Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Jukebox.
I was walking along the road the other day when a car went past me. The speakers blasted some familiar music. Then I realised it was some track from the Backstreet Boys. Two young guys in a car on the streets of Bombay listening to Backstreet Boys in the year 2008! I wanted to roll on the floor laughing but then for some reason (doing so on the streets would give them a reason to laugh at me too) I just giggled and walked away. I recall another similar situation which happened just a couple of days back [please, girls (and boys?) from the Enrique fan club, do not send me any hate mails]. I was in the train standing at the footboard waiting to get off at the next station, when some girls got in at Kurla and stood behind me. One of them put on the speakers on the cellphone and played some Enrique numbers. I so much wanted to jump off the train! But an accommodating (as well as sane) person that I am, I refrained from doing so.
I know, I might be sounding a hypocrite. I too listened to BSB when in school. But that was in 1995 I suppose. Now my taste in music is completely different. Everyone evolves and so does their taste and preferences. (Well, this is just my assumption and I do not have any facts or figures to show it as a proven fact.) However, there may be some exceptions and I prefer to ignore those.
I mentioned that I am accommodating, but that does not mean my patience can be taken for granted. I will appreciate the amount of labour put into making some music which I don't listen to, but that doesn't imply that I listen to it. It would be unfair or rather violate my rights :P
I do not even listen to music 4x7, let alone 24x7, but it depends on my mood and my memory (strange, but true. Many a times I forget to put on the music. Silly na?) that I occasionally play my set of songs which mainly comprise of the following:
Aerosmith
Bon Jovi (by this I meant Bon Jovi before 'Its my Life' :|)
The Beatles
Deep Purple
Pink Floyd
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Queen
Bonus tracks: Hollow Years (Dream Theatre), Enjoy the Silence (Lacuna Coil), That Thing You Do (The Wonders)
Well, pretty short list. Apart from these, I've heard to different bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Metallica, etc. and found them good but for no apparent reason these don't make it to my list. Actually my sister is into Rock and Metal a lot so I get to hear these bands and many more.
There are likely to be changes in my list anytime, anyday. But the only genres that don't find place are Hip-hop, rap, RnB and the kind. I am not sure if Jazz comes into this 'not likely' list or not.
Though music isn't life for me, it is strange to imagine life without it. Though we don't have background music in our lives (glad that our lives aren't a scene from a movie!) a song or a tune always keeps playing in our thoughts/ mind (if its in your ears and you aren't wearing any ear phones, you need to see an Otologist) until the day the music dies...
(ABBA- Thank you for the music)
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.
I know, I might be sounding a hypocrite. I too listened to BSB when in school. But that was in 1995 I suppose. Now my taste in music is completely different. Everyone evolves and so does their taste and preferences. (Well, this is just my assumption and I do not have any facts or figures to show it as a proven fact.) However, there may be some exceptions and I prefer to ignore those.
I mentioned that I am accommodating, but that does not mean my patience can be taken for granted. I will appreciate the amount of labour put into making some music which I don't listen to, but that doesn't imply that I listen to it. It would be unfair or rather violate my rights :P
I do not even listen to music 4x7, let alone 24x7, but it depends on my mood and my memory (strange, but true. Many a times I forget to put on the music. Silly na?) that I occasionally play my set of songs which mainly comprise of the following:
Aerosmith
Bon Jovi (by this I meant Bon Jovi before 'Its my Life' :|)
The Beatles
Deep Purple
Pink Floyd
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Queen
Bonus tracks: Hollow Years (Dream Theatre), Enjoy the Silence (Lacuna Coil), That Thing You Do (The Wonders)
Well, pretty short list. Apart from these, I've heard to different bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Metallica, etc. and found them good but for no apparent reason these don't make it to my list. Actually my sister is into Rock and Metal a lot so I get to hear these bands and many more.
There are likely to be changes in my list anytime, anyday. But the only genres that don't find place are Hip-hop, rap, RnB and the kind. I am not sure if Jazz comes into this 'not likely' list or not.
Though music isn't life for me, it is strange to imagine life without it. Though we don't have background music in our lives (glad that our lives aren't a scene from a movie!) a song or a tune always keeps playing in our thoughts/ mind (if its in your ears and you aren't wearing any ear phones, you need to see an Otologist) until the day the music dies...
(ABBA- Thank you for the music)
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Where the hell was I?
Hmmm... one whole month (i.e June) I thought of taking a self imposed hiatus. So I went on a guilt trip.
This was my first sole excursion and I forgot to carry a map with me. And predictably I lost my way. I did not know where I was heading to nor my way back home. I sat there looking for someone to guide me and take me to my safe haven, my home.
Somebody saw my plight and assured me that I will be taken to a safe place. He dropped me at the 'Lost and Found' department in the city of dreams. I stayed there waiting (not for a knight in a shining armor) and trying to chalk a way out of my misery... and it seemed to be an eternity.
Well, then heaven knows what happened later? I am as clueless as you are!
P.S. Its too complicated for any sane soul to understand the gist of the matter this partly lunatic dame is blurting out :| May be I'll regain my senses soon and get back to writing some better nonsensical posts.
This was my first sole excursion and I forgot to carry a map with me. And predictably I lost my way. I did not know where I was heading to nor my way back home. I sat there looking for someone to guide me and take me to my safe haven, my home.
Somebody saw my plight and assured me that I will be taken to a safe place. He dropped me at the 'Lost and Found' department in the city of dreams. I stayed there waiting (not for a knight in a shining armor) and trying to chalk a way out of my misery... and it seemed to be an eternity.
Well, then heaven knows what happened later? I am as clueless as you are!
P.S. Its too complicated for any sane soul to understand the gist of the matter this partly lunatic dame is blurting out :| May be I'll regain my senses soon and get back to writing some better nonsensical posts.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Strange encounters of the same kind- Part III
This happened when I was a kid and had not begun my schooling.
I had been to Chowpatty beach along with my family and some guests. It was evening and the whole place was lit up. There were balloon sellers, some peddlars selling some toys. I was so excited that I couldn't help smiling. But the best was still unseen.
In those days we did not have Animal Planet on TV and I used to like monkeys. So the sight of a monkey on the beach was so very delightful to me that I began jumping and clapping shouting 'monkey monkey...'
What do you expect then? If anyone calls out your name and behave like your own kind, you do respond. And so did the monkey!
It came close to me, caught hold of the hem of my frock and began tugging at it. I screamed. This was not what I had thought of. I began crying out loud with the monkey still by my side. I don't remember what happened next. I guess the owner of the monkey came and took it away.
Since that day I stopped monkeying around :|
I had been to Chowpatty beach along with my family and some guests. It was evening and the whole place was lit up. There were balloon sellers, some peddlars selling some toys. I was so excited that I couldn't help smiling. But the best was still unseen.
In those days we did not have Animal Planet on TV and I used to like monkeys. So the sight of a monkey on the beach was so very delightful to me that I began jumping and clapping shouting 'monkey monkey...'
What do you expect then? If anyone calls out your name and behave like your own kind, you do respond. And so did the monkey!
It came close to me, caught hold of the hem of my frock and began tugging at it. I screamed. This was not what I had thought of. I began crying out loud with the monkey still by my side. I don't remember what happened next. I guess the owner of the monkey came and took it away.
Since that day I stopped monkeying around :|
A cut above the rest.
Yesterday I bumped into my college friend, whom I never met after the TY exams. Strangely, her first reaction was, 'Hey, your hair have grown pretty long. You look different.' Coincidently, this was the same comment I received some 15 days back from another friend who studied till class 12th with me. She had not recognised me in first place.
It is not that I am obsessed with how I put up my hair or leave them open. But it does matter to others, I assume. I always liked them short. I still remember I used to pester my dad every now and then by seeking 'permission' to cut my hair short. But he never would budge. However, once finally after succumbing to my constant bugging, he gave me a green signal. I did not wanted to let go the opportunity before he could change his mind again. I had my exam the next day in the afternoon, but I still went to get a hair cut. And everyone's jaw dropped when they saw the cut. Boy cut! They exclaimed. Even my teachers were shocked and asked me why did I do so. But it didn't matter to me.
