decade of separation.
The writing style is in first person, so it took me a lot of effort to get into the mode of reading the story as spoken directly from the author's point of view.
What I do like about the book is the description of the music pieces and references to the classical compositions. The first piece described in the book is Beethoven's C Minor Trio. So along with reading about the music, listening to it and actually understanding what the author describes adds to the effect.

I love the way the lady plays the piano so beautifully and effortlessly.

These are the other classical/based pieces that I've been playing in a loop recently:

Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi's Divenire. Listening to this piece as well as watching the musicians play it is a treat.

David Lanz's Christofori's Dream. There is something very subtle at the same time very intense about this tune.

And it is time to note that the CDs with the works of Beethoven and Mozart received as a gift eons ago are being put to good use :)

Victor Wooten

2011-05-08T21:05:00.004+05:30

Bass, played on a lower key, generally provides a harmonic/rhythmic support.
When Victor Wooten is playing, bass gets a whole new meaning. It does not support, it IS the music.

Today's Victor Wooten trip includes:
The Lesson
Joe's Journey
Sacred Silence
Yin Yang
The Vision
What you won't do for love
On and On

More music streaming here: http://www.victorwooten.com/music.html

A post for: Music of the Heart and Bach

2011-04-17T15:56:00.007+05:30

Yesterday I watched the movie Music of the Heart. This falls in the categories music and inspiration. The movie is a sure #win for several reasons - the main ones being Meryl Streep, the music, the true storyline. Meryl Streep is a versatile actress. Be it her role in Devil wears Prada, Julie and Julia or this one, so very different - yet so well adapted.

The movie is about Roberta Guaspari. When her husband leaves her, Roberta's mom and friend push her into pursuing her passion - teaching music. Roberta teaches in a school at Harlem and life is a struggle. When the music program at school is cut due to budget constraints she fights back and wins.
Roberta later went on to found Opus 118 - Harlem centre for Strings.

At the very end of the movie, a charity show to be hosted by Roberta is almost scrapped due to non-availability of venue. That is when her friend arranges for musical greats like Itzhak Perlman and Isaac Stern help conduct the concert at Carnegie Hall. The finale gave me goosebumps when these musicians along with the children play Bach's double concerto. Such beautiful music.

Since last evening, I have been listening to classical music specially Bach's. These are in my current playlist:
Double concerto
Prelude - Cello Suite No. 1
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Brandenburg concerto No. 3 (Allegro)
Cantata No. 29 Sinfonia

First Impression

2011-03-25T21:35:00.005+05:30

The last day of my life - Jim Moret

2010-12-10T20:10:00.003+05:30

(Long time overdue post)

I was reading this book during my trip earlier this year and remember tweeting one quote from the book that caught on with friends:
"Who are the few people you can really count as your friend? Have you made sure they know how you feel about them?"

Last day of my life is one of those books that as you read through - you nod, you smile, you are saddened, but at the end of every chapter you are inspired to think and act differently.
Jim Moret, the author is a TV correspondent who has hosted/anchored shows on CNN, Fox, MSNBC. Most popular of his work is his coverage of the OJ Simpson trial.

Jim starts the book by saying all his life he has been telling other peoples' stories and he reached a point in life where he stopped to think about his own life.
"I issued myself an unusual challenge: to imagine that I had been told in no uncertain terms, that I had only 24 hours left to live. What would I do? Who would I want to see? where would I choose to spend my last hew hours? Would I make apologies or offer forgiveness? Would I use it as a time to seek out one last great adventure?"

Jim breaks up the book into chapters with titles like Friendship, Gratitude, Love, Sacrifice, Commitment...
Below are some interesting quotes from the book, each followed by a story from Jim's personal experiences:
~True friendship is like sound health, the value of it is seldom known until it is lost - Charles Caleb Colton
~Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else - Mitch Albom
~Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do apologize, you apologize for truth - Benjamin Disraeli
~How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong - because some day you will have been all these - George Washington Carver
~If at first you don't succeed, before you try again, stop to figure out what you did wrong - Leo Rosten
~After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music - Aldous Huxley
~Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face - Victor Hugo
~The most wasted of all days is one without laughter - E.E.Cummings

Agnee

2010-11-17T15:07:00.004+05:30

Accidentally landed on the official website of Agnee, while searching for Agni (an older Indian band that a friend had mentioned about)
Each song is a world apart in theme, tune and the final presentation. It's been long since I heard so many good songs from a single band (may be I'm not listening to the right kind of music?). Anyway, felt the need, so jotting down what I feel about the songs currently playing in a loop.

Sadho Re: The initial strumming of the guitar is interesting, but the vocals make all the difference. The video may be disturbing to some, but the theme of the song isn't a very pleasant one either. Overall, very powerful music.

Splitsvilla theme: "Edgiest TV show in India"? or so the website calls it. Forget the show, focus on the music. Simple guitar strumming in the background and some humming in the foreground, throw in a few violins and the result is a brilliant melody which leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Definitely deserves an #ilike tag

Shaam Tanha: At first, the starting of the song seemed a bit artificial. Don't ask me how music can seem artificial, it just does, at times. But listening to it completely, a couple of times made me change my mind. This is a very light, simple song. Perfect for an evening (or does the name already suggest that).

Raanjhan Yaar Di / Keh Lene Do: The guitar, the voice, the tune - oh what a combination
Plus point for RYD: The chords
Plus point for KLD: The voice modulation

Karvan: The minor chords/notes that the tune touches from time to time, give it it's intensity

Music inspired by movies

2010-10-23T17:18:00.005+05:30

Today's theme is music. Well, the day began with music (that's a whole different story and it's best to not talk about it).
Anyway, watched the trailer of Black Swan. Seems to be an intense movie, but the music is equally compelling. Then went on to listen to a whole lot of good music from Vitaliy Zavadskyy's MySpace page.

2012
Inception
District 9
Avatar

Also including here some music from OSTs by Clint Mansell, which were playing in a continuous loop some time back. Music has such power!

The Fountain
Requiem for a dream
Smoking Aces

A Thousand Suns - Linkin Park

2010-10-03T14:48:00.001+05:30

This is not your usual Linkin Park album. The band seems to have gone on a tangent here. A whole new sound and a world of meaning in the lyrics. Most of the songs talk about the past and learning thereof. The album's also got some voice tracks that are readings from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Will get to that later, let the music begin!

Day 1 : Favorite tracks (so far)
Waiting for the end
Burning in the Skies
Robot Boy
Iridescent

MySpace Page
Youtube Channel

What is your happy place?

2010-08-29T12:30:00.002+05:30

This may be what people generally do, but the thought occurred to me only recently. I needed to find my happy place - A place in my mind, in my thoughts, that nurtured happy memories. Visiting such a place would make me smile and take away the low of the current time. A memory that would instantly take away pain and transport me to a world so far away, making me forget present woes. When something happens that brings your spirits down, but there are so many people around, that you cannot react, this thought should be a means to distract.

I thought hard for a couple of minutes but couldn't find the place, but I did think of a happy song (a recent favorite) that kind of worked. Need to make a list of my happy places, who knows when it may be needed next.

Favourite routines from SYTYCD

2010-08-07T16:20:00.007+05:30

Nigel once hosted a special episode featuring his favourite routines from the previous seasons. This is my list of favourites. Many of these are of the contemporary style. I think, since this dance style is not bound by rules/definition/discipline it makes it so much more expressive.

No Air

Calling you

Sweet Dreams

The Chairman's Waltz

This woman's work

Bleeding love

Hometown glory

Hip Hip Chin Chin

If it kills me

2 Steps Away

Watcha say

Movies, Books

2010-05-23T18:36:00.005+05:30

Frost/Nixon:
Though the movie starts off like a documentary, expect nothing but sheer brilliance from director Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Da Vinci Code et la).
The movie revolves around the interview of President Richard Nixon by a British TV show host David Frost. After the Watergate scandal that lead to the president's resignation, Frost wants to interview the president and get him to admit the truth to the public. He finds it difficult to get American producers to back him. How he prepares for the interview, how every question of his is shot down by the president with a very politically correct answer and how one telephone conversation turns things around... is the flow of the movie.
A good movie to watch for the brilliant acting and great dialogue delivery.

Milk:
After watching I Am Sam, I'd close my eyes and choose a Sean Penn movie over any other. In Milk, Sean portrays the role of a gay rights activist. All through the movie, Milk talks into his dictaphone giving a recorded account of how things are progressing on the personal front, the political front, the problems faced by the minority group, issues that he faces being the fore runner for the cause. Not just another weekend movie. Its an inspiration.

After two serious topics, moving on to comedy...
Sidin Vadukut's DORK is absolutely hilarious. From start to finish, the book puts you on ROTFL mode. This is Sidin's blog and @sidin is his twitter handle
Am now reading No Onions Nor Garlic. Though this is also of the humour genre, it has way too many expletives for my taste. But this is just me :)

Make every action count

2010-05-15T23:01:00.018+05:30

Date: May 6th, 2010
Place: Nightingales Trust (Sandhya Kirana)
Agenda: Visit the day care centre for underprivileged senior citizens. Participate in their daily activities and help in working out a marketing strategy for their hand-made products.

Sandhya Kirana has about 60 senior citizens, of which 50+ are ladies. They stay at a walking distance from the trust. After breakfast every morning (that is taken care of with the money received from donations) they spend the morning at the tasks assigned to them. This would mean making plates/cups/pens/candles/jewellery/doormats. They break for lunch, which is provided by Iskcon's Akshaya Patra programme and then they resume their work until four, when they get back home. Every Saturday, they are paid a small token amount, based on their output.

Having someone to talk to and to share one's thoughts, is the need of the day

Even in despair, we seek each other's company and create happiness

The lady on the right said "We come into this earth alone and when we go from here also we are alone. Only in between in a temporary phase, we have someone for company.... what do you say, am I correct?" "Absolutely!" is all I could say.

From the attitude, it is very clear that they haven't given up

This lady weaving a mat, is 70 years old and the eldest here. She's from Nellore. She speaks Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and a little bit of English. "My daughter-in-law works, I have a grand daughter who goes to school, I don't have a son you know... " she says as she smiles sadly. It was very touching.

This is the machine with which plates and cups are made from the bark of the arecanut tree. This gentleman is trying to fix the wires as the hot-plate isn't working. "We have 2-3 hour power-cuts daily. It becomes such a problem" he remarks.

Spread the word and make a difference
~ There is a lack of basic amenities at the trust. They need financial help
~ For the products made, there is a need for a steady market. Awareness is key here
~ The trust also provides medical facilities including dementia treatment. They need support

Of classics, literature and other things

2010-02-27T19:29:00.005+05:30

I enjoy reading fiction. Its been ages since I read a novel but there used to be a time when I devoured books one after the other. In this quest, I have often picked up a classic, only to put it down too quickly, for its language was too heavy on my brain.

Shakespeare's works - I have only read the abridged version (Tried reading his sonnets and original works, only to give up in despair). It would be great if some one could read out the original text, the way it was meant to be read and explained what the underlying intent of each statement was therein. Wonder if we have any reading sessions of such works...
And yes, when I think Shakespeare, I'm also thinking Danny DeVito in Renaissance Man... one of my favourite movies :)

In the movie 'Definitely Maybe' there is a character who owns multiple copies of Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte). She explains that every time she reads the book, it gives her a different meaning. Instead of picking up the book, I downloaded the audio book and have been listening to in parts over the last couple of weeks. Charlotte's style of describing the smallest of details, words/comparisons she uses to express emotion is very impressive. The words play with your mind and torment it, making you want more and seek to now what happens next... thoroughly enjoying it.

Flashback again: When we were kids, thatha had bought us audio story books. I remember my favourite story was that of the Alhambra (red fortress in Spain). The entire story was read out, along with background music and sounds to go with the words. Made such an impact on the story-telling. Not sure if they make these any more.... Need to find that tape and make a digital copy of it for keepsake....

Ending the post with this piece from Jane Eyre.
Context: Jane finds out that her master (who she has fallen for) is getting married to someone she does not think fit. She plans to leave her place of work. Before she leaves, she expresses her feelings thus:

Blurry

2010-01-09T18:06:00.002+05:30

There have been many situations (almost every time) when I've put other people's interest ahead of my own, because I thought that was the right thing to do. Like everything else in life, there is a limit to this also.
Recently, someone 'higher up' told me, "its time to think about yourself now, you've done enough for others". That - coming from such a person made me think twice, thrice.. no - I'm still thinking.
So how does one say No - enough is enough, I'm done with my share of waiting. Its my turn now!
So many people around, cannot be wrong, maybe it is time.

Long time since I heard this song, used to be a favourite at one point of time.
Blurry by Puddle of Mudd

Tuesdays with Morrie - Part 1

2009-12-27T15:31:00.003+05:30

Morrie was Mitch's college professor and mentor. After college, Mitch plunged into work and was 'busy' with life. He had forgotten who he was, what he liked doing, had lost contact with his friends and mentor... until one day nearly twenty years hence, he saw an interview of his mentor on TV. Morrie was dying, but he wanted to make the best of the time he had left.

