As my exams have concluded, I have a lot of time (not that i don't otherwise). When there is a lot of free time the TV does take up some share of the 'free time' cake! Once a great man said, "An idle mind in not a Devils workshop, but is in front of the TV". During my television viewing marathon, i saw an advertisement that showed a special deo which actually makes your under arms whiter/ fairer! It hard to believe but its true. Now correct me if im wrong but aren't deo's supposed to just cut off the smell?
Apparently not. So the new formula of a hybrid, unbelievable underarm fairness cream+ good fragrance+ aerosol = Deo of 2012!
With my experience with marketing, whatever i studied of it, tells me product innovation and foresight are quintessential for the success of a business. Theodore Levitt has already warned us about Marketing Myopia. So I thought of some of the products for the future that P&G, Unilever or Body Shop can use to make mad moolah! (Any such product, if introduced into the market , must remit 3% of the sales to me!hope this disclaimer helps)
Here goes - A list of beauty products of the future!
1. Shampoo de hypertrichosis :(for men only) This amazing shampoo with 3 quarters moisturizer and soya proteins enriches and protects your "ear hair" from root to tip, giving it a shine and strength it always required! Say bye-bye to ugly, unruly ear hair and say Hello to smooth silky ear locks!!!
2. Creme de white toes : (Unisex) A revolutionary product right out of the P***ds lab, to make sure you will never face the awkward moment of someone seeing the skin between your toes! This cream whitens the area using silver extracts and Ginger oil to make those neglected parts of your body pearly white.
3. Hair de Nose dye: (unisex) Yes we have seen funky hair colour, funky hair styles and funkier hair cuts! Why not funky nose hair!? Stop trimming them and start colouring them. Extracted from flowers of amazon , try out the Tangy Blue, Orchid red, or the most common Mushy mucus!!
4. Brylcream Brow risers: (aimed at men...)For years brylcream has quenched the thirst of the hair needs of men. Now it goes one step lower! A perfect mix of coconut oil and milk cream, this gel can not only style your eyebrows (not to mention Unibrows) but nourish them too!
5. Underarm wash : yes there is facewash, handwash...why not underarm wash!! This is a multi purpose wash which exfoliates(ouch!), cleanses, removes ingrown hair, prevents germ build, prevents odor, makes them fair, attractive and last but not the least causes skin cancer. People would be ready to take a chance!! This soap is made from natural extracts from pumice stones and salts from the pure sweat of yaks in the Himalayas! Indulge in an underarm fantasy!!
So there it is, a glimpse of the future. Beautiful isn't it?
( I have nothing against the French, but Paris being the fashion capital i thought the brand names would sound real )
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
5 things a Post-modernist cannot do!!
Philosophy is as interesting as it can get boring. But what if we see philosophy with a touch of comedy and laugh. It might not be the same. So here is my attempt to plant the seed of thought through some really unconventional means.
So what are the five things that a post modernist cannot do? (here goes one more list!!)
1. A post modernist can never play Truth or dare. Or he can but he will always choose the dare, as there is no one truth in his view! it might get boring without the juicy truths.
2. Never participate in money making game shows like 'The moment of truth' or 'Sachh Ka Samna'. The criteria for the show itself bans these people because of the multiple truths they believe in, and they sure will win! And Sony corp is not so rich to just give every post modernist a million dollars.
3. Be a Rotarian. No, that is not happening in a post-modernist's life, as the first guideline for a Rotarian is ' Is it the truth?'. With that question our post modernist friend will be stumped!
4. Under go a narco analysis . If there is no single objective truth, is there any use of the whole procedure?!
5. Pinocchio's nose in the post modernist world would not grow( how boring is that ). If there is no single objective truth, Pinocchio never lies. Which implies that there will be no growing noses. which equates to a boring story(damn this philosophy!)
There you go, What i have given is what a post modernist cannot do. My next post will be the things he CAN do. You can then decide whether post modernism is your cup of tea or not! Till then keep drinking coffee.
So what are the five things that a post modernist cannot do? (here goes one more list!!)
1. A post modernist can never play Truth or dare. Or he can but he will always choose the dare, as there is no one truth in his view! it might get boring without the juicy truths.
2. Never participate in money making game shows like 'The moment of truth' or 'Sachh Ka Samna'. The criteria for the show itself bans these people because of the multiple truths they believe in, and they sure will win! And Sony corp is not so rich to just give every post modernist a million dollars.
3. Be a Rotarian. No, that is not happening in a post-modernist's life, as the first guideline for a Rotarian is ' Is it the truth?'. With that question our post modernist friend will be stumped!
4. Under go a narco analysis . If there is no single objective truth, is there any use of the whole procedure?!
5. Pinocchio's nose in the post modernist world would not grow( how boring is that ). If there is no single objective truth, Pinocchio never lies. Which implies that there will be no growing noses. which equates to a boring story(damn this philosophy!)
There you go, What i have given is what a post modernist cannot do. My next post will be the things he CAN do. You can then decide whether post modernism is your cup of tea or not! Till then keep drinking coffee.
Third eye - returns
I dont think the anti dust coating this guy endorses is of any good.the car below the board needs some dusting! Any one ready for TAPLON coat??