On two occasions, I was even mistaken for a boy (that was during schooldays). And I took those as compliments ;) In college too, when I had a mushroom cut (my favourite) I was always met with the question, 'Why Shruthi why?'
And I ask people 'Why?' Why are they so concerned what others do with their own hair? Some Bollywood director commented, "Women must wear their hair long. It is like a jewelery that adorns them." This is one of the lamest comment I've ever heard. Some like it long, some like it short. What bothers him? He can ask his woman to be Rapunzel if he wishes to.
P.S : Ah, this post is a case of 'Much ado about nothing'. I ended up writing this stupid post just because I am in two minds 'to snip or not to snip' :|
It is not that I am obsessed with how I put up my hair or leave them open. But it does matter to others, I assume. I always liked them short. I still remember I used to pester my dad every now and then by seeking 'permission' to cut my hair short. But he never would budge. However, once finally after succumbing to my constant bugging, he gave me a green signal. I did not wanted to let go the opportunity before he could change his mind again. I had my exam the next day in the afternoon, but I still went to get a hair cut. And everyone's jaw dropped when they saw the cut. Boy cut! They exclaimed. Even my teachers were shocked and asked me why did I do so. But it didn't matter to me.
On two occasions, I was even mistaken for a boy (that was during schooldays). And I took those as compliments ;) In college too, when I had a mushroom cut (my favourite) I was always met with the question, 'Why Shruthi why?'
And I ask people 'Why?' Why are they so concerned what others do with their own hair? Some Bollywood director commented, "Women must wear their hair long. It is like a jewelery that adorns them." This is one of the lamest comment I've ever heard. Some like it long, some like it short. What bothers him? He can ask his woman to be Rapunzel if he wishes to.
P.S : Ah, this post is a case of 'Much ado about nothing'. I ended up writing this stupid post just because I am in two minds 'to snip or not to snip' :|
Monday, May 12, 2008
Who cares!
You think they care. They show they do. But do they really? They show concern for you. But what they do is feign all the goodness that they aren't. They care a damn what you think.
Don't be hurt. They never 'meant' to hurt you. Do not expect too much from others. Or still, expect nothing from others. You are on your own. Only the ones who genuinely care will stand by you anytime you need them.
Throw back your head and laugh upon all the bad things the world has done to you. Then you will realise that you never needed them. Happiness is just next to you. And you've been looking for it all over the world.
Everybody Hurts- REM
When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on.
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes.
Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along.
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on.
Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand.
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on.
Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes.
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on.
(Everybody hurts. You are not alone.)
Don't be hurt. They never 'meant' to hurt you. Do not expect too much from others. Or still, expect nothing from others. You are on your own. Only the ones who genuinely care will stand by you anytime you need them.
Throw back your head and laugh upon all the bad things the world has done to you. Then you will realise that you never needed them. Happiness is just next to you. And you've been looking for it all over the world.
Everybody Hurts- REM
When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on.
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes.
Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along.
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on.
Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand.
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on.
Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes.
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on.
(Everybody hurts. You are not alone.)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Of similes and metaphors.
As cold as a cucumber... like an animal... all the world's a stage...
Of course you studied the figures of speech in English grammar class and you know what a simile and a metaphor is. And no, I do not intend to take a grammar class here. What I mean by using these figures of speech is 'comparison'.
Comparing words or things in literary works is fine. But I think comparing two persons should be a crime. Every individual has his/ her own identity. They are unique. So, who has given us the right to draw comparisons between them?
I came across this featured article on Yahoo! India.
East-West, cricket-football, IPL-EPL, Beckham and #8230; Dhoni? Football clubs in Europe are synonymous with some of their most celebrated players. And now that India has its own IPL, the comparisons are natural.
(Also check this blog post: Blasphemy !)
Makes any sense? If yes, then I'm a numskull.
Comparing people is not just limited to celebrities. We have been compared with others in our own lives too. Comparison drawn with respect to our grades in school, mannerisms, looks, tastes & preferences, success in profession, relationships... and sky is the limit for this list.
What is the outcome of this irrational act of drawing inferences by comparing two or more non-similar entities? The one who compares alone knows.
Next time, before to sit and use your similes and metaphors, just imagine yourself being compared to Paris Hilton. If it is alright with you, then go ahead with your silly comparisons.
Of course you studied the figures of speech in English grammar class and you know what a simile and a metaphor is. And no, I do not intend to take a grammar class here. What I mean by using these figures of speech is 'comparison'.
Comparing words or things in literary works is fine. But I think comparing two persons should be a crime. Every individual has his/ her own identity. They are unique. So, who has given us the right to draw comparisons between them?
I came across this featured article on Yahoo! India.
East-West, cricket-football, IPL-EPL, Beckham and #8230; Dhoni? Football clubs in Europe are synonymous with some of their most celebrated players. And now that India has its own IPL, the comparisons are natural.
Which cricketers will become synonymous with their team, and who shares traits with our pick of popular footballers? DAVID BECKHAM = MS DHONI Beckham rocks. He's flamboyant, changes his look, especially his hairstyles, regularly, and his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy broke all records of salaries given to any player on the team.
He finds a perfect match in Mahendra Singh Dhoni, captain of the Chennai team. Dhoni was the most expensive player at IPL (auctioned at $1,500,000).
He's got style and sex appeal and he changes his hairstyle often too. Both are fashion icons.
Christian Vieri = Yuvraj Singh The Italian striker who plays for ACF Fiorentina has a lethal combination of attitude, talent and good looks. He's been in a string of high-profile relationships, which makes him a perfect match for Yuvraj Singh, who has dated many a Bollywood beauty.
Combine the Bollywood magnetism (sic) with a hot body and aggressive demeanour, the Mohali man rocks both on and off the field. Cristiano Ronaldo = Irfan Pathan With his curly hair and dimpled smile, Irfan Pathan can best be compared to Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, football's perfect pin-up poster boy.
Both have the looks that drive girls crazy as well as the magic touch with the ball, making them potent adversaries on field. ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO = RAHUL DRAVID Rahul Dravid's calm, composed demeanour matches that of Alessandro del Piero of Juventus.
Both del Piero and Dravid have been praised for their gentlemanly conduct on the field. More importantly, both are masters of their game.(Also check this blog post: Blasphemy !)
Makes any sense? If yes, then I'm a numskull.
Comparing people is not just limited to celebrities. We have been compared with others in our own lives too. Comparison drawn with respect to our grades in school, mannerisms, looks, tastes & preferences, success in profession, relationships... and sky is the limit for this list.
What is the outcome of this irrational act of drawing inferences by comparing two or more non-similar entities? The one who compares alone knows.
Next time, before to sit and use your similes and metaphors, just imagine yourself being compared to Paris Hilton. If it is alright with you, then go ahead with your silly comparisons.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Shark Tail.
Being the one who 'wanted' a fish tank, the task of cleaning it is solely my responsibility. I've currently got four fishes in my tank. One Kisser Fish, a pair of Sharks and a 'Sucker fish'. Yesterday, when I was cleaning my fish tank, I remembered an incident that had occurred last month.
Morning at 9, I put food for the fishes. I just moved away from the tank and I heard a thumping sound on the roof of the tank. Was the shark was jumping and hitting the roof, I wondered. I peered through the glass tank but could not see one of the sharks. I at once opened the lid on the roof and was prepared to catch hold of it incase it leapt out.
However, the shark was not jumping but it was stuck in the ring meant for holding a light bulb and was struggling there hitting the roof with its tail. Though I did panic for a second, I had to rescue it. I tried pulling it out gently, since it must not be hurt in the process. But my shark, instead of co-operating with me went on pushing itself more further into the ring.
I thought it was no use now pulling it in the opposite direction since it had pushed the fins on the other side too. Thus, I began pushing it. A couple of minutes and alas, to my relief, it was back in the water again! And there it swam like nothing ever happened.
I immediately got rid of the unused ring in order to avoid furthermore circus perils in future. Where did it learn the trick from? It seemed like a 'Free Willy' scene gone wrong. (No, the whale never tried jumping through a ring, so didn't get stuck in it.)
Six years of owning a fish tank with numerous fishes in and numerous out, those few minutes of rescue nearly had my heart in my mouth. Having a pet is like nurturing a kid. But you can't punish fishes for their mischiefs.