Tuesdays with Morrie is about Mitch and Morrie's last sessions, where Morrie teaches Mitch how to live. A true story, the experience in writing...
Thought I'd read the book completely and then jot down the points that I liked. Going by the amount that I'm jotting down, I'll have to repeat the entire text :) So breaking up the post into two. Here's the first part:

What happened to me:
Back in my university years, when I thought rich people were evil, a shirt and tie were prison clothes, and life without freedom to get up and go - motorcycle beneath you, breeze in your face, down the streets of Paris, into the mountains of Tibet - was not a good life. What happened to me?

Tension of opposites:
Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn't. you take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted. A tension of opposites, like a pull of a rubberband. And most of us live somewhere in the middle.

Find meaning:
So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing something they think is important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

Self Pity:
"I give myself a good cry if I need it. But then I concentrate on all the good things in my life... I don't allow myself more self-pity than that. A little each morning, a few tears, and that's all"
How useful it would be to put a daily limit on self pity. Just a few tearful minutes, then on with the day.

Belief and trust:
Sometimes, you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel.
And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too - even when you're in the dark, even when you're falling.

Interesting videos

2009-12-04T22:25:00.003+05:30

From TED:
Shashi Tharoor's 'soft power' talk
Keith Barry's brain magic demo

From youtube: Great short films
Signs
Strangers

Some commercials

2009-10-31T16:32:00.002+05:30

Some commericals make lasting impressions. Its sometimes the emotions and at other times the concept. These are my favourites from the latest ones aired.

Tata Indicom for the emotions

Airtel - Despite the celebrity, the emotions play their role here

Saint Juice - Forget the logic, the visuals are superb.

Preparation for SBI exam - Part 2

2009-10-26T01:35:00.000+05:30

So much for thinking Science questions were difficult to attempt.
Who invented the elevator - We see Otis written outside the lifts that we use day in and day out, bit difficult for someone who cannot see it.
Who invented pneumatic tyres - We see ads for Dunlop tyres on TV, easy for us to remember. Hm.. not so easy for others

Next came Economics:
2003-04 what was inflation rate? what percentage of land is covered by forest area? 9th five year plan what was the total outlay.. blah blah blah ...
Came to one question, What was the per-capita income of Punjab in the year... and he promptly said 325. I was stunned as it was the correct answer.
"Mohan - how did u answer that, did you know the number or was it a guess?"
"Ah, that was just a guess" he said and both of us burst out laughing :D

Then came the terror of all terrors quantitative reasoning. Question 1) 786 * 64 / 48 = ?
Time for the expert, my mom - to take over.
It took about 5 minutes to get the braille board set. Another 2 to figure out how this equation was to be written. Then was the hardest part, how to solve!
Class seven was the last time that Mohan had studied mathematics. So we had to go back to the basics. Took examples of 2*15/10. Considered multiplication tables, discussed the concept of cancelling common multiples in the numerator and denominator to finally solve the problem.
This week, after work everyday, Mohan will spend revising tables. More mathematics next weekend.
He is such a bright candidate, I want him to do well. Lets see.

Preparation for SBI exam

2009-10-18T19:10:00.004+05:30

No, I'm not preparing for the exam, but am helping someone.
Time period - 3 weeks until the exam
To be covered - A 400+ page book with multiple choice questions in topics including Indian politics, Science, Mathematics, Verbal English, Geography, Computers.
Agreement - Due to the time constraint and the vastness of the topics, we (Mohan and I) have agreed to skip all topics that involve anything diagrammatic or require visuals (You will know why soon).

Mohan, currently works in Medical Transcription in one of the local hospitals. Being visually impaired does not deter him from dreaming big. He would like to take the bank exam and hopefully do well. A clerical post at the bank would get him a permanent posting ensuring job security and income flow.

We covered 100 questions in Indian Constitution and 60 questions in Science today.
Of the former 100, I barely knew the answer for about 15 (such a shame) while Mohan got almost 75% right - good for him :D this is why we breezed through this section.
When we switched to Science, I realized how difficult it was for him to grasp the difference between mesosphere/stratosphere/ionosphere or even between electron/proton/neutron - not the concepts but who discovered them. At least here, I guess I was more familiar with the terms. So we spent some time going over the questions, then revised the answers for previously discussed questions and finally chose questions at random from everything that we had gone over. This is the reason for the lesser number of questions covered.

Another thing I realized was, in order to answer, one must first understand the question. I had to explain what words like impeach, encompass and envisage.
In the science section I tried to help him relate answers to questions by explaining concepts of vitamins/sources, tides/gravitation and scientist names with their inventions.

I learnt today that the president gets a salary of Rs.1.5 lakhs per month and the governors of the state Rs. 1.1 lakhs per month per the recent pay revisions (legal salary on paper - I mean)
I also learnt that Streptomycin was discovered by Walkman (the only walkman I knew until now was the Sony kind)
We had discussions on declaration of President's rule in certain states and the dissolution of assemblies, trying to find a rationale/reasoning for it all. In cases where we couldn't, we just took the book answer to be the truth as is. (so much for civics)

We've just scraped through the surface of these 2 topics.... there's long way to go!

Live Mocha

2009-08-21T22:42:00.004+05:30

I always believe in learning something new at any point of time. It could be academic or just plain out of interest. My learning experience over the last couple of years includes music, more music, Internet/computer related, finance, photography related and the list thus goes on....

Current focus: New languages.
Tool: livemocha.com
This site helps you choose:
~The language you want to learn
~The level that you want to learn basic/intermediate/advanced
~Learn words, pronunciations and sentence formations
~and learn learn at your own pace.

The best feature according to me is review of submissions. After each lesson, you are given exercises to complete - in both pronunciations and writing skills. This gets reviewed by real people. If I want to learn Spanish and I am fluent in English, I would get my exercise reviewed by someone who knows Spanish... and I may help them learn English. So you learn and you also help others learn.
People reviewing my work have told me my pronunciation is good. I have no complaints :D
So much to learn and remember. For the past one week, I've been spending about 2 hours every night on this... and I realize 24 hours is just not enough for all that I want to do :)

Am so glad my brother told me about this site. People at home have been warned... around midnight, if they hear some blabbering in unknown languages... then know what it is :D

A day well spent

2009-08-16T02:50:00.007+05:30

August 12th was the day of my Community Team Work (CTW) this year.
70 Children + Teachers + 20 volunteers = A Big group to handle and a lot responsibility. It took a lot of effort from my co-team captain (my good friend and namesake) and my side to plan, organize and execute the project. It helped us discover that we were brilliant together :D jokes apart it made us aware of our great planning and organization skills.

Our Planets - Was the project. We were to take the children from the slum school to the planetarium. More details here...
2 months before the project we had made calls to enquire show time/ticket price/availability only to be told that the Planetarium would be closed on that particular day. That gave us enough time to reach out to all the parties involved (volunteers, project manager, charity) and re-schedule the project.
The show at the planetarium show was for an hour. Next round planning of revolved around what activities we could have for the children after the show. We wanted to make it fun and also a learning experience. Based on the age groups, we had planned for a quiz, painting and street play activities. Street play - was a request from the charity. The older girls being very talented did not get a chance to perform and be appreciated so this was an opportunity for them.

4 days before the actual project, swine flu panic spread like crazy. Volunteers were now worried. We faced a lot of questions on what precautions we were taking, if the children would be checked for illness before they were sent with us etc. Contacting the internal wellness centre, we understood that it would be best to cut short the project. Having the many children in an enclosed space for a long time would only increase the risk. We spoke to the charity and expressed the concern and told them to ensure that any child with even the slightest sign of cold/cough should not be sent on the trip.
Again, change in plans - meeting held, everyone made aware that the project was being cut short. Not all the volunteers were happy with this. Cutting short the project meant spending lesser time with the children, but we had no choice :(

August 12th: We left from office after breakfast in 2 buses. We had to pick-up points for the children and teachers. We made most use of the time we had in the bus to interact with the children and ensure they had a good time.
T planetarium was a real hit with the children. They had never witnessed anything like that before. When initially the lights went out and the tiny stars started peeping out, they were so thrilled that they started clapping and hooting :) Every new picture displayed was followed by a WOOOOW. Was such good fun being a part of this :)
After the planetarium show we spent time with them in the playground outside, as they ran around and screamed their heads out :D
We then headed back to the YWCA centre where all of us had lunch together. One group here (from one bus) lost its way and took time to reach, by the time we'd served lunch to the younger kids. Less space, well managed... thanks to lost directions? :D
The children were thrilled with the trip, the teachers were happy, the YWCA members were glad that the children had such a good time ~ most of all it was a satisfying experience for all of us.
Though just for a day, however small it may have been... we had made a difference.

Quotes from Illusions

2009-08-01T19:36:00.003+05:30

Read Illusions - The adventures of a reluctant Messiah, by Richard Bach - the author of Johnathan Livingston Seagull. Not sure if it is the subject or the way the book is written, I was not too impressed with it. However the author had some very interesting quotes, like the ones below:

Quit anything you want, if you change your mind about doing it. Its better than keeping the job and hating it.

The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work

If you want freedom and joy so much, can't you see its not anywhere outside of you. Say you have it, and you have it. Act as if its yours and it is.

Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world - Even if what is published is not true

The best way to avoid responsibilities is to say "I've got responsibilities"

There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts.

Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours

A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such a speed. It feels an impulsion...this is the place to go now. But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons.

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.

Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

This one's my favourite:
Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.

Weekend Getaway

2009-07-20T22:57:00.007+05:30

Bheemeshwari - A getaway about a 100 kilometers from Bangalore
Best known for - Fishing and nature camps
Activities include - Camping by the riverside, Coracle ride, Trekking, Rappelling

My thoughts - A perfect weekend getaway. Away from all the noise and commotion. All that you hear is the river flowing by, the birds chirping and the insects buzzing. Wake up to hear the rain, smell the air fresh and green, laze around on hammocks/swings by the river.
If you feel a bit adventurous you can:
1) Trek up to a view-point where you get a 360 degree view of the valley
2) Go for a Coracle ride. Beware - this is no ordinary boat ride. Close comparison would be 'brown-water' rafting :D More than trying to spot crocodiles, we were holding on to our dear lives hoping we'd get across the river in one piece
3) Go for a drive in an open jeep early in the morning, feeling the cold air hit against your face real hard.
In all, a place where you lose yourself to nature.

The Setting

The AccomodationRelaxation

@ Jungle Lodges & Resorts

Alarm - Short Animation

2009-07-11T12:40:00.001+05:30

Awesome animation. What creativity!

Michael Jackson R.I.P

2009-06-27T01:57:00.005+05:30

I remember the first time that I watched the video of Remember The Time and I was completely zapped. I fell in love with MJ - no... not his music, not his songs, not his dance but him. Thereafter, every time they played that song on TV, which ever part of the house I was in, I'd instantly appear next to the TV screen. I'd watched that video so many times, even my mom knew the story in the video and which scene came after what. How he transformed from the gold dust, the way he patted the dust off his shoulders at the begining of the song, the dance moves in that video... I remember most of that to date. It started with that song, but that was just the begining.

For my birthday that year, my dad took me to Archies gallery and got me two life-size posters. What more could I ask for! That's what I woke up to every single day...
First thing in the morning, it was his face that I saw. When getting ready for school, it was his songs that I listened to. Yes I was crazy.
I watched all his tour/concerts that they played on TV. When fans mobbed to get a glimpse of him, screamed, cried and fainted at the sight of him... no one at home understood those feelings and passed silly comments... I just nodded and secretly wiped away my own tears.

I bought lyrics books and memorized the words of all my favourite songs from his albums. On the school bus, his songs/videos were the hot topics of discussion. I even won tickets to watch his short movie Ghosts.Thrilled ~ is not sufficient a word that describes what I felt then.
I own every one of his albums. I even bought Invincible, though I was past the 'fan' stage. I liked his music, though I completely disliked him now.

All said and done, he was a legend. Crazy, troubled, insane but great. He will be missed.

1 Book, 1 Movie, 1 Song

2009-06-16T23:02:00.004+05:30

Three Cups of Tea - One man's mission to promote peace... One school at a time
Greg Mortenson, on his failed attempt to reach the peak of K2 (The second highest mountain in the world) wanders into a remote region in Pakistan. Weak from hunger and loneliness, he reaches an impoverished village, where he is nursed back to good health. During his stay in the village, he realizes that one thing that is completely lacking there is schools for the children. His life's mission changes from scaling peaks to building schools for these children. How he raises money, co-ordinates the work and helps establish over 78 schools is what this true story is all about.
Nights in Rodanthe
Earlier in this blog, I had mentioned about the book by the same name, author - Nicholas Sparks. The movie did not have great reviews, but I wanted to watch it for Richard Gere.
Richard Gere - Oh my! what can I say - that face, those eyes, that smile and of course the acting .
"One Look at him and your heart just melts away" quote-unquote :)
Both Diane Lane and Richard Gere have given brilliant performances in the movie. They were just perfect for the roles. I also loved the shots of North Carolina especially the beach-side inn - just mind-blowing.

Love Remains the Same
From the OST of Nights in Rodanthe, by Gavin Rossdale. This is my song for this week.

So much more to say
So much to be done
Don't you trick me now
We shall overcome
So all that's left is praying

But we, should have had the sun
We could have been inside
Instead we're over here

Half the time the world is ending
Truth is I am done pretending
Too much time too long defending
You and I are done pretending

Guitar Gurus

2009-05-31T18:17:00.003+05:30

"Bring umbrellas, raincoats, picnic rugs etc." True to those words, these were essential at last night's concert.