Friday, March 23, 2012
Perception of the powerful patriarch
It is a common thing that one hears about the society being patriarchal, men pulling the strings and parading their dominance. However this feeling of being the more dominant and more powerful sex is not a superficial force. This has been etched in the minds of men and women alike due to centuries of domination.
In our society (by 'our' society, I mean a society which is supposedly 'modern') we do not see this domination or the effect of it directly. it is subtle and subverted but equally powerful. One recent incident, which gave me quite a shocker, made me realise how powerful the image of a "powerful patriarch" the all providing demi-god is in the minds of commoners.
It was just another summer night in Manipal. We were tying banners around the town for an upcoming event of our college. Our laughs (which sounded more like monstrous howls) was eclipsed by a shrill voice of pain and fear. What we saw was a woman fallen on the road and a man throwing punches and slaps at her. Without second thoughts we ran towards the rumble. The man, shouting that he was her husband ran as soon as he saw five boys running towards him. We did catch him and took him to the police station which was hardly a furlong away. Some threats and a couple of swings from the lathi, they were let go. They were construction workers, both husband and wife. On the way back we kept a close look on them as they crossed the road.
What happened next was unbelievable! The husband picked up a wooden club (some remnant in a construction site) ready to give his wife a royal showdown. This time we ran , shouting violently (this is the nearest I had got to a war cry). My friends started a verbal rant which is impossible to publish (but he deserved it). While this showdown was going on , one guy slightly taller than the husband entered the scene with a helpless look. we had seen him during the couples fight on the road. He looked like a body builder right out of the garadi . One punch from this guy to your stomach would solve all your problems, as you wouldnt be alive to face them. The real shocker was when we came to know this guy was the couples son, who was a mute spectator till now, as he feared his dad who, in front of him looked like a puny animal!!
Need i have to say more, that is the perception of the powerful patriarch!
In our society (by 'our' society, I mean a society which is supposedly 'modern') we do not see this domination or the effect of it directly. it is subtle and subverted but equally powerful. One recent incident, which gave me quite a shocker, made me realise how powerful the image of a "powerful patriarch" the all providing demi-god is in the minds of commoners.
It was just another summer night in Manipal. We were tying banners around the town for an upcoming event of our college. Our laughs (which sounded more like monstrous howls) was eclipsed by a shrill voice of pain and fear. What we saw was a woman fallen on the road and a man throwing punches and slaps at her. Without second thoughts we ran towards the rumble. The man, shouting that he was her husband ran as soon as he saw five boys running towards him. We did catch him and took him to the police station which was hardly a furlong away. Some threats and a couple of swings from the lathi, they were let go. They were construction workers, both husband and wife. On the way back we kept a close look on them as they crossed the road.
What happened next was unbelievable! The husband picked up a wooden club (some remnant in a construction site) ready to give his wife a royal showdown. This time we ran , shouting violently (this is the nearest I had got to a war cry). My friends started a verbal rant which is impossible to publish (but he deserved it). While this showdown was going on , one guy slightly taller than the husband entered the scene with a helpless look. we had seen him during the couples fight on the road. He looked like a body builder right out of the garadi . One punch from this guy to your stomach would solve all your problems, as you wouldnt be alive to face them. The real shocker was when we came to know this guy was the couples son, who was a mute spectator till now, as he feared his dad who, in front of him looked like a puny animal!!
Need i have to say more, that is the perception of the powerful patriarch!
Asimov at his best!!
I prefer rationalism to atheism. The question of God and other objects-of-faith are outside reason and play no part in rationalism, thus you don’t have to waste your time in either attacking or defending
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Quote
"Television is the hardware to introduce the software of Capitalism"
K V Akshara
K V Akshara, the present head of Ninasam, a theatre group in Heggodu, Karnataka, is a playwright/writer.
K V Akshara
K V Akshara, the present head of Ninasam, a theatre group in Heggodu, Karnataka, is a playwright/writer.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sports as Art
Ever since our beloved cave man, decorated his caves with paintings, people started to have a debate as to what art was. They gave different definitions, artists tried to explain this abstract yet very real phenomenon called art in their own way. Centuries have passed but we still are not sure. We, humans are sure that we can go to the moon, but aren't sure of what art is!
Some of the common definitions include art being a form of expression. The piece of art actually takes second place while expression is primary. For some, art is about the form, the shape, colour, structure of the piece. I wont write much about these, because all the answers you need are just a tab(Ctrl T)
Taking all these definitions into consideration, Can sports( all included..even golf!!!) be considered art?
I believe it is, every sport is art and every sportsman an artist. Taking the view of an expressionist, sports is an expression of strength, agility,speed, flexibility of ones body.For a formalist, sports is poetry in motion. The body is the canvas and the game is the paint.
Like any other fine art, a good sports man has intrinsic talent and developed skill. It needs a lot of practice.
Art has no boundaries. It crosses the barriers of language, races, religions and age. So does sports. Put a football (To all the ignorant Americans, its a soccer ball)in middle of a group of strangers, and within seconds the game is on. it bring people together, just like art.