Morning at 9, I put food for the fishes. I just moved away from the tank and I heard a thumping sound on the roof of the tank. Was the shark was jumping and hitting the roof, I wondered. I peered through the glass tank but could not see one of the sharks. I at once opened the lid on the roof and was prepared to catch hold of it incase it leapt out.
However, the shark was not jumping but it was stuck in the ring meant for holding a light bulb and was struggling there hitting the roof with its tail. Though I did panic for a second, I had to rescue it. I tried pulling it out gently, since it must not be hurt in the process. But my shark, instead of co-operating with me went on pushing itself more further into the ring.
I thought it was no use now pulling it in the opposite direction since it had pushed the fins on the other side too. Thus, I began pushing it. A couple of minutes and alas, to my relief, it was back in the water again! And there it swam like nothing ever happened.
I immediately got rid of the unused ring in order to avoid furthermore circus perils in future. Where did it learn the trick from? It seemed like a 'Free Willy' scene gone wrong. (No, the whale never tried jumping through a ring, so didn't get stuck in it.)
Six years of owning a fish tank with numerous fishes in and numerous out, those few minutes of rescue nearly had my heart in my mouth. Having a pet is like nurturing a kid. But you can't punish fishes for their mischiefs.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Strange encounters of the same kind- Part II
This incident occurred when I was doing my PG from K.C college at Churchgate.
My lecture got over at 8:00 PM and I had a train at 8:45 from VT. I used to take my own time and walk all the way from KC to VT instead of taking a cab or bus to avoid waiting at the crowded platform for some more time. But try as I may, I used to reach the platform by 8:20. And standing on VT platform is the worst part. People stare at you like you are an alien. I stand there below the indicator wondering which platform the train would arrive at. Suddenly a guy came and said 'hi!' I took a step back and looked at my either sides trying to figure out whom he is talking to. Yet he looked at me and asks, "Mind if I stand next to you? You see, my friends there (points in some direction and I don't bother to gaze in that direction) asked me to stand next to you as a dare."
Me: So?
He: If you don't mind, can I stand here for just 5 mins?
Me: Alright. (As though I own the place and he seeks permission just to stand next to me.)
He: Thanks.
I just smiled and looked ahead.
He: How can we just stand like this? Can we talk?
Me: *blinked my eyes* Talk?
He: Yeah. My name is ... (I don't remember.) You are? Its okay, you can give any fake answers.
Me: I'm Shruthi.
He: So Shruthi, are you from Xaviers?
I nod.
He: TYBA huh?
Me: Yes.
He: Prepared for exams? Did you join any coaching classes?
Me: (Confidently) No.
He: Oh! You should've had. Its very difficult. You'll have problems with... blah... blah... blah...
Me: Listen. Thanks for the advice. But I'm not in TY. It was all fluke, like you suggested.
His face was flushed. He looked at me in sheer disbelief.
He: Oh! Okay... 5 mins are up. Thanks Shruthi.
He shook hands and walked away... I don't know where to.
What was he expecting me to do? Spill out my whole life in front of him? Someone whom I hardly even know.
Giving it a second thought... may be I would, if he were wearing an Axe deo! The Axe effect, you see. :P
My lecture got over at 8:00 PM and I had a train at 8:45 from VT. I used to take my own time and walk all the way from KC to VT instead of taking a cab or bus to avoid waiting at the crowded platform for some more time. But try as I may, I used to reach the platform by 8:20. And standing on VT platform is the worst part. People stare at you like you are an alien. I stand there below the indicator wondering which platform the train would arrive at. Suddenly a guy came and said 'hi!' I took a step back and looked at my either sides trying to figure out whom he is talking to. Yet he looked at me and asks, "Mind if I stand next to you? You see, my friends there (points in some direction and I don't bother to gaze in that direction) asked me to stand next to you as a dare."
Me: So?
He: If you don't mind, can I stand here for just 5 mins?
Me: Alright. (As though I own the place and he seeks permission just to stand next to me.)
He: Thanks.
I just smiled and looked ahead.
He: How can we just stand like this? Can we talk?
Me: *blinked my eyes* Talk?
He: Yeah. My name is ... (I don't remember.) You are? Its okay, you can give any fake answers.
Me: I'm Shruthi.
He: So Shruthi, are you from Xaviers?
I nod.
He: TYBA huh?
Me: Yes.
He: Prepared for exams? Did you join any coaching classes?
Me: (Confidently) No.
He: Oh! You should've had. Its very difficult. You'll have problems with... blah... blah... blah...
Me: Listen. Thanks for the advice. But I'm not in TY. It was all fluke, like you suggested.
His face was flushed. He looked at me in sheer disbelief.
He: Oh! Okay... 5 mins are up. Thanks Shruthi.
He shook hands and walked away... I don't know where to.
What was he expecting me to do? Spill out my whole life in front of him? Someone whom I hardly even know.
Giving it a second thought... may be I would, if he were wearing an Axe deo! The Axe effect, you see. :P
Strange encounters of the same kind - Part I
This happened when I was in school, may be in class 8th or 9th.
I was walking along with my sister on the street. We saw a van with a little buzz around it. On a closer look we saw it was from ZEE TV. And there were few people in uniform who were questioning the passersby.
A girl and a guy approached us. They asked us whether we watch a show called 'Jeena Isika Naam Hai'. And we said 'No'.
Then they explained that celebrities come on this show and... well, they said something about it. They told us Laloo Prasad Yadav is going to be their next guest. So they will ask us something about him and if we answer, we get a gift. Okay. So the question they asked was "Laloo kis ghotala se jude hain?" [What scam is Laloo associated with?]
My sister immediately replied, " Fodder scam."
They looked puzzled, "Nahi. Ek aur try?"
Me : Fodder scam right answer hain.
They : Thank you. Par yeh wrong answer hain.
We : Okay.
And they left. We took a few steps ahead and we met my friend. She was very happy. Holding a cap she said, " Look what I won."
Me : Okay. So, you answered the question correctly and you won a 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai' cap! So, what was the answer?
She : Chara Ghotala. [Fodder Scam!]
Me : Chara Ghotala? Thats what we said! They should've mentioned if the answer was supposed to be only in Hindi.
All this just for a cap. Who wants it anyway?
I was walking along with my sister on the street. We saw a van with a little buzz around it. On a closer look we saw it was from ZEE TV. And there were few people in uniform who were questioning the passersby.
A girl and a guy approached us. They asked us whether we watch a show called 'Jeena Isika Naam Hai'. And we said 'No'.
Then they explained that celebrities come on this show and... well, they said something about it. They told us Laloo Prasad Yadav is going to be their next guest. So they will ask us something about him and if we answer, we get a gift. Okay. So the question they asked was "Laloo kis ghotala se jude hain?" [What scam is Laloo associated with?]
My sister immediately replied, " Fodder scam."
They looked puzzled, "Nahi. Ek aur try?"
Me : Fodder scam right answer hain.
They : Thank you. Par yeh wrong answer hain.
We : Okay.
And they left. We took a few steps ahead and we met my friend. She was very happy. Holding a cap she said, " Look what I won."
Me : Okay. So, you answered the question correctly and you won a 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai' cap! So, what was the answer?
She : Chara Ghotala. [Fodder Scam!]
Me : Chara Ghotala? Thats what we said! They should've mentioned if the answer was supposed to be only in Hindi.
All this just for a cap. Who wants it anyway?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
New ads on the block.
'Happy Birthday!' How happy your birthday would be if you had it the 'Axe' way. As usual Axe ads are one of a kind and always smart. Guys would love it if it actually worked and what a b'day present it could be. But fortunately, it doesn't. :P
The Virgin Mobile ads make you sit up and take notice. Be it the girl revealing to her parents about no interest in guys or the traffic cop & papa one or even the Foxxy one, it surely creates a good brand recall and even has got potential customers interested in the product. Seriously, Think Hatke.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Baichung Bhutia in the new 'Nike' commercial. Tired of watching cricketers, Sania, etc. in each and every ad. Someone is paying attention to Indian football and it is getting a new turf, literally.
Here is the worst of all! Amul Macho sequel takes the cake. The man's brief fits the orangutan to a tee! (It was merely an observation and you may crack up if you wish.) Lousy ad :| It does hit you right between the eyes, but I find it an eyesore.