The Event: Guitar Gurus - An all night performance by five of India's finest guitarists. An hour performance by each artist and then time for them all to jam.

The Venue: Fireflies Ashram (Don't ask me why Ashram, that's just the venue) The amphitheatre set around a huge Banyan tree.
Finding the place was a big adventure, but one we saw the setting, the effect, the acoustics, we knew we were in for a treat :)
Though it rained continuously through the night, we huddled under umbrellas and enjoyed the warmth of the music.

First Act: John Anthony and his band Karnatriix

Guitar - John Anthony

Percussions - "Darbuka' Siva

Sarangi & Vocals - Faiyaz Khan

East meets West
(Sarangi & Electric Guitars)

The music was a blend of classical (Carnatic & Hidustani) and western. The band played one of my favourite songs of Saint Tyagaraja - "Entharo Mahanubhavulu", Pancharatna Kritis (Five gems of Carnatic music).
Click here for the video of this song from an earlier concert.
You should also check out a better audio of this song on the Karnatriix website.

Second Act: Amit Heri and Sanjay Divecha
This act had no percussion, no other accompaniments ~ just plain guitars.
Amit and Sanjay performed a couple of their own compositions - Peace song & Africa. After which they played some Jazz as well.

Amit Heri

Sanjay Divecha

Earlier in the blog I had made a mention of Charminar, this can be found on Amit Heri's site under Music and album -Morning Raga. Such a short piece, but such strong emotions.

Third Act: Derek Julien and his band

This band started playing at 1AM and they pumped up the volume and the rhythm and had everyone swaying to their music.For a sample of what they played last night click here.

Fourth Act: Vikramjit Banerjee aka Tuki
As it was already 2AM, we didn't stay to watch this act.

The event had such variety, with each group showing off their own unique style. It was a perfect blend of talent and melody. Definitely a musical night to remember. And yes, I'm picking up the albums of these guys. :)

though the event was great, there are two things that I was disappointed with:
1) Timing - The show started more than an hour late, we therefore could not watch stay till the end.
2) A group in the audience (obviously high on something) who created a lot of disturbance and did not let others enjoy the music. People are free to do as they please, as long as they don't bother others.

Good Bye

2009-05-23T18:41:00.008+05:30

I don't like saying good bye, its one of those sad things in life.
In some cases, we're more than happy that the person is going away
And then others, when we wish the person would but just stay
Any other category? Not to be bothered about, as it makes no difference whatsoever.
But when it is time to use the *G* word... just have to do something to cheer up.
May be its time to flip through The Blue Day Book again.

The Constant Gardener

2009-05-23T13:47:00.005+05:30

Based on the novel by John Le Carre, The Constant Gardener is a story of a Diplomat who tries to find the reason for his wife's murder. In his pursuit, Justin Quayle (played by Ralph Fiennes) discovers that his wife Tessa (played by Rachel Weisz) and her friend Arnold were trying to expose a conspiracy involving major pharmaceuticals and aid organizations in the African continent. Brilliant performance by all the actors, beautiful cinematography and hard hitting reality all well complemented by the music of Spanish composer Alberto Iglesias. A definite must watch, according to me.

Rambling on

2009-05-17T17:34:00.000+05:30

Today begins with this song:

<Come As You Are - Nirvana

Come as you are
As you were
As I want you to be
As a friend
As a known memory

This week had to do some 'work from home' testing. Though this has become a very popular option, working from home has its pros and its cons.
Pro - you get to be @ home
Con - you have to work :)
Jokes apart, working from home is a pain because:
A) You never get to take a break - who do u go to have coffee with. You turn around and there's no one to speak to... just the 'study' table looking at you expectantly or the bed looking cozy and tempting.
B) You just can't get up and go away for a while - Just when you tell people brb, there's an urgent request that you have to handle immediately.
C) When you are at office, you can just turn around and ask people to do whatever it is that they've got to do. When you're at home... you patiently wait for them to do it. Patience! Its such a virtue...I've learned.

Another thing I've learned and seem to keep learning every single day is that you never really get what you want, you just have to learn to want what you get.
You get back home early, but its not the right day for it. When its the right day, you're in office working late. Finally its the right time, the right day and you're back, but it begins to rain... so disappointing! Then what you do is enjoy the sweet smell of the rain and the cool breeze, because complaining is not going to change a thing.,, so might as well enjoy the pitter-patter.

Watched two movies:
I am Sam : Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer in what I consider their best performances. And Dakota Fanning, to play such a powerful role at that age. Amazing!

The Apartment: This is an old classic that I've been waiting to watch for a long time now. An insurance agent who rents out his apartment to the biggies in his office, such that they have a place to take their mistresses. A romantic comedy that makes you smile all through.

There, another week goes by. In a couple of weeks, it'll be June and we'll already be half way through the year. That's another thing I've learned, no matter what you're doing/thinking, the clock just keeps ticking. Might as well do things that you like and get past the time, than wait for the right time... if there ever is such a thing as that!

That's enough rambling for now. Ciao

Movie Time

2009-05-08T17:51:00.005+05:30

Off late, I've been watching a lot of movies. Many movies on my 'to watch' list have now been struck off. I enjoyed watching most of these, but in a couple of cases... I thought the hype was a bit too much :)

Before Sunrise/Before Sunset:
I had watched Before Sunset a long time back and loved how the movie was so non-movie-like. Every action, every dialogue felt so real. It just takes you to a totally different world that is so beautiful. After watching Before Sunrise (the prequel - if I may call it) I think Sunset is better. But then, both movies are awwww so sweet.

The Visitor (2007):
The story of a professor, who travels to a conference to find a couple living in his home. the couple happen to be illegal immigrants. How this incident changes the professor's life is what the movie is about. The movie gets you thinking.... but I somehow felt there was something lacking in the movie. whatever said and done, the message is very powerful.

The Graduate (1967):
Dustin Hoffman, a graduate, returns home from school and only to be enticed by the wife of his father's business partner. Agreed, the movie has great acting and a very different storyline... but not too sure why the movie falls in the 'One of the greatest movies" category.

Mama Mia (2008):
Meryl Streep rocks in this musical :) Any ABBA fan would enjoy this movie. But what I loved the most were the locations - the Greek islands, the beaches, the chapel atop the hill and of course the Music.

mama mia, here I go again
my my, how can I resist you
mama mia, does it show again
my my, how much I've missed you

Rachel Getting Married (2008):
This is completely an off-beat movie. Many parts have been shot like it is a documentary. You think you've seen Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries and Devil Wears Prada and thought she was cute? Watching her in this move, you'd hate her, because of the character she plays. That's the brilliance of her acting.
Anne plays a drug addict who returns from rehab for her sister's wedding. The relationship she has with her family and they with her and most importantly she has with herself is what the movie is about. Every part is played so perfectly - Anne, her dad, her sister and the man she is engaged to - very well made movie.

The Dark Knight (2008):
ha! what do I say about this movie, except that it is so brilliant. Don’t know why I missed this when it was showing in the theatres.

P.S. I love you (2007):
I know the title sounds cheesy, but the movie is a really nice one. Its about a husband, who through his letters to his wife, teaches her to live life. Hilary Swank. who plays the wife, receives the letters after her husband's death, when she really is in need of someone to guide her. Each letter perfectly timed, makes her smile, makes her laugh and makes her do things that she loves. They bring her back to life. Gerard Butler, who plays the husband makes the perfect match for Hilary in this movie. In case you are looking for something to warm up your heart, this is one movie to watch.

Man On Wire (2008):
You just have to watch this movie to understand what a masterpiece it is. No amount of description would suffice. Related link: If you want to fly

His Girl Friday (1940):
When Cary Grant comes to know that his ex-wife, Hildy is getting re-married, he tries every possible trick to get her to stay. The story is revolves around a newspaper office that is covering the story of a man accused of murdering a policeman. The movie just belongs to Rosalind Russell who plays Hildy in the movie. It is quick paced and has great comic-timing.

Atonement (2007):
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, this movie is about a child who accuses her sister’s lover of a crime he did not commit. This is a life changing event for all of them. The surprise comes right at the end when you know the true story. Another movie that is very well made movie.

Thank You For Smoking (2005):
First it was No Reservations, then Dark Knight and now its Aaron Eckhart in this movie as well. Each role, completely different from the other, but played so brilliantly well. Nick, the protagonist works as the spokesman for a cigarette company. Though the public hates him, yet how he defends the company is what the story is about. He knows that smoking kills millions of people each year… It is a job that I do well and it pays my mortgage, thus I do it – is his answer to the question, why do you do it. A must watch for Aaron’s great performance.

Today

2009-05-06T21:58:00.002+05:30

Indira Gandhi International Academy is an organisation that takes care of children of Sri Lankan refugees. There are over 250 children here and the organisation takes care of the food, clothing and educational needs of these children. The organisation, I understand, is in need of food supplies, school supplies and other things that the children need in their daily lives. There are many corporates and NGOs that have taken up projects to help out these children.

We are currently running a Toiletries Collection Drive - whereby we're collecting soaps, toothpaste, shampoo sachets and other items to be donated to the school. Most part of today went in co-ordinating and collecting these items. The end result was pretty phenomenal.
At the end of the day we were told that our department had made the maximum contribution :) Such satisfaction to have been able to make a difference.

Unable to find an official web page... a related link : http://www.onlytoday.org/causes-india1.php

One thing that puzzles me is - why someone would not be willing to contribute? Is the cost of one bar of soap/tube of toothpaste too much that you are unable to donate? When will this mind-set change?

Connexions

2009-04-28T23:14:00.004+05:30

Thank you so much for the songs. I owe you one!
Rahman's music... pure bliss! No more words.

Himalaya - Instrumental

Mylapore Blues - Instrumental

Silent Invocation C - Instrumental

Yet to listen to the rest of the album :)

Update after 4 days: I've already had enough of this album. Cannot listen to it any more. I have checked and confirmed with reliable sources that I am not the only one who feels this way...

Apocalyptica

2009-04-20T22:30:00.003+05:30

Upto now, I've only heard the cello being played as a part of an orchestra or a cellist playing a deep melody. Apocalyptica, a quartet from Helsinki gives cello music a whole new dimension and their music is damn addictive.

Path
I don't care
Romance

Sixth Sense

2009-04-15T23:09:00.006+05:30

Very impressive (hard to believe at first) technology.
Sixth Sense is a wearable device (Camera + projector) that projects information onto any surface be it walls, hard surfaces or any other object. With simple hand gestures one is able to interact and retrieve any required information.
~ With just a gesture, take photographs of the object in front of you
~ With another gesture, view the photos projected on the nearest wall
~ Watch related videos as you read through the newspaper
~ Get information on the products, as you are purchasing them.
Technology of tomorrow - today?

Some images from the net:
Demo video
Pranav Mistry - The genius behind this digital prototype.

A walk through the slum

2009-04-03T17:37:00.003+05:30

Location: Kader Sheriff Garden (garden being a misnomer)
Mission: To plan community work for the betterment of the slum children
Mission partner: YWCA
Team: Yet to be decided

We (here I mean the firm) are partnering with YWCA for the first time this year to be involved in some of their projects and help out in every possible way.
Every year when its time for community work, I choose to be a volunteer, however this time I decided I'd take part in the planning and organising as well. As a part of the team captaincy, I got a chance to meet up with the board of members of YWCA. This was a very sweet and enriching experience. There were in all about 12-15 ladies, well past their middle ages - former principals, professors, college founders who have come together with an aim to make a difference. Listening to each of them speak about their experiences was just so motivating.

The YWCA Bangalore project list among many things includes:
~ A lower primary school in the KS Garden slum
~ Day care centre for young children
~ Free computer course for girls from low income families
~ Leadership training for women from diverse backgrounds
~ Learning centres, hostel facilities, free counselling sessions
The list thus goes on....

Since our project mainly has to do with the slum children, we drove up to KS Garden. We could have reached the school from the main road but we wanted to walk through the slum to see for ourselves - the slum-dwellers' way of life.
This slum has about 1700 families living together in such pathetic conditions. No proper housing, no good sanitation facilities, hardly any space to even walk, dodging and ignoring all the dirt and the filth. What would life be living in such a condition. I again reiterate the fact that we take too many things for granted in life. In comparison to such a life in the slum - we are all so much better off, yet we complain about mundane and trivial things.
We reached the school which had just 2 rooms. Room = 4 walls, no proper lights. There are two blackboards on opposite walls of the class. Half the children face one board, while the other half have their back turned towards the other board. Thus 2 classes are conducted simultaneously in the same room. The other room for the older children was even more dingy with no light at all. Despite all things - one thing to be noted is the smile that all the children had on their faces, the jest with which they answered our questions and their dreams of making it big in life. Their lives revolve around the slum, they have no clue of the evil that awaits them in the outside world, but they have it in them to become 'somebody'.

Once we had visited the two facilities, we started planning our work. It would mainly involve:
~ Moral education classes for the children
~ Basic health and hygiene lessons
~ Personality development and other useful tips for the older children
~ A day excursion to the planetarium.

