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!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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.
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