I've got a weak memory. I sat down to write this post and all I could remember are these recent ads. May be I should listen to V. Anand and try Memory Plus. What say?
The Virgin Mobile ads make you sit up and take notice. Be it the girl revealing to her parents about no interest in guys or the traffic cop & papa one or even the Foxxy one, it surely creates a good brand recall and even has got potential customers interested in the product. Seriously, Think Hatke.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Baichung Bhutia in the new 'Nike' commercial. Tired of watching cricketers, Sania, etc. in each and every ad. Someone is paying attention to Indian football and it is getting a new turf, literally.
Here is the worst of all! Amul Macho sequel takes the cake. The man's brief fits the orangutan to a tee! (It was merely an observation and you may crack up if you wish.) Lousy ad :| It does hit you right between the eyes, but I find it an eyesore.
I've got a weak memory. I sat down to write this post and all I could remember are these recent ads. May be I should listen to V. Anand and try Memory Plus. What say?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lost in Translation.
It was 6:00 PM. I put on the TV. One of my favourite cartoons had begun.What! My eyeballs popped out. (Not literally tough or you would watch me on Ripley's Believe it or Not.) What happened? I wondered. The Mask turned into Naqab... Stanley Ipkiss into Sachin Sabnis... Milo to Miloo. Darn! The whole language had changed. Cartoon Network had been dubbed into Hindi.
While this happened years back, until today this thing exists. When Ed says, "I love chickens, Eddy", what do we have is, "Mujhe murgi chahiye, murgi." Gross!
This is not only restricted to cartoons. I happened to watch a scene from Reservoir Dogs while flipping through channels and what do I hear? Harvey Keitel telling a bleeding Tim Roth, "Aao main tumhari kangi karta hoon" (or something like that). Hearing this, Quentin Tarantino might probably suffer a heart attack.
Well, things are not over yet. Have you ever heard match commentaries in Hindi? I've not heard something worthy to mention about in cricket, but this guy named Sunil Taneja was commentating on a football match and the worst goof up was him referring Wes Brown as Michael Silvestre throughout the game. All this happened while Michael was on the bench and not even on the ground. And I'll not even get into other details about his commentary. I used to end up watching those matches on mute. That says it all.
I'm thinking, what if we try translating a Hindi song in English? Lets try... taking 'The Jungle Book' song (the Japanese anime version, dubbed in Hindi series) for instance-
Forest, forest, the word is out, we got to know
Forest, forest, the word is out, we got to know
Hey, wearing an underwear a flower has bloomed, a flower has bloomed!
Hey, wearing an underwear a flower has bloomed, a flower has bloomed!
Nah! Spoils the whole fun. Here's the original one-
Jungle, jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai,
Jungle, jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai,
Arre, chhaddi pehenke phool khila hai, phool khila hai!
Arre, chhaddi pehenke phool khila hai, phool khila hai!
While this happened years back, until today this thing exists. When Ed says, "I love chickens, Eddy", what do we have is, "Mujhe murgi chahiye, murgi." Gross!
This is not only restricted to cartoons. I happened to watch a scene from Reservoir Dogs while flipping through channels and what do I hear? Harvey Keitel telling a bleeding Tim Roth, "Aao main tumhari kangi karta hoon" (or something like that). Hearing this, Quentin Tarantino might probably suffer a heart attack.
Well, things are not over yet. Have you ever heard match commentaries in Hindi? I've not heard something worthy to mention about in cricket, but this guy named Sunil Taneja was commentating on a football match and the worst goof up was him referring Wes Brown as Michael Silvestre throughout the game. All this happened while Michael was on the bench and not even on the ground. And I'll not even get into other details about his commentary. I used to end up watching those matches on mute. That says it all.
I'm thinking, what if we try translating a Hindi song in English? Lets try... taking 'The Jungle Book' song (the Japanese anime version, dubbed in Hindi series) for instance-
Forest, forest, the word is out, we got to know
Forest, forest, the word is out, we got to know
Hey, wearing an underwear a flower has bloomed, a flower has bloomed!
Hey, wearing an underwear a flower has bloomed, a flower has bloomed!
Nah! Spoils the whole fun. Here's the original one-
Jungle, jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai,
Jungle, jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai,
Arre, chhaddi pehenke phool khila hai, phool khila hai!
Arre, chhaddi pehenke phool khila hai, phool khila hai!
Monday, March 17, 2008
A Little Learning is Dangerous?
"What is Rooney doing?" asked my mom as I watched Wayne's foul on another player. I immediately turned and looked at her in surprise. She is not much into sports and atleast not football. My mom recognizing one of my favourite players from my fav team was like an achievement for me. The only other player she knew earlier was Drogba :| And by the time I sit down to write this post, she now knows Ronaldo (Christiano) and Lampard too.
Its easier to get influenced by the people around us and in the process learn new things. Football was an alien sport to me. I just knew that the ball goes into the net and thats a goal. I had neither heard about an Lb, Rb, center forward and winger nor did I know what an offside was! But I've been following the game closely and this is my second season [ya, just second! :( ] and learnt a lot about it. Though I'm no football pundit, but know the basic things someone must atleast know. A little knowledge about something is an important step to go further. And now I'm taking long strides to keep going ahead.
However, I've not been much of a learner when it comes to my mother tongue. Malayalam is a foreign language to me even today. The only words I've learned so far are a handful ones which can't even help me to frame a sentence. Some words that my friends have taught me. When people ask me, "How come you don't speak your mother tongue?", I say, "I don't speak Malayalam, but I can manage to converse in Konkani." I assume that qualifies as an answer.
We also learn numerous things unintentionally... like in school- the capitals of countries, world history, the earth's rotation, revolution, etc. Oh no, learning these had an intention- the sole intention of passing in exams and going to the next class. Speaking about educational learnings, I still haven't taken off Pluto from our planetary system. Did I study about Pluto only to be told some 15 years later that it is no more a planet! But considering that I was alloted marks then, it hardly matters to me today.
Apart from these itsy-bitsy things I've (or what I claim to have) learnt, there are so many things I still am willing to learn. Playing the drums, learning many languages, jiving (it'll come in use during family weddings), a lot about what I know a little of... etc. etc. etc. to name a few. (Whether I actually take lessons for these or not is altogether a different question.) Well, so many things on my list but time teaches me to be patient.
I beg to differ with whosoever said that 'A Little Learning is Dangerous'. I don't think that incomplete learning can ever be dangerous... unless you fly a plane thinking you know to but later realise that you haven't learnt to land it yet! Well, now that is dangerous.
Learning to Fly - Pink Floyd.
Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction is holding me fast
How can I escape this irresistible grasp?
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Ice is forming on the tips of my wings
Unheeded warnings, I thought I thought of everything
No navigator to find my way home
Unladen, empty and turned to stone
A soul intention, that's learning to fly
Condition grounded but determined to try
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer,
My grubby halo, a vapour trail in the empty air
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There's no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Can't keep my mind from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Its easier to get influenced by the people around us and in the process learn new things. Football was an alien sport to me. I just knew that the ball goes into the net and thats a goal. I had neither heard about an Lb, Rb, center forward and winger nor did I know what an offside was! But I've been following the game closely and this is my second season [ya, just second! :( ] and learnt a lot about it. Though I'm no football pundit, but know the basic things someone must atleast know. A little knowledge about something is an important step to go further. And now I'm taking long strides to keep going ahead.
However, I've not been much of a learner when it comes to my mother tongue. Malayalam is a foreign language to me even today. The only words I've learned so far are a handful ones which can't even help me to frame a sentence. Some words that my friends have taught me. When people ask me, "How come you don't speak your mother tongue?", I say, "I don't speak Malayalam, but I can manage to converse in Konkani." I assume that qualifies as an answer.
We also learn numerous things unintentionally... like in school- the capitals of countries, world history, the earth's rotation, revolution, etc. Oh no, learning these had an intention- the sole intention of passing in exams and going to the next class. Speaking about educational learnings, I still haven't taken off Pluto from our planetary system. Did I study about Pluto only to be told some 15 years later that it is no more a planet! But considering that I was alloted marks then, it hardly matters to me today.