The basic plan has been drawn - the hows, the whats, the how manys are yet to be decided. This should be a real good experience.

Driving me crazy :)

2009-03-23T22:02:00.001+05:30

It can get very annoying when drivers behind you keep honking when you have stopped for the red light. If it were green would I not go?
Pointing towards the light and signalling to driver in the rear view mirror did not help my case yesterday. So I thought a good way to communicate with the vehicle behind would be to have an electronic display board. Keying in text through a simple keyboard would feed the sign-board at the back. My board at that moment would have read "In case you didn't know red means STOP". Such a board could also be used for advertisement in case of commercial vehicles. And yes, the board would be functional only when the hand break is on, otherwise it would lead to a lot of unnecessary distraction. Ah! people should ask me for ideas :)

@ the driver who was honking - fine that you want to end up behind bars, don't make me your accomplice
@ the drunkard who decided to lay down in the middle of the main road - could you not find a better place to relax
@ people who decide to sprint across without looking - this is not your hallway, look before you leap

and to think driving on weekdays was crazy.... :)

Weekend movie

2009-03-23T21:44:00.002+05:30

What starts off as a dark and sad story, turns into a really touching and inspiring one. the dialogues have been timed so perfectly and delivered so well that you want to watch some scenes again and again.
Though a few scenes like the one relating to the war could have been avoided/shortened, its a brilliantly made movie.
Cate Blanchett looks 'oh so wow', so does Brad Pitt in a few scenes.
One scene that I really liked is where Benjamin describes a series of events that all come together and result in an accident. Even if one of those events hadn't happened or had occurred a moment earlier/later the result would have been different. He starts off by saying "Sometimes we're on a collision course, and we just don't know it. Whether it's by accident or by design, there's not a thing we can do about it."

Other thought provoking quotes from the movie:
Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.

You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.

It's never too late to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.

Quotations - Art Buchwald

2009-03-10T21:59:00.004+05:30

In a recent conversation about books/authors, I learned about Arthur Buchwald. Haven't yet read any of his books but came across some of his quotes today.
Found these to be interesting. They make you smile, they make you think.

“Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got.”

“We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time.”

“You can't make up anything anymore. The world itself is a satire. All you're doing is recording it.”

“The best things in life aren't things”

"I worship the quicksand he walks in"

Miles Davis

2009-03-08T23:58:00.002+05:30

Listening to It Never Entered My mind by Miles Davis.

I'm not that much into jazz (yet). The reason for that being, melody in this genre not being very structured (or so I think). Maybe I just have to listen to more of Jazz to appreciate it better.
Its the piano notes in the begining that made me listen to this song. After I heard it once, I started playing it in a loop and now I really like the flow of the sax too. A silent, dark room - perfect setting to listen to this song.

Its been a crazy period. Hoping that the coming week is just slightly better. One thing to rejoice about for sure... Tuesday is a holiday. Yippeee! Will be content with that for now.
:D

Delhi 6

2009-03-07T21:17:00.003+05:30

All things said and done... Great website
Imagine a movie plot with too many thoughts to be expressed. Actually so many ideas you want to bring out that you cannot fit it into one movie. So you neatly lay out all these ideas flat on a sheet of paper, cut the sheet into many pieces and try to put together a collage. The movie now has only nice looking pieces, but loses its story flow.
That's how I felt when I watched Delhi 6. So many scenes end so abruptly that it makes you wonder if it was meant to be that way or if someone did a bad job with the editing.
With such a star cast, music, location like old Delhi - the movie could have been so much more. My greatest disappointment was my favourite song Dil Gira - picturisation of which was such a let down :( Innovative - yes, appealing - maybe not.
When shooting in old Delhi, there are so many things places/culture/activities that can be showcased, but that doesn't happen here. Where Rang De Basanti had so many lovely locations/shots/picturisation this movie comes no where close to it. The only saving grace is beautiful Sonam Kapoor.
Half way through the movie you start wondering.... What were they thinking

Music find of the week

2009-03-01T19:22:00.003+05:30

Japanese music director/composer Joe Hisaishi

I'm still checking out the other videos on youtube. The music is so beautifully composed and performed. I really liked Asian Dream Song, View of Silence and Oriental Wind.

Spirited away:
Starts off in a slow, peaceful tone. A few highs with related lows. But when At 02:19 the beats blend in, the tune takes a beautiful new turn. Very soothing in its entirety.

Another version - The Name of Life:
Nice happy tone keeps you swaying to the rhythm.

Reclaim your life

2009-03-01T18:02:00.004+05:30

My current favorite ad on TV - Tata Safari Dicor - The concept, the locations, the music/words (Life goes by before you know it, Can you feel it pass you by)- perfect.

If you looked back into your life
What would you remember?
The corner office?
The corporate powerplays?
The VIP lounge?
What would you remember?

An earlier ad, equally good.

Drawing some inspiration.

2009-01-13T22:40:00.003+05:30

Met a couple of friends last evening after a very long time. Ashok, Vinay and their friend Ram who'd also come along with them. We were talking about what each of us were doing and I was amazed by what Ashok shared with us:
4 years back Ashok joined an NGO and moved to Nagapattinam, where he now involved with the rehabilitation of tsunami victims. They cover 40 villages around Nagapattinam.
In groups, they go on a survey, spend time with the villagers and identify persons who would need help.
Once they are done with rehabilitating a person, they would train him/her to in turn help out with identifying other persons who are in need of similar help. They would be a better judge as they know the villagers better.

Ashok then moved on to tell us an incident that was very close to his heart. There was a man in his late twenties whose lower limb had been injured during the tsunami. He had been undergone 5 different surgeries in a government hospital but had seen no improvement. Being unable to walk, he had lost all hope.
When Ashok's group approached him, he did not want to go through the entire cycle of getting hopeful in vain and refused to be a part of the programme.
The NGO members persisted and told him to try one last time, and he finally agreed. There was a complicated surgery performed to remove the broken bone and replace it.
A year after the surgery, with regular exercise the man started to slowly move around with the help of a walker. After the rehabilitation programme was complete, the NGO team told the man that they had done their part by helping him walk again, what he wanted to do further in life was up to him. The man got back to his profession - tailoring and now runs a successful business in his village :)

Best part of this post: Ashok, Vinay and Ram are visually impaired. I know Ashok and Vinay from my school days, when my mom used to teach in a blind school. Also, since all textbooks aren't (or weren't then) available in braille, we used to read out the text from the various books and record it on cassette tapes. The students used to make copies of these tapes, listen to them and learn their lessons. Another thing we used to be involved in was during examinations - the students would have a scribe read out the question papers to them, they would dictate the answers and the scribe would write the answers - all this with no extra time.

Ashok is happy and derives immense satisfaction from his work with the NGO
Vinay works in HAL as a telephone operator/assistant
Ram works on the marketing side of Shobha Developers.

We take too many things for granted, experiences like these make us think twice before we complain about our mundane lives.
There are some who would argue that they wouldn't want to compare themselves to the less fortunate.
But it is from personal experience that I say, we should be thankful for who and what we are :)

Hang in there

2008-12-07T02:04:00.000+05:30

This was one of the first ever 'cheer up' messages that I received by email. Back in the days when internet was new and having an email account was considered cool. I still have a printout, though its now turned yellow with time, the message and what it meant to me then, still stays fresh in my mind.
For those who're going through a really tough patch... I know there is a limit to being tested but we've come this far, we'll get through it. Hang in there!

High by Lighthouse Family. This is one song that I love listening to when I'm feeling low and it always make me smile. Sometimes it takes a couple of times of listening, but in the end it does the trick :)

This morning

2008-12-06T12:27:00.004+05:30

I know that when ever I write a post about work, I am cribbing. Maybe I should write more about the good times as well (yeah, there actually are such things in life).
Anyway today is an important day. The whole year's events boil down to this one day. I have not been involved in this task before, so its exciting and the same time a bit scary, as this carries with it a lot of responsibility. Lets see at the end of the day where we stand. Off I go!

Meetings

2008-11-25T22:52:00.004+05:30

Update meeting with team, meeting to update manager on the team meeting, update meeting involving more managers to keep them up to date on previously mentioned meetings.

Just one word for it - Efficient! :)

Too much

2008-11-11T23:37:00.001+05:30

Too much happening... Don't know how many times I've said this in the past couple of weeks/months. The intensity of things going on, just seems to remain constant - if not reaching peaks. Chugging along, another milestone crossed with a great sigh of relief. The countdown to year-end thus continues.

Was looking for Charminar from the movie Morning Raaga. Though a short piece, the depth of the melody takes me to a different state everytime I listen to it.
At some point of time, in a totally different life, there was a need for a tune to wake up to... something that would help me begin the day in the right spirit and this was the tune of my choice. LOTS of memories associated with this tune.
Anway, searching by the title, I discovered this other song by X-Japan. Pretty good stuff :)

05/30/09 - Finally, an online version of the tune. Such a short piece, but such intensity!
Music --> Morning Raga --> Charminar

Gloomy Grays

2008-11-02T13:54:00.004+05:30

In the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's there a conversation which goes something like this:
"You know those days when you get the mean reds?"
"The mean reds, you mean like the blues? "
"No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?"

Feels like the mean reds a lot these days or maybe I should call it gloomy grays. Nothing to be afraid of, just a lot of depressing happenings and testing times.
Too much going on, no light... actually not even the proverbial tunnel is in sight. Maybe I'm just too lost to actually notice things. You're in the hope that everything will end - sooner or later.

A break is what I need; Wait is what I will do. In the mean time will try and drive away the gloomy grays with some hard hitting beats.

BBC World - Visionaries

2008-10-26T00:14:00.000+05:30

Was watching the show Visionaries on BBC World. This is a 7 part series comparing, debating about and voting for the greatest classical music composers.

~ Bach vs. Handel
~ Beethoven vs. Mozart
~ Chopin vs. Verdi
~ Shostakovich vs. Takemitsu
~ Glass vs. Boulez
Unfortunately I caught only the last show and that too the last part where Glass won over Boulez. More details about the show are available on the blogs on the website.

This is Metamorphosis by Glass. I love the way the tune changes at 2:21.

Credit Suisse is the sponsor of this show. I've never seen any of the ads for CS before, so was very impressed with their "Thinking new perspectives" tag line.

Some think competition. We think partnership.

Some think two generations. We think succession planning.

Some think bank with tradition. We think more than 150 years of innovation.

Perspective... hmmm! :)

Conscience

2008-10-21T21:10:00.000+05:30

Would you go against your conscience?

How about if:
1) You were under pressure
2) A part of your future depended on it
3) Both of the above

Shantaram

2008-10-12T13:46:00.000+05:30

Shantaram is the story of Gregory David Roberts, an armed robber and heroin addict, who escaped from Australian prison and came to India. He lived in the Bombay slums, learned Hindi and Marathi, started a free clinic for the slum-dwellers, joined the mafia, procured drugs for foreigners tourists, spent time in Indian prison and fell in love - amongst the others things he did.
It is said that Roberts had to write Shantaram three times because prison guards thrashed the first two versions.

The author's style of writing, is very descriptive - you can actually visualize the sights, smell the scents and feel the change in mood and facial expressions of the characters. Another thing that I like about the book is lines/statements that make you stop and think. Here are a few such lines from what I have jotted down thus far:

The past reflects eternally between two mirrors - the bright mirror of words and deeds, and the dark one, full of things we didn't do or say.
Sometimes in love, your heart starts to feel like an over-crowded lifeboat. You throw your pride out to keep it afloat, and your self-respect and your independence. After a while you start throwing people out - your friends, everyone you used to know. And its still not enough. The life-boat is still sinking, and you know its going to take you down with it.
The future is like anything else that's important. It has to be earned. If we don't earn it, we don't deserve it, we have to live in the present, more or less for ever. Or worse, we have to live in the past.
If you could be happy, really happy for a while, but you knew from the start that it would end in sadness, and bring pain afterwards, would you choose to have that happiness or would you avoid it?
If you have to ask the question, then you don't have the right to the answer.
Often, you have to surrender, before you win.
There is another kind of river, the one that runs through every one of us, no matter where we come from, all over the world. It's the river of the heart, and the heart's desire. It's the pure, essential truth of what each one of us is, and can achieve - that is our true nature.
If fate doesn't make you laugh, then you just don't get the joke.

Don't be put off by the size of the book. Once you start reading, you will just not feel like putting it down, until you're down with the 900 odd pages.

The Movie: With Mira Nair's direction, Johnny Depp playing the lead and the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Irfan Khan slated for the cast, the movie would be an interesting one to wait and watch.

YFS - The introduction, the induction

2008-10-11T12:23:00.004+05:30

Continuing with the previous post...

Reached the venue with a few minutes to spare. There were about 60-70 people already waiting in the reception area. No one was too clear what the others were waiting for. "Teach India?" at the entrance, replied by a nod from who ever heard the question, led to the new joiners walking in a forming their own huddle. Just then someone walked up to me with a big bright Hello. It was a guy from the tech team that we worked with. Its always a good thing to sight a familiar face amongst a crowd of aliens :)
The crowd started walking up the stairs nearby and we followed them, chatting about how how and why we each found time to get involved in these activities, how we were in career paths that were so different than what we initially wanted and what more we wanted to do in life.
Software Engineers are just over-rated. In Bangalore, throw a stone, it'll either hit a dog or a software engineer. Hm... that comes from a highly motivated techie who is appearing for CAT this Nov and is currently interested in acturial valuation :)

The volunteers from YFS gave an hour long presentation about their activities. I had read about most part of this on their website and so, thought the time could've been used in a better way. The interesting part came later on with the Q&A session.
What is it that we were required to do? Were we to act as substitute teachers or was this going to be similar to tuition?
Teach India is not just about Teaching, but is about Educating. The targeted children were already attending schools. They needed more than just teachers. They needed a mentor, a coach, a guide, a counsellor. That was the role we were required to play. Help the children out with their studies, counsel them on problems they faced, identify their talents and mentor them to become better individuals. Teaching would have been easy... but shaping someone's life - that is a one big responsibility.

At the end of the presentation, we were each handed out forms to fill in - our qualifications, spoken languages, chosen language of interaction, activities that we were interested in/good at, which we were willing to teach. Collating this information, the group will get back to the volunteers in November with details of where, when and what's to be done.

Walked out of the session, having made a few new friends - a home maker from Kerala who'd recently moved and was new to Bangalore, an engineering student who had time to spare and was willing to help and another home maker who was already involved in various social activities and loved to teach.

Now to wait for more!
Forget about teaching, this is going to be one hell of a learning experience :)

Finally :)

2008-10-01T23:07:00.002+05:30

Teach India
After many weeks of waiting after the "Thank you for registering. As we have received an overwhelming response for volunteers for weekend projects, we will get back to you shortly" (Or something to that effect) I received an email today confirming the NGO details.
Youth For Seva
Meeting with the NGO co-ordinator for the induction programme and finalization of teaching schedule happens this Sunday. Am so looking forward to this :)

Something different

2008-09-27T16:23:00.004+05:30

Some new finds of the "oh so soothing" kind

Secret Love - Buddha Bar

Remembering the light - Kevin Kern

An improvisation on the canon - Robin Spielberg

Childhood Remembered - Kevin Kern

Romance

A Good Year

2008-09-27T02:14:00.009+05:30

What is it about some movies that make you want to watch them over and over again? Is it the story? the actors? or is it just a state of mind?
Got back late after a really bad day. A day which began bad, half way through it nose-dived further, more complications around 4pm. Yeah it was one of those fun days.
Finally it ended well, so should I say 'All's well that ends well?' nah... not yet the end of the day.
Was so frustrated after I got back home, needed something to calm my mind. Then what happened was A Good Year.

I picked up the DVD for Russell Crowe, but this movie is nothing like Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind or Cinderella Man. This is a movie, where you can just lose yourself - get lost in the beautiful landscapes of Provence, splurge in the luxuries of a French chateau, admire the beautiful people and enjoy the haunting music. A feel good movie that's very beautifully made. I notice I've used the word 'beautiful' so many times in the previous sentences... that is just the word that describes this movie.

An investment banker from London - shrewd thus successful. All that he can think about is money. When he hears about his uncle's death and that he consequently has inherited an estate along with its a vineyard - he's all set to sell it and make quick bucks. Going to Provence, a place he has not visited since summer breaks in his childhood days, staying at his uncle's house, interactions with the care-taker and his wife, an unexpected visit from an American girl who claims to be his uncle's daughter - a possible heir, his attraction to the lovely French cafe owner... will all this change his way of life?
More pictures of Provence from Flickr here
This song from the movie is the one playing in a loop currently. Moi Lolita by Alizee

One more movie added to the list "The Holiday"

Hans Zimmer with yet another amazing soundtrack. I love the part from 01:05 on...

What makes you happy?

2008-09-21T16:44:00.005+05:30

Music. I would like to spend more time concentrating on music, because it gives me so much happiness.

Travel is another item on my list. Travel where? Oh I have a lot of places in mind.
'No time' is no excuse. I realise this after years of experience of having no time to do things that I enjoy.
Will things change? I know not, but I would like them to.
So this would mean I have to change - Yes I'm willing to.
Will I change my mind soon - Maybe, but only to find something more to do :)

Life's too short to be taken seriously. I've told myself this over and over again. This I guess is something I need to be constantly reminded of. Dream... and go live your dream!

Inspired by Sharon and Pooh's thoughts :)

50 movies to see before you die

2008-09-20T16:38:00.003+05:30

UTV World Movies brings 50 movies hand-picked by the who's-who of the Indian movie industry.

This series kicked off last night with The Great Dictator - chosen by Mahesh Bhat.

Charlie Chaplin plays double role, one as a barber and the other as Adenoid Hynkel, the dictator. The thoughts and details gone into making this 1940 movie is something to be appreciated. For instance the symbol similar to that of the Nazis, Hynkel's way of uttering gibberish - compared to Hitler's style of speaking, Hynkel showing off his army and troops, wanting to become the dictator of the world, the names chosen for Hynkel's aides - all show the level detail.

The names of the aides of Adenoid Hynkel are parodies of those of Hitler's. Garbitsch (pronounced "garbage"), the right hand man of Hynkel, is a parody of Joseph Goebbels, and Field Marshal Herring was modeled after the Luftwaffe chief, Hermann Goering. The "Dig-a-ditchy" of Bacteria, Benzino Napaloni, was modeled after Italy's Il Duce, Benito Mussolini. (Source Wiki)

Though comical for most part, the movie brings out the plight of Jews during the Nazi reign.

The parts that I best liked in the movie are:

~ The scene where the barber gives a customer a shave with Brahms playing in the background

~ Hynkel dancing with the baloon in the shape of the globe

~ The touching speech the barber (mistaken to be Hynkel) gives the nation. this I understand was a personal plea from Chaplin to stop the attrocities. (source Wiki)

I agree with Mahesh Bhat when he says "You can't leave this planet without seeing Charlie Chaplin in the Great Dictator" :)

Next week its going to be 13 Tzameti - chosen by Anurag Kashyap (of Black Friday fame) . Will have to wait and watch

aaaaagh!!!!

2008-09-18T18:18:00.001+05:30

Why why why ?!?

Hilary Hahn

2008-09-11T22:31:00.001+05:30

Let her music speak for itself

Mozart Violin Sonata - A beautiful blend of violin and piano
Der Erlkonig - It depicts the death of a child assailed by a supernatural being (Source Wiki)

a book, a movie

2008-09-07T19:58:00.002+05:30

The book
Haven't read too many books by Indian authors, but picked this one up because of the title, the cover design, and the synopsis that goes something like this:

What do you do when you are a 25-year-old Yale graduate earning half a million dollars a year as a hotshot investment banker on Wall Street? You stay the course, and become a millionaire by thirty, of course. Not if you are Samrat Ratan, born in the USA to immigrant Indian parents; you quit and embark to India on a search for your roots instead.

The author's writing style is very entertaining - there are quite a few paragraphs, reading which I literally burst out laughing . Like the one where he describes his number crunching work at the investment back. In all a good read!

PS: 'Grass' in the title has no connection whatsoever with green/lawn etc but has to do only with dope :)

The Movie

Very crisp storyline, realistic character portrayal, good looking men & women (for once), no unnecessary emotions/drama
Remember Luke Kenny from Channel V? He's in the movie, speaking fluent hindi :) I used to like his playlist on TV (i.e. in those days when I used to watch endless amounts of music television)
Another notable point - most of the songs are sung by Farhan Akhtar himself. So you wont hear a different voice depending on the situation of the movie - Romance - Sonu Nigam, Betrayal - Hariharan, Fun - Udit Narayan et al.
For most part of the movie, you will be able to relate to it... except maybe for the 5star home or a sea-facing office-room view (at least not yet) :)
Rock On!

Genius

2008-09-01T22:31:00.003+05:30

This one's equally hilarious :D

What a way to begin a weekend

2008-08-23T18:13:00.001+05:30

Aug 13
I had completely forgotten that I had to catch the evening train on Thursday. 9:30 had become the standard time of leaving work. When 2 members in the team are on leave, one is brand new and you are actually short of one head-count, who clocks the hours spent in office - 'work must go on' was the mantra - 'but at what cost?', was a question yet to be answered.

Aug 14
The day before Independence day - did it even matter what day it was, as long as it was a holiday leading to long weekend... pathetic as this may sound - no it did not. All that mattered was the much awaited long weekend, a trip with no plans, no guarantee if everyone would turn up - it was one of those few occasions when you just want to get away, no matter where.
'6 sharp I will be leaving, if you need anything let me know by afternoon' I'd told everyone, giving a half hour buffer, knowing the routine.
6:30 I left office. There have been only a couple of occasions when I have left office at such an odd hour, 'odd' because I'm not used to seeing seeing light in the sky on my way back home

Rain - oh pouring rain, dcould you not choose another day?
What normally takes 45 minutes, took more than 2hours that evening. Blocked roads, standstill traffic. Constant calls from home asking till where I'd reached.
Finally reached home at 8:30. I was meant to leave to the station at 8:30. I took 15minutes flat to have dinner, pack and leave on yet another tortuous drive.
The train was to arrive at 9:50 and leave at 10:05. Should take me about an hour to reach, I thought, I hoped and prayed that I'd make it on time.
That particular day, the city saw one of the worst traffic jams - buses, cars, bikes, auto rickshaws all stranded in the rain, moving inch by inch. About a kilometer before the station, people got off their vehicles and started walking in the rain - hoping to get to their trains ontime. I was not going to venture out in the rain. If I make it on time, I'll go - if not, I'll go back home and make up for all the lost sleep, I decided.
10PM I reached the station and as luck would have it, the train was to arrive on platform 4. Rushed through the crowds, up the stairs, down the stairs... to a platform - but wait... no train?? Even the train was delayed. Such a relief. 15minutes later, the train finally arrived. I went the assigned compartment and there's someone sleeping in my berth. Excuse me, this is my berth - I showed him my ticket. Wiping the sleep off his eyes, he stared at me for a moment, pulled of a crumpled ticket from his shirt pocket. It had Seat 12 untidily scrawled on the printed ticket. Off I went in search of the TTE. I showed him my ticket and he told me to wait in my compartment.
Once the TTE came there, I gave him my ticket. He ruffled through the sheets of passenger listings and told me he could not find my name. What? I asked him - how could that be? He had no clue why my name was missing. This is my confirmed ticket, I have paid for this journey, I need a berth - I told him. He asked me to go to the next compartment, as there were a few empty seats and asked me to wait for him there.
Thanks to the traffic jam, a good number of people had missed the train and I thus found some empty seats. Not too sure why I stopped at seat 9 and decided, that's where I wanted to sit.

Tired by the day's events, I longed to lie down and go to sleep, hell no - I had to sit and wait for that slimy TTE who wouldn't give me the berth that I was entitled to.
Half an hour later he arrived, looked at me and said - Are you taking this berth?
Yes 9 - is that OK?
OK - I will give confirm it you - he said and walked away.
What was that all about? I did not even want to think about it. Just had to ensure that my friends had made it to their respective trains/buses, or the weekend would suck.

That was when I came to know that A had got stuck in traffic and had missed his bus. He was trying his level best to try and get another bus ticket.
Booking train/bus tickets has become so crazy these days, with majority IT population working in a city away from home, tickets get booked months in advance.
Without A being there, turning up at S's home would be a bit awkward - that's yet to be seen, I can't get off the train now - I thought and tried to sleep.
No wailing babies, no snoring adults, yet no sleep. When I don't get enough sleep, it pisses me off completely. Those are times when I should have a "Beware" stuck to my forehead :)

Aug 15
Finally reached at around 6:30. Waited for my friend and drove back to his place. A - had indeed got into a later bus and would be here in a couple of hours. I decided to use those couple of hours to catch up on some sleep.
This is how the long weekend began, full of action and drama but then it turned out to be a very nice, relaxing, fun-filled time. Good food, god sleep, lovely weather, good music, good company, great drive a friend's native village - in all a great time!
2... no 2.5 days of bliss and then back to the concrete jungle, back to the world of confusion (as one of my friends calls it)

Teach India

2008-08-20T22:13:00.005+05:30

After Lead India, Teach India is the next initiative of TOI.

2hours a week is all it takes. You even have an option of volunteering over the weekend.

Laptop

2008-08-18T22:59:00.006+05:30

"My Mother's Laptop" to be precise, believe it or not is the name of a Malayalam movie.
Over the weekend, I happened to listen/watch one of the songs from the movie.
May Maasame been sung so beautifully. Though I understand just about 3 words in the entire song, the tune is so soothingly addictive.

Animation rocks

2008-08-09T14:49:00.002+05:30

Just got back from Kung Fu Panda.
Expect the unexpected from the person you least expect :D
Total entertainment!

Outside the cinema hall, I saw the poster of Roadside Romeo, another animation. Was in for a total surprise when I saw the preview. This is a Yash Raj + Walt Disney production looks really promising.

Saving the best for last... Madagascar - Escape to Africa. Though this preview was for less than 2 mins, it had everyone in splits all through.
Just can't wait to watch this movie :D

Attention! this is your captain speaking. I've got good news and bad news.
The good news is - We'll be landing immediately
The bad news is - We'll be crash landing :D

When its time...