Apart from these itsy-bitsy things I've (or what I claim to have) learnt, there are so many things I still am willing to learn. Playing the drums, learning many languages, jiving (it'll come in use during family weddings), a lot about what I know a little of... etc. etc. etc. to name a few. (Whether I actually take lessons for these or not is altogether a different question.) Well, so many things on my list but time teaches me to be patient.
I beg to differ with whosoever said that 'A Little Learning is Dangerous'. I don't think that incomplete learning can ever be dangerous... unless you fly a plane thinking you know to but later realise that you haven't learnt to land it yet! Well, now that is dangerous.
Learning to Fly - Pink Floyd.
Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction is holding me fast
How can I escape this irresistible grasp?
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Ice is forming on the tips of my wings
Unheeded warnings, I thought I thought of everything
No navigator to find my way home
Unladen, empty and turned to stone
A soul intention, that's learning to fly
Condition grounded but determined to try
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer,
My grubby halo, a vapour trail in the empty air
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There's no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Can't keep my mind from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Its a Girly thing.
'Do I look fat?' asks the anorexic model.
'My boyfriend is too possessive. I fought with him over this issue. Sorry, I can't come for the movie. He flatly refused.'
'Honey, how does this black shoe look?'
'But you've already got 5 black ones!'
'This one's a close pair. The ones I've got are stilettos, sandals and a pair of boots. You guys don't understand!'
'Do you know she told me that she thinks that it is me who is spreading that news about her. How could she even accuse me! *pauses for a second* Wanna hear more about the rumours doing round?
'Which dress should I wear for the party?'
'Wear that red one.'
'Which red? The crimson, scarlet, venetian or vermilion red?'
Points and says 'That one.'
'Oh! Except that. I had worn it last month at another party.'
'Ok. And that one?'
'No. Thats out dated now. It was in 3 months back.'
'Alright. How about this red dress?'
'Are you crazy? This red dress would look great for a brunch, and not an evening event.'
*Rolls eyes* 'That leaves you with this red dress alone. Problem solved.'
'No, Jane will be carrying this same shade of clutch. So, this one is out too. Hey, how about shopping? I'll buy a Cardinal red dress.'
'Is she prettier than me? Its fine, tell me' means 'If it is so, better lie to me!'
'Oh! I heard you broke up with your rich boyfriend. Thats really sad... Is he still single?'
'How could you forget Poochie's birthday!!! She will be so sad that you didn't wish her for her 3rd birthday.'
'I'm sorry. I didn't know it was your dog's birthday.'
'Its Poochie. Don't call her a dog. When will guys learn to respect females?'
Woman- Without her, man is nothing!
'My boyfriend is too possessive. I fought with him over this issue. Sorry, I can't come for the movie. He flatly refused.'
'Honey, how does this black shoe look?'
'But you've already got 5 black ones!'
'This one's a close pair. The ones I've got are stilettos, sandals and a pair of boots. You guys don't understand!'
'Do you know she told me that she thinks that it is me who is spreading that news about her. How could she even accuse me! *pauses for a second* Wanna hear more about the rumours doing round?
'Which dress should I wear for the party?'
'Wear that red one.'
'Which red? The crimson, scarlet, venetian or vermilion red?'
Points and says 'That one.'
'Oh! Except that. I had worn it last month at another party.'
'Ok. And that one?'
'No. Thats out dated now. It was in 3 months back.'
'Alright. How about this red dress?'
'Are you crazy? This red dress would look great for a brunch, and not an evening event.'
*Rolls eyes* 'That leaves you with this red dress alone. Problem solved.'
'No, Jane will be carrying this same shade of clutch. So, this one is out too. Hey, how about shopping? I'll buy a Cardinal red dress.'
'Is she prettier than me? Its fine, tell me' means 'If it is so, better lie to me!'
'Oh! I heard you broke up with your rich boyfriend. Thats really sad... Is he still single?'
'How could you forget Poochie's birthday!!! She will be so sad that you didn't wish her for her 3rd birthday.'
'I'm sorry. I didn't know it was your dog's birthday.'
'Its Poochie. Don't call her a dog. When will guys learn to respect females?'
Woman- Without her, man is nothing!
Truth about guys & only guys.
A guy can leer at every girl he comes across, but would not tolerate any other guy even stealing a glance at his girlfriend or even his sister.
When his sister is seeing somebody, he'll ask thousands of questions about the guy, but he is answerable to none when he's on a date.
Not even his best friend can flirt with his sister, but he checks out every female friend his sister has.
If a girl is interested in sports, it is assumed that it is because the player is some hunk. Whereas, a guy's sudden interest in Tennis (women) or Women's Wrestling is obviously due to the love for the sport and has nothing to do with the length of the players' clothes.
Girls are vulnerable to each and everything. It takes big things to hurt a guy. For example, his ego!
When asked who is the Brand Endorser of Sprite, 80+% of the guys recalled Mallika Sherawat. (Believe me, this was the result of the survey we had taken for our project. And if you guys still think you are right, I'm sorry. Its Sania Mirza. Mallika endorses 7UP :D)
Booze and babes top the wishlist of every man. If you find anything other than this, you got the fake list.
Guys say they like smart girls. But hold it! Not smarter than they are. In such case, they would easily settle for a dumb babe.
Woman, without her man, is nothing!
When his sister is seeing somebody, he'll ask thousands of questions about the guy, but he is answerable to none when he's on a date.
Not even his best friend can flirt with his sister, but he checks out every female friend his sister has.
If a girl is interested in sports, it is assumed that it is because the player is some hunk. Whereas, a guy's sudden interest in Tennis (women) or Women's Wrestling is obviously due to the love for the sport and has nothing to do with the length of the players' clothes.
Girls are vulnerable to each and everything. It takes big things to hurt a guy. For example, his ego!
When asked who is the Brand Endorser of Sprite, 80+% of the guys recalled Mallika Sherawat. (Believe me, this was the result of the survey we had taken for our project. And if you guys still think you are right, I'm sorry. Its Sania Mirza. Mallika endorses 7UP :D)
Booze and babes top the wishlist of every man. If you find anything other than this, you got the fake list.
Guys say they like smart girls. But hold it! Not smarter than they are. In such case, they would easily settle for a dumb babe.
Woman, without her man, is nothing!
Monday, February 25, 2008
What a weekend!
23rd Feb & 24th Feb.
Manchester United thrashes Newcastle United yet once again. 5-1 is a terrific score. But the earlier meet had ended with Man Utd 6- 0 Newcastle. But then Sam had just left from St. James Park.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur clash at the Carling Cup finals was another match to watch out for. The winning goal was scored during the extra time at Wembley after the 90 mins had ended with 1-1. While my sister cheered on for True Blues, I went on backing the Spurs with 'Berbatov, Berbatov!' Celebrations at the White Heart lane!!!
Arsenal's drew the game against Birmingham before our match. Now there's a gap of just 3 points between us and the 'current' table leaders Arsenal. I did not watch the Arsenal-Birmingham match but got to know about Eduardo's horrible injury from my communities and read about it in the papers the following day. Though the act had been brutal, that may even jeopardize the career of the Brazilian-born Croatian, one can't simply curse Taylor for the horrendous accident.
Fellow red devils are trying to decode the omens that have come up lately. Spurs won the League Cup in 1998-99 and Liverpool not among the top 4 in 1998-99(as for now almost not in top 3) seems to predict something... TREBLE! Well, these signs work or not, going for Treble is surely what we want. Er... Arsenals can complete the prophecy by coming second ;)
Manchester United thrashes Newcastle United yet once again. 5-1 is a terrific score. But the earlier meet had ended with Man Utd 6- 0 Newcastle. But then Sam had just left from St. James Park.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur clash at the Carling Cup finals was another match to watch out for. The winning goal was scored during the extra time at Wembley after the 90 mins had ended with 1-1. While my sister cheered on for True Blues, I went on backing the Spurs with 'Berbatov, Berbatov!' Celebrations at the White Heart lane!!!
Arsenal's drew the game against Birmingham before our match. Now there's a gap of just 3 points between us and the 'current' table leaders Arsenal. I did not watch the Arsenal-Birmingham match but got to know about Eduardo's horrible injury from my communities and read about it in the papers the following day. Though the act had been brutal, that may even jeopardize the career of the Brazilian-born Croatian, one can't simply curse Taylor for the horrendous accident.