2008-08-08T02:51:00.003+05:30

Off late, I've become a regular at www.livemint.com. Apart from usual news relating to business, the economy, market conditions etc. I find the career section by Jack and Suzy Welch to be very interesting.
Here's a recent article about Knowing when its time to leave your present place of work

Questions you need to ask yourself:

~ Do you look forward to going to work every morning?
Does the thought of going to work make you feel good or do your dread it every morning?

~ Do you enjoy spending time with your co-workers?
Considering the fact that you spend close to 12 hours with these people, this becomes a very relevant question. Co-workers can either motivate you or can get your frustrated to the core.

~ Does your company fulfill your personal mission?
Question rephrased as - Do you get to do things that challenge/excite you?

~ Can you picture yourself at your company in a year's time?
Where do you see yourself? Who reports to you? What are your responsibilities and are you happy with that?

Currently, my score on almost all of the above questions happens to be negative :(

Message from God

2008-08-08T01:21:00.003+05:30

To:YOU
Date:TODAY
From:GOD
Subject:YOURSELF
Reference:LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Now, you have a nice day.
God.

Salzburg festival 2008

2008-07-29T22:41:00.000+05:30

In the land of Mozart, every year during the months of July-August, there takes place the festival of music and drama.

These are images from the Salzburg Festival Official site:

The director of the Salzburg festival says that they have to plan 2, 3 sometimes 4 years in advance, so that they can have all the artists perform at the festival.
With such a perfect location and the best artists in the world... the festival must be an 'out of this world' experience!

Here's an interesting video link from the Credit Suisse newsletter.

Yanni voices

2008-07-21T23:51:00.005+05:30

Just went to Yanni's official page and was shocked beyond belief at his new look. For a moment, I had to stare hard at the photo to confirm it actually was him.
"The human voice is the most expressive instrument known to man... it can evoke an enormous amount of emotion"

This is his new venture, taking his music to the next level with human voices and the featured voices are:
Chloe
Nathan Pacheco
Leslie Mills
Ender Thomas

What voices!!

crazy week - crazy me

2008-07-20T01:15:00.002+05:30

You know how it is, when life goes completely berserk, things that you least expect are thrown up your path. Duck and avoid as best as you can - you may be lucky, you may not.
Those are the times when the slightest things/gestures/words make a world of difference.
In case you have no clue what I'm talking about, good for you :)

I'm currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book recommended by one of my NY colleagues and I'm so glad she did. Just a few chapters into the book and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I cannot point out if it is the simplicity, the reality, the thought process or the word play that makes it such a joy to read. So typing out this post real quickly, so that I can get back to the book :)

Has has it ever happened to you - that you are in a negative mood - be it feeling low, depressed, frustrated, angry... whatever, then all of a sudden - something makes you feel just the opposite? It could be anything, in this case I'm talking about a hello tune on a friend's phone :) which currently is 'naan paadum' from the movie Duet. The first time that I heard his tune I asked him to cut the call and not to pick it up until I told him to. Just listening to the tune was so refreshing and happy. Through the week, whenever I felt I needed a break from my mundane thoughts, I'd call him up just to listen to the tune. This, I think is one of ARR's best albums. the combination of the saxophone and the keyboard is amazing. The way Kadri's sax pieces take you on an emotional ride depending on the situation in the movie is just mind blowing.

Ok so we've done book, music/movie and now to television ads. Watched this one a couple of times today and really liked it. I don't understand why Aamir is doing an SRK i.e. appearing in so many ads, but still this one's worth it.

Be born everyday:

Ending this post with a snippet from the book:
This is the part where the writer wants to learn Italian but is trying justify if its going to be of any use, learning a language just because you like it. In the end she says:
"Why must everything always have a practical application? I've been a diligent soldier for years - working, producing, never missing a dead-line, taking care of my credit record, voting, etc. Is this lifetime supposed to be only about duty?"

(I know someone would intervene to say - no its not, that's what I've been telling you all along...)

That's something to chew on ...
Happy weekend!

To blog or not to blog

2008-07-13T22:12:00.003+05:30

That is definitely not the question.

Why I blog or what my blogs are about, that is the question.
I don't know about others, but for me, my blogs are my space - my space to think out loud, to put across points, to tell the world how I feel, to vent my frustrations, to cry out in joy, to whisper in sadness. Its my space - where I can express my feelings, my point of view, things that I strongly feel about - be it people, events, organisations, activities, music, movies, books or just plain nothing at all.
This is the place where I've made innumerable friends, learned from people (learned what to do and also what not to). It has taught me things I didn't know about myself. I can always come back to my blog and relive moments from the past (even if reliving means reading about) :)

This is my space. I hope I am able to keep it this way.

Tune for the day: Back together

What's with this attitude?

2008-07-13T02:01:00.001+05:30

Aren't doctors meant to be life-savers? Aren't they regarded equal to God?

Background - Amma regularly goes to a school for the mentally retarded, to spend time with the children, keep them occupied with various activities including singing. There's this one kid who is 5 years old, who had a problem walking. She needed special shoes which she'd outgrown and amma wanted to help out. However, upon speaking to the kid's parents and looking at her reports (which were 4 years old), it was realised that it was the lower part of her body that had been affected at the time of birth and not her brain functionality. Since she was slow in learning, her parents being poor didn't get her checked up with any doctor, and got her admitted in this school.
Amma got P (my brother's friend) and R (amma's student) to try and help out this kid.
R is studying medicine, so just looking at the medical reports, she explained that it was the lower limbs that were affected, not the brain. In such cases special exercises would help strengthen the limbs and thus help her walk.
P took on the task of calling up a Neuro Surgeon, to confirm that the kid was not mentally ill and that she could be shifted to a regular school.
She explained to the doctor - this is a poor kid and we are trying to help the family. Would you please be able to take a look at the report and confirm that she is mentally fit.
The reaction of the doctor was this - I know how all you NGOs work. But tell me, when whole of Bangalore does not have water, what difference does it make to fix the problem only in your area?
Is this reaction acceptable? I was so furious when I heard this.

So today, the reports were taken to another doctor. Explaining that all that he was required to do was advise on what needs to be done and if the kid can be put in a regular school.
The reaction this time - oh.. well.. she should been treated early on
Yes, we know that. Nothing was done then, would exercises help now and what about putting her in a regular school, can that be done?
Oh - I don't know, for that you'll have to check her IQ
OK - do you know where that can be done? do you think an organisation like Mobility India would be able to help?
uh... ho... hum... may be
The end!

Here are people who are trying to help, trying in their own small way to make a difference and if this is the response...
My question: Would the reaction of the doctors be the same, if it were their own child?

Song for the day: Khuda jaane from Bachna ae haseenon.
Don't know why, but I really like the chorus... so the song's been playing in a loop.
and yes I like the Ahista Ahista song too for the guitar and the peppy rhythm/pace.

The Godse version

2008-07-11T22:41:00.002+05:30

Why they killed Gandhi...

At the beginning

2008-06-29T01:47:00.002+05:30

Sad version:
Is the music slowly dying away?
I know I've got my priorities wrong,
but am I turning into someone I abhor?
I've got to make some amendments
Time to get back to the beginning...

Happy version:
Donna Lewis and Richard Marx singing one of my all time fav songs

Chorus:
And life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever,
wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

mood, music, madness

2008-06-22T18:53:00.003+05:30

Quote displayed on my blog the other day read "Music is what feelings sound like". Its so true, how we can relate to an album/a song depending on our mood.

The album that comes to my mind is "How to Name It" by Illayaraja. Arun had sent me a couple of songs long time back and R had given me the album. The way the first song begins... made me a fan of the maestro (until then, to me - Rahman was the only Indian composer).
To compose music like this way back in the 80s, is something!

Mad Mod Mood Fugue, the second song in the album is my song. The way the tune beautifully weaves ups, downs, pain, excitement and many more moods is what I can totally relate to.

Was cleaning the room yesterday when I found this CD. Played this song and could easily identify which part of the tune depicted my current state of mind :)
So, which is the song that you can relate to right now?

Now for something totally unrelated. I usually don't believe in emotional blackmail. If anyone tries that with me, I ask them to take a hike. Don't know what came over me... but I used one line a couple of days back. It was just a single line... didn't mean to hurt anyone, just wanted to make a point and make the point - I definitely did. The outcome is much more than expected... now I think its time for me to again say 'Take a hike' :D
Some things never change!

Elevator Pitch

2008-06-14T15:22:00.001+05:30

Imagine you are in the office elevator. A person from top management also gets in. You can either say hi and keep quiet or you could initiate a conversation. This could be your opportunity to sell yourself and make a lasting impression in that person's mind. This could turn out to be a stepping stone in your career path... but remember you have just about a minute or so to do that.
So... what is your Elevator Pitch?

This was the session I attended yesterday, which was really well thought out and executed. A whole lot of fun and a great learning experience. The session started out with a role play of what an elevator pitch should not be and then moved on to what a good elevator pitch is.
By the end of the session, each of the participants had written out their pitches and delivered it (though it still needs a lot of tailoring and alteration, at least this is a good start).
So, what is the purpose of an elevator pitch:
You may be good at what you do, but do other people (who have a stake in your career) know about it. This would be the good tool.

What should your elevator pitch be about:
It could either be about you as an individual or about your team/department.
Just like the news has a few headlines, have a couple of highlights about yourself/team/department always on the top of your mind. This should briefly state what you do and how it impacts the firm at a high level.
A pitch could also include present constraints/issues faced which that senior person may be able to help out with. Senior people are always willing to give their opinion/advice - so asking them for one would be a good idea - which may in turn be the point that helps them remember you/identify you with.
So, 3-4 highlights is what is required.

Points to keep in mind while preparing your pitch:
~ Your vision :
What do you see yourself doing, where do you want to reach, what do you want to achieve - keep this in mind

~ Unearth your brand:
What do people know about you. Is that the impression you want them to have? What change do you want in that - state it.

~ Evaluate:
Your vision would change with time and so should your pitch. The change in pitch could also depend on your audience. So evaluate your pitch and make it as relevant as possible.

Other points:
~ Write out your pitch, perfect it.
~ Be natural. Don't make up stuff, hoping to impress. A pitch shouldn't sound artificial which would create a negative impact.
~ In case that person is pre-occupied or not in the right mood, don't force yourself upon them. Go with the flow.
~ Practice practice practice. You never know when you might need it.

Some related links from the net:
5 tips
Killer elevator pitch
Some other tips

dumbass!!!

2008-06-11T22:27:00.003+05:30

One of my close friend's getting engaged soon. He'd told me that he would send me the girl's pic but hadn't done so yet, so mailed him:

Subject : photo enga (where is the photo)
Message: I know its not the right time to call u... photo anuppu machi! (send the photo dude!)

Promptly comes the reply: Here you go!
I click on view image and the photo starts downloading. Must be a huge file I think to myself. First I see hillocks and then its trees at a distance.... wait - it almost looks like the Grand Canyon.
*Oh wow - this is not the traditional pic that I would expect a girl to share with her husband to be * I think to myself... I would have expected it to be a typical studio shot. Appears like its a pic taken from a forgein trip, she must have gone there for some project, I say to myself.

The picture is still loading and I see a guy in a white tee and jeans.
*Must be her friend/colleague* I say to myself and wait for the image to fully load
When it does, I'm shocked because there is no one else in the pic
*You must be kidding me*

*oh no wait... did I send the mail to the right guy??*

Its then that I realize that one extra 'h' in the name can create a whole lot of confusion
The best part is that its not the first time that I've mailed this guy thinking him to be my friend
That's why his name popped up when I started typing in the name and also why the reply was so prompt :D

I then reply to his mail saying - I'm so sorry... I keep doing this over and over again don't I !
"No problem" is all that he has to say.

I just cannot stop laughing. Feel like such a dumbass :)

Jazz for a change

2008-06-07T18:46:00.008+05:30

I'm not too much of a jazz person. Was watching The Talented Mr. Ripley yesterday (a great movie by the way) when I heard this song. Matt Damon's done a good job performing this song in the movie, but nothing can beat Frank Sinatra's voice :)

My funny valentine
Sweet comic valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're my favourite work of art

Is your figure less than greek
Is your mouth a little weak
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?

But don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is valentines day

Who will you meet on the other side?

2008-05-29T23:24:00.006+05:30

@ People in NY - have you checked this out yet?Teletroscope - the concept
The blog

On another note - thanks to Techbangalore I got to know about PicLens which is an new tool for viewing photos on the web. One click download and you enter into an amazing world of photography. Its a whole new experience.

The last couple of weeks

2008-05-24T20:25:00.015+05:30

"Blame not laziness for the lack of (blog) updates, blame instead time - or rather the lack of it"
Who ever said this, must be really wise :)
The last few weeks have been like a marathon race. Day after day, with no count of hours - not too sure where it is all heading. 'It' in this case, being life.
So here's 'what was' and 'what is'... from the last few weeks:

Kenny G concert:
Two musicians whom I consider Gods of music - Yanni and Kenny G. I would do (almost) anything see them perform live.
When I heard that Kenny G was performing in Bangalore, my first reaction was woo-hoo! Only then did I see that the tickets were priced at 2K and 3K. It was really hard to convince any my friends to join me, considering the ticket price and also that the concert was on a Monday evening. After not too much thinking, I decided that I was going no matter what, just had to find some company. As a last resort I had to force my brother to come along... I even had to buy him a ticket :)
Venue - UB City: For those of you who are not too familiar with the Bangalore skyline (If I can call it that) UB city is an office/shopping space which has one of its buildings shaped like the Empire State building. Google should be able to provide some images.
Sponsor - Blackdog - I didn't know until recently that this was a brand of whiskey. Everyone at the concert was offered complimentary drinks. Whiskey with Mango juice/Apple juice were weird combos I thought. But when its free, it just doesn't matter... now does it?
The music - The concert started with Kenny playing while he walked amongst the crowds. In Mumbai, I heard he walked right from the last row up to the stage, but the Bangalore venue was not equipped for this sort of free movement. The play list for the evening included many of the popular songs Havana, This moment, Songbird to name a few. He also played a few pieces from his new album Rhythm & Romance, an album with a Latino flavor, he said
Kenny also gave a demo on how he plays really long notes. The technique he explained was to inhale and exhale simultaneously. That of course would take a lot of practice. He demonstarted this by placing the mike near his nose, where we could hear him take in short breaths while he continuously blew into his sax.
Its was a lovely evening, enchanting music, amazing lighting and acoustic effects... totally worth it!

ACT to make a difference - Ashwini Charitable Trust

"Story time for children" was the project that I signed up for as a part of community work this year. Me being me, love any activity that involves children. Only after initial visit to the trust, did we realize that the 'children' here were between age groups 4 and 19. We broke up the children into 4 groups based on their age and planned out age-specific activities. Another group had already organised fun and cultural activities for these kids, so we thought we'd make it a day of learning. The topics ranged from stories/songs, environmental awareness, greatness of India... to resume writing/career counseling for the elder kids.

One of the charts that I prepared

I have interacted with children from various other trusts, but these children were a just a class apart. They were outgoing, not shy, good in English and their confidence factor was the highlight.
The Ashwini Charitable Trust takes care of not only the monetary requirements of the kids but also provides the guidance required for the overall development of the kids until they get employed.
The kids at the trust are first generation literates, with mothers work as house maids and their fathers are unskilled laborers. There were two or three girls who were doing their B.Com from St Joseph's College. The way the children are molded by the trust, they do not find it very difficult to mingle with other children and the best part is that one of these girls has consistently topped her class in college :)

Collage on pollution

Drawing competition

It was a great learning experience, spending the day with the children. Once a year doesn't make too much sense. Already on my life's to-do list... let's see what more can be done.

Surprise visitor:
Stranger from a distant planet,
Mars - so it may seem
No time to meet during the day,
T'was not a part of the scheme
Zoom over for coffee,
vrooom and call it a walk
Glad, we got a chance to meet,
Though not enough time to talk :)

The evening weather:
The weather in the evenings has been fantastic over the last couple of days. After the scorching heat during the day, the evening showers considerably bring down the temperature.
Considering the fact that one is locked up indoors the entire day, going out and enjoying the lovely evening breeze by way of a short walk (or a longer one, if time permits) or just some time spent on the terrace listening to music - I understand, can do wonders :)

On the work front:
No comments except for @$%#&

Let me use a quote that I read recently and liked a lot, to end this post.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own, you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go"

so... time to start thinking and deciding now. Happy Weekend!

Time to get out those walking shoes

2008-05-17T10:22:00.001+05:30

A light look at a Big problem!

Break the Rules

2008-05-01T18:52:00.003+05:30

Another late night at the office. Hoping for a smooth drive back home without much traffic? Surprise Surprise! Who would think of a possible of a traffic jam at a non-peak hour?
Traffic jams are here to stay 24 X 7. Weekend mornings are not so bad you may say, but weekend evenings do make up any shortfall whatsoever.

The Bangalore Traffic Scene:
~ Traffic Signals - GREEN is all I see
I've noticed that a Traffic signal + Policeman combination works in most cases but a traffic signal alone has no value.
When at a road junction you stop for the Red signal don't be shocked by the blaring honks of vehicles behind you, some motorists even go to the extent of abusing you for their delay. If educated folks with their dog tags (I mean company ID cards) don't realise the significance of traffic signals, who will?

~ Road Blocks - Who cares?
Place barriers at specific points in order avoid traffic jams and sure enough by the next morning, the barriers would have moved such that vehicles can trickle through. There again is it going to be Barriers + Policeman combination to the rescue? Why do motorists insist on following rules only when there is someone to monitor and control them? Is it really that difficult?

If it were just a matter of being delayed to work or getting back home we would be fine. What is scary is, when an ambulance is stuck in a traffic jam. This is something I see almost every other day. There is no place for anyone to move, the ambulance siren is wailing desperately. Think about the person who needs to reach the hospital on time. A delay here would cost the person their life. This may be 'some'one today and this could (God forbid) be 'you' tomorrow.

A little discipline would go a long way in sorting out these traffic woes.
What we need to do is THINK - REALISE & CHANGE

Mad world

2008-04-26T11:03:00.007+05:30

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world ... mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world

This is such a sad song.... yet so lovely, keep wanting to listen to it over and over again. What a voice! - Gary Jules
The song features in the movie Donnie Darko - which I have heard so much about but am yet to watch.
Other movies on my 'to watch' list are:
~ Into the Wild
~ Thank you for smoking
~ High and Low
~ Red Beard

Watched:
~ Babel - Sad, Scary, hard hitting. [Do not watch when you are feeling low/depressed]
~ Before Sunset - very sweet! may be I should've watched Before Sunrise first... anyway! :)
~ The Prestige - Brilliant is not the word for it. a must watch and definitely more than once!

any interesting movies that I'm missing out on? Do let me know

PUNCH

2008-04-17T21:23:00.000+05:30

Any idea where I can find this candidate?

Evam presents ~ Five Point Someone

2008-04-12T19:21:00.004+05:30

Evam's 200th show, staged at Rangashankara.

EVAM (according to me) = laughter + high energy + laughter + forgetting your self + laughter + having a good time + more laughter

The show started off with Sunil (the one on the left below) from Evam talking about why he and Karthik (on the right) started Evam, giving up their bank jobs ~ We all dream and we have just one life to try and make it come true. This is our dream, to bust everyone's stress :)

"go ahead play big, live your dreams , give it a shot - your dream is what defines u" is what he has to say.
The play in all is a laugh riot. The actors playing Alok, Hari, Ryan, the profs and Neha have captured the essence of the characters beautifully. Be it Alok's sighs/fuss/tensions, Hari's 'oooh Neha" or Ryan's 'I give a damn' attitude - just perfect. Not to forget - the guy who played the author, his voice modulation, facial expressions were just too good.
Nikhila Kesavan has done an amazing job with the direction.
Kudos to the entire team.

Watch the trailer here

Happy Weekend! oh yes... loooong weekend :)

Avial for music?

2008-03-18T21:59:00.009+05:30

Aaaah! rock music :)
t'was about a year back that I first heard this song. Back then, AVIAL only had an online presence. Got the album from a friend yesterday. Its the kind of music that you blast at top volume in the car and rest assured... every other vehicle on the road will make way for you :)

another song that I liked is KARUKARA
amazing guitar there and also great voices

Secrets and Lies

2008-03-16T19:08:00.001+05:30

Thanks to UTV's venture, we now have a new channel that plays award winning World Cinema. Yesterday I watched Secrets and Lies a British movie in the genre of drama.

The plot: A successful black woman, who after her mother's death tries to trace her birth mother. You can imagine her shock when she finds out that her mother is white.
What happens when she confronts her mother - is what the story is about.
Though for the first half hour or so, you get lost in the long list of characters where you have no clue how they all fit into the bigger picture, once you get all the relationships in the right perspective, you see how beautifully each one fits into the other's life.
A wife, who tries to distance herself from her husband who loves her so much
A daughter, who rebels against her own mother
A brother who stays away from his single sister and her daughter, though he is well aware of their difficult lives
and a daughter in search of her mother

I was really touched by so many scenes in the movie, a few of them being:
~ the legal aide when handing over the adoption papers to the daughter, tries to make her understand that though she wants to meet her mother, she should be prepared to accept the fact that her mother may not want to see her - that there would have been a reason why her mother didn't want her in the first place
~ the phone call when the daughter tells her mother who she really is
~ the first time the mother and daughter meet - where they are standing in front of the station, not knowing who to look out for - that is when you realize the mother doesn't know that her daughter is black and when she is told, is not ready to accept
~ the best scene in the movie is when the daughter meets her mother's family, when the truth is disclosed, the way each person reacts

I loved the mother and her brother's characters. So very realistically portrayed.
Very well made, the movie is a roller-coaster ride of emotions.
"Secrets and Lies... we are all in pain - so why can't we just share with each other our pain?"
so true!

Magnificence of Mahabaleshwar

2008-03-06T23:07:00.001+05:30

Don't you hate it when you 'think' your flight is on time. On the dot, the aircraft doors are shut and you are waiting to take off. You wait a little longer and then longer... only to hear that you are 7th in line for take off. Its worse when you reach the destination, there is no 'parking space' and the aircraft has to circle the airport for over 25 minutes before it finally lands.
This is how my trip to Pune last weekend began. Not a very good start, but was a great trip in all. My cousin's wedding was on Tuesday so we (2 of my cousins, my brother and I) decided to go to Mahabaleshwar for the weekend.

It was a great, smooth drive on the highway. We reached Harrison's Folly right in time for sunset. This is such an amazing spot where you can drive right to the tip of the cliff. Our driver zoomed on, at top speed while we held on to our lives as best as we could, pleading with him to stop the car before we flew right off :)The best part was that there was absolute no one apart from us at the time. The setting sun, the evening breeze, music from the car, the company... nothing else mattered!
(Little did we know we'd have go back to the same spot later on...)
It was dark by the time we reached Mahabaleshwar so we couldn't do any sight seeing. We drove off to the MTDC resort. Though its Government run, it is pretty good - could have been maintained better, but is very convenient when you aren't going to spend too much time in the room. Believe it or not, we stayed at Krishna Cottage in Room # 13; co-incidence? I don't think so :)

I am not a morning person, but I wanted to go watch sun-rise. Asked around and found out that sun-rise was at 6AM so we decided to leave at 5:30. Woke the others up and asked them to hurry, lest we miss the view. Walked out only to realize it was pitch dark. I was asked to check if my watch had stopped or if I'd kept the alarm for an hour earlier, neither... but how could it be this dark.... Off we went in search of Wilson point. Since it was early, there was no one on the roads, no boards to give directions, no sign of the sun to determine in which direction we should be headed. Finally we met a dhobi who got on to the car and showed us the way.

6:30 - no sun yet, just a few people around. In the cold dark morning, there was a person playing soothing tones on his flute. The chill air, mellifluous tunes , a hot cup of tea, waiting the rising sun - get the picture? :)
Slowly... we saw the sun rise. For the various positions of sun rise check out the pictures here.

After sunrise I asked uncle if I could take a picture of him with his flute. He readily agreed.
He then exclaimed - Let me give you a better frame... and he thus posed.
Later in the morning we visited the Mapro garden/farm and factory. Tried out every possible Mapro product, bought a few flavoured drinks and bought strawberries that had just been picked from the farm.

Later during the day we went to a viewpoint called Arthur's seat. It was here that we again met uncle. Only this time he was painting the scenery in front. We walked up to him, stood and watched him proficiently use his water colours and when he looked up said a big hi. I asked him what else he did... played the flute... painted and..? His exact words were - I'm an architect by profession and I flirt with music. Yeah that we had already seen.
He said his family had gone for a walk to the next view-point, he couldn't walk that far so he was waiting for them here. 'Time is too precious, that's why I'm trying my hand at painting while I wait for them' he said. Such an interesting person....I took his email id and promised to mail him the pictures we took.
It was almost dark when we reached the para gliding point.
This is something that I've always wanted to do. When we'd gone to Manali, people advised us against it because of the recent freak accident of Director Maniratnam's brother. But this time I was sure I wanted to try it. Major Ajay Singh who conducts the event asked us to call up in the morning to enquire about the wind conditions before setting out.
So off we went... end of an eventful day!

The next morning when we called up the major, he said there was not enough wind and that he would call us back in an hour's time. We decided that if he didn't call, we'd visit the 'table top' point and then head back to Pune for the function in the evening. It was less than an hour, within which we got the call. He was an Harrison's folly and asked us to hurry there as it was pretty windy and the wind conditions would change rapidly. It took us a good 45 minutes to reach the point.

The previous time that we'd been to this point, we were dead scared of the drop and the endless fall. Now to actually jump off this point? Who's going first he asked. I raised my hand. Without thinking too much I donned the safety gear. kya karne ka hai?? bas chale ka hai... and that was what I did. With the major strapped a few feet behind me to the chute off we went... soon followed by my cousin. At that altitude, it was so damn windy. The only scary part was the gear swerving left and right with every gust of wind. The feeling... I just cannot describe.
After safely landing, the feeling of triumph overwhelming.... I called up/messaged every person who mattered and told them just what I did. My mom wanted to know if I was calling her fro the air... and my uncle wanted to know if I'd carried the video camera with me and had shot the entire event.. family!! I tell you :)
After that, we visited the Table Top spot, before we finally headed back to Pune.
That was an amazing trip to Mahabaleshwar.
Indescribable feeling ~ Unforgettable experience.