Fellow red devils are trying to decode the omens that have come up lately. Spurs won the League Cup in 1998-99 and Liverpool not among the top 4 in 1998-99(as for now almost not in top 3) seems to predict something... TREBLE! Well, these signs work or not, going for Treble is surely what we want. Er... Arsenals can complete the prophecy by coming second ;)
Friday, February 22, 2008
I'm tired of Circus.
This is sheer absurdity! Where other sports in India are vying for essential facilities and amenities, leave alone attention and recognition, there is money spilling on the cricket field. The whole situation seems a laughing stock to me. Though its a tragedy.
The highest bid for Dhoni! People have surely lost their minds. That is the most illogical decision. And while there are even more unjustified things associated with this ludicrous scenario, I prefer to leave them on their own. Like I care! But my only concern lies with the media attention they are gaining. Already 3/4th (actually its even more) of the sports section in any newspaper is reserved for cricket while the other sports just get some 'honorable' mention here and there. The sport is already in the limelight, yet it will steal even the ray of light seen by other sportsmen.
Now what more are we in for? Launch of new channels like ESPN Cricket, Ten Sports Cricket, etc. that still wouldn't suffice to air the ICLs and IPLs. Well, I just hope they don't come up with lower division leagues in years to come. This much cricket is far enough.
P.S. The owner of the 'Mumbai Team' isn't a Marathi Manoos. Good that no ruckus was created.
The highest bid for Dhoni! People have surely lost their minds. That is the most illogical decision. And while there are even more unjustified things associated with this ludicrous scenario, I prefer to leave them on their own. Like I care! But my only concern lies with the media attention they are gaining. Already 3/4th (actually its even more) of the sports section in any newspaper is reserved for cricket while the other sports just get some 'honorable' mention here and there. The sport is already in the limelight, yet it will steal even the ray of light seen by other sportsmen.
Now what more are we in for? Launch of new channels like ESPN Cricket, Ten Sports Cricket, etc. that still wouldn't suffice to air the ICLs and IPLs. Well, I just hope they don't come up with lower division leagues in years to come. This much cricket is far enough.
P.S. The owner of the 'Mumbai Team' isn't a Marathi Manoos. Good that no ruckus was created.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Innocence Lost!
They're cute... they're adorable... they could get out of any serious situation by just smiling or making a puppy face at you. No, I'm not talking about dogs or kittens. Its all about the human off-springs! Babies or even toddlers are the cynosures of everyone's eyes wherever they are. They make no efforts to grab your attention but hey, can you stop just observing what they do? Put a baby or a dog in the bath tub with a bar of soap and you've got a great home video ready.
However, the halo above their head doesn't last for long. Suddenly you'll see a mischievous grin appearing on a perfectly angelic face. Something is really wrong. The little tot has been upto some big mischief. Its not that these innocent kids turning notorious bothers me. But the thing is that their parents are least interested to keep a check on what they've been learning and vices they've been picking up.
I don't imply that parents must impose military regimen to discipline their kids. But they shouldn't even spare the rod and spoil the child. I have seen instances where kids throw tantrums and raise hand on their mothers even in public places. And while the mother will be calling the child sweet names calmly and taking it all in face, the child creates a big scene without even having a sense of understanding. Taking a step further, the child lashes out at any other person trying to intervene and coax him to bring about peace in this already problem-laden world. Here, I don't appreciate the mother's 'patience' (is it even patience?) at all. Instead I would like to tell her that take this kid home and teach him/her some manners.
I did not have a spat with such spoilt brat to make me write this post. But mere seeing kids troubling someone else made me mull over this matter. When I was traveling in the train, today, a little girl sat next to a woman. That child, barely 2 years old, asked the lady to give her cellphone to her. The woman sweetly replied back that she will not give her the phone. To this the girl began wailing and demanding for the phone. While the mother effortlessly told her that she could go home and play with her father's cell, the girl wouldn't budge.
Well, not every other person would be polite and put up with some child's silly tantrums. Isn't the scenario not ugly enough addition to which some outsider questions your parenting and embarrass you among strangers? Why don't people teach their kids to be well behaved in public, while we care a damn that they create a pandemonium at home! While we all like Dennis the Menace, would we enjoy his mischiefs given that we step into the shoes of Mr. Wilson? Scary thought huh?
Watching kids talking gibberish, trying to act like some wise sage gets me infuriated. They're supposed to act like kids... full of innocence... crying at one moment and filling the air with their giggles the other. Finally, every child grows up and becomes like one of us with innocence completely lost in this mean world.
However, the halo above their head doesn't last for long. Suddenly you'll see a mischievous grin appearing on a perfectly angelic face. Something is really wrong. The little tot has been upto some big mischief. Its not that these innocent kids turning notorious bothers me. But the thing is that their parents are least interested to keep a check on what they've been learning and vices they've been picking up.
I don't imply that parents must impose military regimen to discipline their kids. But they shouldn't even spare the rod and spoil the child. I have seen instances where kids throw tantrums and raise hand on their mothers even in public places. And while the mother will be calling the child sweet names calmly and taking it all in face, the child creates a big scene without even having a sense of understanding. Taking a step further, the child lashes out at any other person trying to intervene and coax him to bring about peace in this already problem-laden world. Here, I don't appreciate the mother's 'patience' (is it even patience?) at all. Instead I would like to tell her that take this kid home and teach him/her some manners.
I did not have a spat with such spoilt brat to make me write this post. But mere seeing kids troubling someone else made me mull over this matter. When I was traveling in the train, today, a little girl sat next to a woman. That child, barely 2 years old, asked the lady to give her cellphone to her. The woman sweetly replied back that she will not give her the phone. To this the girl began wailing and demanding for the phone. While the mother effortlessly told her that she could go home and play with her father's cell, the girl wouldn't budge.
Well, not every other person would be polite and put up with some child's silly tantrums. Isn't the scenario not ugly enough addition to which some outsider questions your parenting and embarrass you among strangers? Why don't people teach their kids to be well behaved in public, while we care a damn that they create a pandemonium at home! While we all like Dennis the Menace, would we enjoy his mischiefs given that we step into the shoes of Mr. Wilson? Scary thought huh?
Watching kids talking gibberish, trying to act like some wise sage gets me infuriated. They're supposed to act like kids... full of innocence... crying at one moment and filling the air with their giggles the other. Finally, every child grows up and becomes like one of us with innocence completely lost in this mean world.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Let Her Go!
Rockers rejoice! Iron Maiden is kicking off their 'Somewhere Back In Time' World Tour '08, beginning with India, tomorrow (1st Feb 2008).
Maidenheads couldn't contain their euphory last March when Maiden had performed live at Bangalore. Well, they're lucky enough to catch their fav Brit band twice just within a year's timing. Isn't it amazing?
Speaking of Amazin', Aerosmith had been to India last year. Also Sepultura and Scorpions lined up for concerts at the end of 2007. I've heard that Megadeth will be visiting around March this year and today's Bombay Times' front page announces that Def Leppard, too, is coming in May.
So, is India's turning to a head banger's ball? With so many ardent rock & metal fans at present, it surely makes sense that these bands mark India as the destination for their tours. Earlier it took a Michael Jackson, Shakira or Akon to have a concert here. Looking at the multitude of the fans of rock genre, even Beyonce couldn't lure a decent crowd for her recent concert. Yet, she and the 'others' get superfluous media exposure.
Most of the college going people will be saving on for the tickets and other expenses (say traveling and booze!) Last year for the Maiden's concert it was like 'Chalo Bangalore'. More than half of the turnouts had been donning a black tee or/and long tresses.
However, there are some who would be despondent due to their inconveniences to be part of this swarm of revelers. Some of them may be preparing for their exams (its almost term end and dates of board exams are at hand), some tied up with important work, some are short of money, some under-aged kids not given permission, someone suddenly fallen ill, etc.
Honestly, I've recently been to MMRDA grounds when Joyce Meyer had come there a couple of weeks back and while returning we couldn't get even a rickshaw to drop us to station. And it being a religious gathering, most of the crowd contained families which almost cuts down the possibility of some untoward incident. On the contrary, a female attending a concert possess risk with a handful of troublemakers hanging around (apart from the mosh pit). Given the mentality of the people here, they are ready to pounce on the victim by saying, "Who asked them to go to such horrible concert in the first place?" Even the caretakers of law will publicly criticize her for 'staying out of her home so late' and thus inviting trouble! This is truly absurd. Curbing the freedom of a woman by stating such reasons for no fault of theirs is utterly idiocy.