RENT

2008-02-29T17:38:00.008+05:30

RENT
The movie based on Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical, revolves around the life of 8 individuals:
~ Mark : A struggling film-maker, dumped by Maureen
~ Roger : An HIV positive ex-rock musician who lost his girlfriend to drugs
~ Collins : A teacher, suffering from AIDS, friend of Mark and Roger
~ Angel : A transvestite musician who is suffering from AIDS
~ Maureen : A musician who dumped Roger for another - a girl
~ Joanne : A lawyer who is Maureen's love interest
~ Mimi : A night-club dancer who is also HIV positive and a drug addict
~ Benny : Former friend but now a land-lord to most of the persons in the above list

Its a very touching story that depicts the hardships that these New Yorkers go through during the span of a year and how their lives change. Its about troubles, pain, worries, friendship, love, togetherness .... and its got some amazing music!

Here's the opening song Seasons of Love:

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love.

525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure the life of a woman or man?
In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned, or the way that she died.

It’s time now to sing out, though the story never ends
Let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends.

Remember the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love!

PS: If you don't like musicals, don't watch this movie... almost every conversation is a song :)

Tag - Know your alphabets

2008-02-24T14:09:00.005+05:30

Tagged by Vaish this time!

A - Available?
For an activity involving music ~ absolutely

B – Best Friend:
There's more than one person that I'm really close to. Each of them is 'the best' in their own special way

C – Cake or Pie?
Cake... yum yum

D – Drink of Choice:
Cold coffee with a dash of chocolate syrup
In case we're talking alcoholic - vodka with cranberry juice/sprite

E – Essential thing used every day:
Computer/internet - I know its lame but I feel incomplete without it

F – Favourite Colour:
Black

G – Gummi Bears or Worms:
Neither, I prefer chocolates

H – Hometown:
Bangalore

I – Indulgence:
Blueberry cheesecake - I'm known to wipe clean not just my plate but others' too

J – January or February:
January - Right after year-end and farthest from the next :)

K – Kids and Names:
As long as they belong to someone else, they're such a delight (yes I know I've said this before)

L – Life:
Life is what we make of it. Though often forgotten, constant recollection helps ~ 'coz this is the truth.

M – Marriage
Mar + Image = Marriage?

N – Number of siblings:
One ~ is just about enough

O – Oranges or Apples:
Apples ~ sliced and with a little honey on the top

P – Phobia
Eremophobia

Q – Quote
Accept don't expect

R - Reason to Smile:
Just don't need a reason to smile

S – Season
Spring - Bright n sunny ~ Makes everything around look so beautiful

T – Tag three people:
Aparna, Prashanth, Sindhu

U – Unknown fact about me:
I have to be mentally prepared for everything ~ doing something on an impulse is almost next to impossible

V – Vegetable you do not like:
Brinjal ~ don't know why I detest it so much

W – Worst Habit
Keeping quiet and annoyingly keeping the other person guessing about my thoughts :D

X-rays you have had:
Thanks for reminding ~ need to get my head examined

Y – Your favourite food:
Black Dal and Roti

Z – Zodiac:
Virgo

Books - more books

2008-02-03T00:47:00.001+05:30

Current Mood : Chilling... In anticipation (of what - is the big question)
Playing in the background : In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein and Jashn E Bahaara in a loop. Just cannot stop listening to these two songs. With the whole hype and a lot of controversy surrounding the movie, would like to see what the final outcome is.

Is it just me or did last week seem to go on and on for ever? Not just the week but very single day seemed never ending. Starting with Monday, the mantra was - one day down 4 more to go. Is that a sign - a sign of saturation/a sign of frustration or just one of those things that come and go?

After a long time I felt the need to read books. Picked up a few books last week.
~ If Morning Ever Comes - Ok time pass. You can skip this one.
~ Zero Coupon - This book I'd read a couple of years back and loved it. Financial Thriller is what I call it :) With so many frauds/scandals going on these days with the big names...like the recent Soc Gen one of $ 7bn - this is a very interesting read.
~ Nights in Rodanthe - The cover said "You'll cry in spite of yourself" and I wanted to see what the book had that would make me cry... and I found out :) A simple, realistic and beautiful tale of emotions. If you are in a mood for a warm story about relationships, this would be an ideal one.
~ False Impressions - Another one of Archer's fast paced novels. Not very easy to put down.
~ Interpretor of maladies - I really liked The Namesake so picked this one up. Read the first few stories, well written but I'm currently not in the mood for sad depressing stories. Will save this for some other time :)

There! that's what I've been up to off late...of course apart from all the photo shopping :)
Hope the weekend's been good for everyone.

Experiments with photoshop... contd

2008-01-26T19:18:00.000+05:30

01/26 - Layer mask, eraser and brush tool
Image 1: Background
Image 2: Deer from another pic

The final image
01/30 - Making 3D images - courtesy Arun 01/30

Experiments with photoshop...

2008-01-24T22:10:00.000+05:30

Just started learning the basics
Will definitely get there... someday!

01/24 : Image created using: Layers, Blending and Noise

01/25 : Pen Tool

Here Comes Another Bubble

2008-01-12T17:10:00.000+05:30

Brilliant video... had to have it here :)

Goodbye 2007... the trip to Coorg

2008-01-05T21:36:00.000+05:30

Should we leave at 6AM or should it be 7AM was the question of the hour... late night Dec 29th 2007. We finally left at 7AM (what more can you expect from us... the lazy bunch). We stopped over at one of the restaurants on Mysore road for breakfast and then it was non stop ride up to Bylukuppe.
The Buddhist monastery here is just so beautiful. From a distance it looks like a golden sphere sparkling out of nowhere and as you get closer, you realize it is far more beautiful.
The monastery premises have been very well maintained - clean, green and pleasant. If you are impressed by the outer premises, you will be stunned by what you see inside the hall. The sheer size of the statues and the colour of the frescoes on all the walls will leave you mesmerised.
After that pit-stop it was a non-stop ride to Madikeri. I say non-stop because even after we reached Madikeri, we kept going up and down for more than an hour trying to locate the place where we'd booked our accommodation :) Thanks to the hills and valleys there, its really difficult to get hold of the cell phone network for more than a few minutes at a stretch. Finally we found a local PCO from which we called up the owner of the house who was offering us the home stay arrangement.
The home-stay arrangement works out well if you will be out all through the day and only need a place for the night. When you want to relax with your family a resort would be a better choice... (Take my word for it... its not very nice when you have to go ask someone very time you need water or for that matter even a glass. It would be a different experience - totally appreciable under different circumstances)

So there began our search for a different place to stay at. Orange County - though the most popular choice when it comes to Coorg - is actually 40kms away from Madikeri. Club Mahindra said they were full, so we went to the resort next to that. They said cottages were available from the next day. It was such a beautiful place, though on the expensive side... knew it would be worth it.

After booking the cottage for the next 2 days, off we went to Raja Seat, the sun-set view point.
After sun-set they have a musical fountain show which is pretty impressive. We got back to the home-stay place in time for dinner. Aunty made akki roti (roti made from rice flor - a Karnataka delicacy), dal, sambhar n rice for us. Very tasty food.

Oh I forgot to mention - since this was a bit away from the town, electricity is a problem... there Only one lamp that will work at a time. So if you better carry your torch along :)
Once it is dark, the roads get deserted. Its pitch dark expect for a truck or tourist bus that passes by once in a way. Sitting on the outside steps... gazing at clear sky... it was such a nice feeling.

Believe it or not, 5:30 AM I was up and ready to take the camera and go for a walk. It was so foggy outside and chill (in comparison to the awfully hot afternoon). For breakfast aunty had again made akki roti and this time we had puliyogere also yum.. yum...
We packed our bags after breakfast and headed to Thala Kaveri - the place where river Kaveri originates. There's a temple and a tank built there. Many people as a prayer walk across the tank of water to get God's blessing. Amma, mami and my cousin who were standing in the line for the darshan suddenly decided that they'd walk in the water... very impulsive people I tell you :)
Behind the temple is the Brahmagiri hill which has a brilliant view. As it was the middle of the afternoon, we didn't venture out on walking up the 2000 odd steps. We did that last time we were there - though that was more than a decade ago... we'd done it :)

Now it was time to drive back and check into the new accommodation. The cottages in this place are situated on various points along a slope. We had the top most cottage - closest to the pool, the restaurant and the club house :) otherwise it would have been a long, steep walk every time we got hungry :)
We reached there at 3PM but since we'd called them earlier and told them we'd be a bit late, they had lunch waiting for us... It felt like we were eating after so many days :)
Once the hunger part was taken care of, we (or atleast me ) started seeing the real beauty of the place. We were in the middle of a group of hills. Behind the restaurant was a deep drop into the valley below. Walking out of the restaurant we walked by the pool. It looked so beautiful. I've never felt so tempted to get into the pool as I did then. We quickly got back to the cottage, got into what would serve as swim wear (you would not carry any to a place like Coorg - where you'd expect it to be cold and chill, all we had with us was sweaters and jackets..)
As the sun started setting, it started getting chill and I started shivering. Out of the pool, huddle into two large towels... still shivering... until I changed into something warm and had hot coffee with pakodas - The perfect thing to have in that weather :)

Activity for the evening was a lot of table tennis and a crash course on billiards.
Dinner was by the bonfire, after which we pulled up chairs and sat outside the cottage gazing at the night sky trying to identify the 'sapta rishi mandal' (each of us had our own idea of which 7 stars made up the constellation)

The next day was complete relaxation and nothing else.
As it was the 31st night they'd arranged for a DJ from Bangalore and special dinner by the bonfire. It was around 10:30 when we saw smoke coming from lower down the hill. Fearing the worst I asked my brother to go see what was happening and true enough the cottage below ours was on fire. As it was so noisy, it took a few minutes of screaming and sign language to make the resort guys understand the situation. After that everyone set to work. It took about an hour, 12 fire extinguisher cans, dozens of buckets of water to douse the fire only after which the the fire engine arrived (just like they show in movies... after everything is over and done with). Once the situation was under control we all got back to the party mode till the clock struck 12...

2007 has been a great year - been good at work, learned new things, shared some good experiences and bestest of all ... made some great friends! Cheers to 2007 and Welcome 2008 :)

Scott Adams rocks :)

2007-12-15T17:02:00.000+05:30

Don't know why I found this one so funny. Never before have I laughed so much for a cartoon strip :D

Where are we headed?

2007-11-18T15:11:00.000+05:30

A better world, a peaceful place to live, where we'll be together as one. Well.... think again.
This is a Global Incident Report that displays terrorism and other suspicious activity around the world and this feed gets updated every 360 seconds.

Islamic State of North America
This article from the report talks about a group that claims it will create The Islamic State of North America by 2050.

The paramount goal of the movement is the establishment of Islam as a complete way of life in America

The group says it has a six-point plan of action which is implemented at each location where a branch of the movement is established.

Establishing a mosque "as a place to worship Allah in congregation and as a center of spiritual and moral training."

"Calling the general society" to embrace Islam.

Establishing a full-time school "that raises children with a strong Islamic identity so they can, as future Islamic leaders, effectively meet and deal with the challenges of growing up in the West."

Establishing businesses to "make the movement financially stable and independent."

Establishing "geographical integrity by encouraging Muslims of the community to live in close proximity" to the mosque.

Establishing "social welfare institutions to respond to the need for spiritual and material assistance within the community as well as the general society."

There we go again... religion taking precedence over everything else that's far more important! So back to my initial question... where are we headed???

Music for the soul...

2007-11-11T13:14:00.000+05:30

Browsing through the 'Blogs of note' today, I chanced upon Stephen Duros' music. I haven't been too much into guitar music till now, but this particular genre changes that. Been playing Thira in loop since morning. Just don't know what it is about the music but... it certainly strikes a chord deep inside.
Stephen on MySpace
Stephen's Blog

NY - A city of arts, music, dance and more...

2007-11-10T15:43:00.000+05:30

Music, theatre and dance are not just activities to pass time. The importance that the city of NY gives to art is just incredible. Be it a Bon Jovi concert, a piano concert, an art exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art or even just the street dancers... the city is full of it. Even the persons performing at the subway stations are so good. If only they were given a chance to perform on stage, they'd get paid much more than the cap full of pennies they collect from passers-by.

Some street dancing at Central Park. Man were they good!

Every single day as I skimmed through the Arts section of the newspaper, I realised what we were missing out on...
One of the highlights of my trip was a broadway show called The Phantom of the Opera.
I wanted to watch a show when I was there and I'd heard so much about this particular one from various people, I decided I had to watch it. Till I reached the theatre, this was just another show, but then I was taken by total surprise. The hall, the stage, the settings, the people, the costumes, the orchestra, the ballets, the singing... my god! I was completely awestruck. I have never seen, heard or experienced anything as beautiful as this. I am so glad I went.
You can get a glimpse of what the show is all about in their official webite. Check out the 'Sights and Sounds' and 'Meet the people' sections. If the site looks so appealing you can imagine what the show would have been in reality. No wonder this is now the longest running show on Broadway overtaking Cats.
Trust me... days after the show... the music will still haunt you...