Anyways, all those who are going to have the time of their life, make the most out of it. Though I'm not much of a metal head, I've been a bit influenced by this genre with the credit going to my sister. She, too, can't make it to the concert. So, I've got three words for her- Still Keep rocking!
This one is for you sis.
Here goes her fav Iron Maiden song:
I'm waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime.
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time.
'Cause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole,
The sands of time for me are running low.
When the priest comes to read me the last rites,
I take a look through the bars at the last sights,
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me.
Can it be that there's some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror.
Is this really the end, not some crazy dream?
Somebody please tell me that I'm dreaming,
It's not easy to stop from screaming,
But words escape me when I try to speak.
Tears flow but why am I crying?
After all I'm not afraid of dying.
Don't I believe that there never is an end?
As the guards march me out to the courtyard,
Somebody cries from a cell "God be with you".
If there's a God then why does he let me go?
As I walk my life drifts before me.
Though the end is near I'm not sorry.
Catch my soul, it's willing to fly away.
Mark my words believe my soul lives on.
Don't worry now that I have gone.
I've gone beyond to see the truth.
When you know that your time is close at hand,
Maybe then you'll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah, yeah, yeah...Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah..................................
Maidenheads couldn't contain their euphory last March when Maiden had performed live at Bangalore. Well, they're lucky enough to catch their fav Brit band twice just within a year's timing. Isn't it amazing?
Speaking of Amazin', Aerosmith had been to India last year. Also Sepultura and Scorpions lined up for concerts at the end of 2007. I've heard that Megadeth will be visiting around March this year and today's Bombay Times' front page announces that Def Leppard, too, is coming in May.
So, is India's turning to a head banger's ball? With so many ardent rock & metal fans at present, it surely makes sense that these bands mark India as the destination for their tours. Earlier it took a Michael Jackson, Shakira or Akon to have a concert here. Looking at the multitude of the fans of rock genre, even Beyonce couldn't lure a decent crowd for her recent concert. Yet, she and the 'others' get superfluous media exposure.
Most of the college going people will be saving on for the tickets and other expenses (say traveling and booze!) Last year for the Maiden's concert it was like 'Chalo Bangalore'. More than half of the turnouts had been donning a black tee or/and long tresses.
However, there are some who would be despondent due to their inconveniences to be part of this swarm of revelers. Some of them may be preparing for their exams (its almost term end and dates of board exams are at hand), some tied up with important work, some are short of money, some under-aged kids not given permission, someone suddenly fallen ill, etc.
Honestly, I've recently been to MMRDA grounds when Joyce Meyer had come there a couple of weeks back and while returning we couldn't get even a rickshaw to drop us to station. And it being a religious gathering, most of the crowd contained families which almost cuts down the possibility of some untoward incident. On the contrary, a female attending a concert possess risk with a handful of troublemakers hanging around (apart from the mosh pit). Given the mentality of the people here, they are ready to pounce on the victim by saying, "Who asked them to go to such horrible concert in the first place?" Even the caretakers of law will publicly criticize her for 'staying out of her home so late' and thus inviting trouble! This is truly absurd. Curbing the freedom of a woman by stating such reasons for no fault of theirs is utterly idiocy.
Anyways, all those who are going to have the time of their life, make the most out of it. Though I'm not much of a metal head, I've been a bit influenced by this genre with the credit going to my sister. She, too, can't make it to the concert. So, I've got three words for her- Still Keep rocking!
This one is for you sis.
Here goes her fav Iron Maiden song:
I'm waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime.
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time.
'Cause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole,
The sands of time for me are running low.
When the priest comes to read me the last rites,
I take a look through the bars at the last sights,
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me.
Can it be that there's some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror.
Is this really the end, not some crazy dream?
Somebody please tell me that I'm dreaming,
It's not easy to stop from screaming,
But words escape me when I try to speak.
Tears flow but why am I crying?
After all I'm not afraid of dying.
Don't I believe that there never is an end?
As the guards march me out to the courtyard,
Somebody cries from a cell "God be with you".
If there's a God then why does he let me go?
As I walk my life drifts before me.
Though the end is near I'm not sorry.
Catch my soul, it's willing to fly away.
Mark my words believe my soul lives on.
Don't worry now that I have gone.
I've gone beyond to see the truth.
When you know that your time is close at hand,
Maybe then you'll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah, yeah, yeah...Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah..................................
Friday, January 25, 2008
Ad Mad 2007.
The National Creative Directors have taken their pick. The year 2007 had some brilliant ads. I've listed down their top favourites for the year and added my opinions to the chosen ones. Source: See here (I wish that some of my ad lands up in this list somewhere in future.) The following list of ads are in no particular order.
I-pill TVC, Network Advertising- The topic of contraception has been woven around subtly. The execution is very nicely done.
Airtel 'Border' TVC, Redffusion DY&R- Lovely ad. Two kids, barbed wire border, a football... simple things to show breaking barriers of communication.
Vodafone Alerts TVC, Ogilvy & Mather- Mobile alerts cannot be put more competently than this. Hutch had a very good brand recall. The branding of Vodafone with the same Hutch pug wasn't that convincing. But here, O&M again grabs your attention with a brilliant 'alert' campaign! The best I like is the Astro alert one with the guy in the elevator and the song is again beautiful.
Reliance Infocomm TVC, Mudra- I'm a bit confused wondering which ad this is. But recently Reliance ads are worth watching. Especially the kids in the ad are adorable. Reliance ads have come a long way since their 'Sehwag ki maa' ad (which I never liked!) to their latest ones.
VIP briefs 'Adjust' TVC, Lowe Lintas- Innerwears ads used to be the worst. But this one makes some sense and does not even have some person just modeling the product and girls going ga-ga over them! Well done.
Airtel 'Indiana Jones' search TVC- It's a creative concept. But for some reason I prefer the Hutch 'Eskimo' search TVC over this one. However I like the concluding part of the ad wherein Jones says he's retiring.
Happydent TVC, McCann-Erickson- There are hardly any words to describe this one! This award winning ad is surely unforgettable. 'Tera dil roshan... tera mann roshan...'
Motorokr TVC- Abhishek Bachchan surely can sway his head well. Excellent execution.
Tanishq Diamonds, Lowe Lintas - Beautiful ad. Lovely track (Badan pe sitare...)
Havell 'Shock Proof', Lowe Lintas- Though I haven't seen this specific ad, but went through the storyboard on Agencyfaqs. Fairly done.
ABN Amro One 'Transparent Credit card TVC, Publicis- A banking institution ad never had funny twist to it. A refreshing change!
Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Ogilvy & Mather- I don't remember this ad.
Neo Sports 'T20', Ogilvy & Mather- Neither this one.
Idea TVC, Lowe Lintas- The concept is nice. Trying to portray casteism as social evil and also shows the reach of network in villages.
Bingo Launch Campaign, Ogilvy & Mather- Truly hilarious! One of our professors said that she was taken aback that O&M had done such work, while we disagreed with her. Honestly, I loved the Bingo launch campaign.
Tata Tea 'Jaago' TVC, Lowe Lintas- Surprisingly glad to have a different concept for a tea powder ad. Liked it. Jaago sounds more refreshing than the done-to-death taaza.
Nike's Street Cricket TVC, JWT- Sports brands have had great international advertisements which, I guess, were never related to the India's most beloved sport. This ad is one of my favourites.
Surf Excel's Traffic Fight TVC, Lowe Lintas- Kids in ads grab your attention any day. Earlier it was the kid bashing the puddle and here we have two little boys picking a fight with each other to stop their fathers from arguing. Aptly the ad ends with the baseline- Daag achhe hain.
Greenply's 'Courtroom TVC, Lowe Lintas- Good ad. Justifies the USP of the product by conveying the message of long lasting wood.
Tata Sky 'Einstein' campaign, Rediffusion DY&R- Wonderful to have so many Einsteins in a school by mere installation of Tata Sky at home. Concept is unmistakably good, but I don't like the baseline! (Isko lagaa dala toh life jingalala! :X)
Fevikwik, Ogilvy & Mather- Again one of the ads I haven't watched on TV, but seen the storyboard on Agencyfaqs. It seemed okay, not some mind-blowing concept. Satisfactory. O&M had better ones earlier.
This sums up the year 2007 favourites. Hope 2008 churns out even greater concepts.
I-pill TVC, Network Advertising- The topic of contraception has been woven around subtly. The execution is very nicely done.
Airtel 'Border' TVC, Redffusion DY&R- Lovely ad. Two kids, barbed wire border, a football... simple things to show breaking barriers of communication.
Vodafone Alerts TVC, Ogilvy & Mather- Mobile alerts cannot be put more competently than this. Hutch had a very good brand recall. The branding of Vodafone with the same Hutch pug wasn't that convincing. But here, O&M again grabs your attention with a brilliant 'alert' campaign! The best I like is the Astro alert one with the guy in the elevator and the song is again beautiful.
Reliance Infocomm TVC, Mudra- I'm a bit confused wondering which ad this is. But recently Reliance ads are worth watching. Especially the kids in the ad are adorable. Reliance ads have come a long way since their 'Sehwag ki maa' ad (which I never liked!) to their latest ones.
VIP briefs 'Adjust' TVC, Lowe Lintas- Innerwears ads used to be the worst. But this one makes some sense and does not even have some person just modeling the product and girls going ga-ga over them! Well done.
Airtel 'Indiana Jones' search TVC- It's a creative concept. But for some reason I prefer the Hutch 'Eskimo' search TVC over this one. However I like the concluding part of the ad wherein Jones says he's retiring.
Happydent TVC, McCann-Erickson- There are hardly any words to describe this one! This award winning ad is surely unforgettable. 'Tera dil roshan... tera mann roshan...'
Motorokr TVC- Abhishek Bachchan surely can sway his head well. Excellent execution.
Tanishq Diamonds, Lowe Lintas - Beautiful ad. Lovely track (Badan pe sitare...)
Havell 'Shock Proof', Lowe Lintas- Though I haven't seen this specific ad, but went through the storyboard on Agencyfaqs. Fairly done.
ABN Amro One 'Transparent Credit card TVC, Publicis- A banking institution ad never had funny twist to it. A refreshing change!
Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Ogilvy & Mather- I don't remember this ad.
Neo Sports 'T20', Ogilvy & Mather- Neither this one.
Idea TVC, Lowe Lintas- The concept is nice. Trying to portray casteism as social evil and also shows the reach of network in villages.
Bingo Launch Campaign, Ogilvy & Mather- Truly hilarious! One of our professors said that she was taken aback that O&M had done such work, while we disagreed with her. Honestly, I loved the Bingo launch campaign.
Tata Tea 'Jaago' TVC, Lowe Lintas- Surprisingly glad to have a different concept for a tea powder ad. Liked it. Jaago sounds more refreshing than the done-to-death taaza.
Nike's Street Cricket TVC, JWT- Sports brands have had great international advertisements which, I guess, were never related to the India's most beloved sport. This ad is one of my favourites.
Surf Excel's Traffic Fight TVC, Lowe Lintas- Kids in ads grab your attention any day. Earlier it was the kid bashing the puddle and here we have two little boys picking a fight with each other to stop their fathers from arguing. Aptly the ad ends with the baseline- Daag achhe hain.
Greenply's 'Courtroom TVC, Lowe Lintas- Good ad. Justifies the USP of the product by conveying the message of long lasting wood.
Tata Sky 'Einstein' campaign, Rediffusion DY&R- Wonderful to have so many Einsteins in a school by mere installation of Tata Sky at home. Concept is unmistakably good, but I don't like the baseline! (Isko lagaa dala toh life jingalala! :X)
Fevikwik, Ogilvy & Mather- Again one of the ads I haven't watched on TV, but seen the storyboard on Agencyfaqs. It seemed okay, not some mind-blowing concept. Satisfactory. O&M had better ones earlier.
This sums up the year 2007 favourites. Hope 2008 churns out even greater concepts.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Racial Row.
My father is surfing channels on TV. He pauses on TIMES NOW, watches it for sometime until there's a commercial break. The next moment he's watching Aaj Tak, later CNBC TV18, after that Zee News and so on. Reason? Indo-Australia test match (or rather controversy) updates.
A small village scenario. Some family is happy about their son going to abroad for further studies (or he's got a job there?). Later they receive a letter from him conveying that he met a girl (a foreigner), fell in love with her and they exchanged vows at the altar. Now, they were coming down to the village as the girl wanted to meet her in-laws. The whole family as well as the village goes berserk. They are preparing everything possible to welcome the new bride especially that she is not an Indian. The D-day arrives when they come to
At this, the mother realizes her fault and sends in for her new daughter-n-law to come into her room. The new bride enters and bends down to touch the mother's feet and says, "Pai lagoo maaji" her accent intact. Everyone was happy.
And the story ended there.
Black Eyed Peas- Where Is The Love:
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
A Virtual World.
Spending time is easy these days. Thanks to social networking sites, once you're connected to the internet, you've got loads of things to do.
I first had got an invitation to join 'Tagged'. Unknowing what actually was it, I created a profile. I hardly went online then, and found it very boring. Later my mailbox had many other invitations which I overlooked viz. Hi5!, Orkut, Yaari, WAYN, Shelfari, Desi Martini, Facebook, Minglebox, etc.
I logged onto Orkut. It was fun getting in touch with old friends and the communities were the reason that I got addicted to it. I had vowed not to join anymore networking sites. But then, after certain time Orkut got monotonous. Sometime later one of my friends told me to sign up on Facebook and claimed it was much better than Orkut.
Being often congenial, I believed her and joined in. She had already warned me that it may seem too cluttered at the beginning. And it surely was an eyesore! But when I explored the applications, it turned out to be pleasing to me. There's so much to do on it. I simply can't stop playing the 'Never ending movie quiz' as much as I had got hooked to the 'Music Trivia'. Christmas was wonderful as I could set up a Christmas Tree on my profile and also give presents to friends for the occasion. Worthy to mention are the points I get for cheering for Manchester United and I created my own team for the Fantasy League.
All I can say is that Facebook as for now is fascinating. I understand this will be short-lived. But then, I assume, something else might keep me wrapped up.
They say technology has made the world a smaller place to live in... and I wonder how even more smaller is it getting? A virtual world- something we dreamt of?
Jamiroquai- Virtual Insanity.
Futures made of virtual insanity
now always seem to be governed by this love we have
For useless, twisting, our new technology
Oh there is no sound for we all live underground
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Virtual Insanity is what we're living in!
I first had got an invitation to join 'Tagged'. Unknowing what actually was it, I created a profile. I hardly went online then, and found it very boring. Later my mailbox had many other invitations which I overlooked viz. Hi5!, Orkut, Yaari, WAYN, Shelfari, Desi Martini, Facebook, Minglebox, etc.
I logged onto Orkut. It was fun getting in touch with old friends and the communities were the reason that I got addicted to it. I had vowed not to join anymore networking sites. But then, after certain time Orkut got monotonous. Sometime later one of my friends told me to sign up on Facebook and claimed it was much better than Orkut.
Being often congenial, I believed her and joined in. She had already warned me that it may seem too cluttered at the beginning. And it surely was an eyesore! But when I explored the applications, it turned out to be pleasing to me. There's so much to do on it. I simply can't stop playing the 'Never ending movie quiz' as much as I had got hooked to the 'Music Trivia'. Christmas was wonderful as I could set up a Christmas Tree on my profile and also give presents to friends for the occasion. Worthy to mention are the points I get for cheering for Manchester United and I created my own team for the Fantasy League.
All I can say is that Facebook as for now is fascinating. I understand this will be short-lived. But then, I assume, something else might keep me wrapped up.
They say technology has made the world a smaller place to live in... and I wonder how even more smaller is it getting? A virtual world- something we dreamt of?
Jamiroquai- Virtual Insanity.
Futures made of virtual insanity
now always seem to be governed by this love we have
For useless, twisting, our new technology
Oh there is no sound for we all live underground
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Virtual Insanity is what we're living in!
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