Our sports commentators already consider it an art( not commenting, but sports).The adjectives used to describe sport moves are the same one you would hear in an art gallery , a concert or a dance performance. Graceful, strokes, tempo, consistency etc etc
We have seen artists, musicians and poets turning to intoxicants to get their muse or create a magnum opus. Sports is no different Ben Jhonson and Marion Jones turned to intoxicants to "increase their expression".
Sports thus is an art form. it is a form which the public can involve easily. So i end, as i need to put my artist cap and go shoot some hoops.
Some of the common definitions include art being a form of expression. The piece of art actually takes second place while expression is primary. For some, art is about the form, the shape, colour, structure of the piece. I wont write much about these, because all the answers you need are just a tab(Ctrl T)
Taking all these definitions into consideration, Can sports( all included..even golf!!!) be considered art?
I believe it is, every sport is art and every sportsman an artist. Taking the view of an expressionist, sports is an expression of strength, agility,speed, flexibility of ones body.For a formalist, sports is poetry in motion. The body is the canvas and the game is the paint.
Like any other fine art, a good sports man has intrinsic talent and developed skill. It needs a lot of practice.
Art has no boundaries. It crosses the barriers of language, races, religions and age. So does sports. Put a football (To all the ignorant Americans, its a soccer ball)in middle of a group of strangers, and within seconds the game is on. it bring people together, just like art.
Our sports commentators already consider it an art( not commenting, but sports).The adjectives used to describe sport moves are the same one you would hear in an art gallery , a concert or a dance performance. Graceful, strokes, tempo, consistency etc etc
We have seen artists, musicians and poets turning to intoxicants to get their muse or create a magnum opus. Sports is no different Ben Jhonson and Marion Jones turned to intoxicants to "increase their expression".
Sports thus is an art form. it is a form which the public can involve easily. So i end, as i need to put my artist cap and go shoot some hoops.
About the other side..
A one handed shot on equality
Photo courtesy: Supreet J Bargi
There are the ones who speak, and then there are the one who actually experience. Most of the times the one who voices out is stronger. Or so it is believed. One requires immense strength to experience and still keep everything in. Living in oppression, for a eras together, women have always experienced, and not until recently, the men always spoke. But can the "stronger" sex actually help the "weaker" ones?
From time immemorial, crime, justice, conquests, money have always been spoken and documented. These documents were recorded by people who not necessarily experienced or had any direct relation to them. So we build our history on information not from the people who lived, but from people who saw.
And they say, history repeats, so has the second hand documentation. newspaper reports, TV exclusives, special debates on problems of women and the inequality among sexes, fills our media space. A space no different from our patriarchal society. So a man discusses problems of women, he sometimes voices out for them (thought the trend has changed a little, it is very minimal).
How useful is this effort by a person who is in his comfort zone, "understands" the problem of the second sex? Is it really an effort to strike a balance? Should the ladies take the helping hand meted out to them? from the oppressors themselves? Is it just a one handed effort? How near/far are we to equality?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Want directions??
India has been a place of spirituality for many westerners. They travel to this land to find peace and direction in their lives. Whether they find peace or not is secondary, but directions they will find many! For a traveller who has roamed around the sub continent would tell, you would seldom lose your way, as your never far away from a living, air breathing GPS.
We Indians have unlimited enthusiasm for giving directions. All we need is for a place name and a question to fall into our ears, and we will become cartographers the next instant. The beauty of our directions is that we do not tell the travellers just the route, but also the places he will see while taking that route, sign boards, buildings, circles and traffic signals. We overload the traveller already heavy backpack with so much info that he is almost hypnotised to take the orders. But do we stop there? No, we won’t. We might be Indians but we are Humans before that, so curiosity does take over us and in the myriad of directions we give, we manage to drop a question or two on where the traveller is coming from or where he is heading next. Sometimes when we our enthusiasm sky rockets we also tend to be city guides or travel agents, suggesting places for the wanderers next step.
Personally i feel a sense of pride in this quality. We don’t want people to lose ways and spend their travel in gyrating alleys and by lanes! From whatever little of India I have seen, language is never a barrier. The directions, though mostly vocal, are adorned with hand movements, gestures and sometimes even sounds. As I said before we are never far from a helping hand.
The thought does cross my mind, where I feel whether this quality is Indian or is it Human? Is it the same in the sign-board filled streets of the “developed” west? For now let it be Indian, once I travel the world I will tell you whether it is an intrinsic human quality or not!
We Indians have unlimited enthusiasm for giving directions. All we need is for a place name and a question to fall into our ears, and we will become cartographers the next instant. The beauty of our directions is that we do not tell the travellers just the route, but also the places he will see while taking that route, sign boards, buildings, circles and traffic signals. We overload the traveller already heavy backpack with so much info that he is almost hypnotised to take the orders. But do we stop there? No, we won’t. We might be Indians but we are Humans before that, so curiosity does take over us and in the myriad of directions we give, we manage to drop a question or two on where the traveller is coming from or where he is heading next. Sometimes when we our enthusiasm sky rockets we also tend to be city guides or travel agents, suggesting places for the wanderers next step.
Personally i feel a sense of pride in this quality. We don’t want people to lose ways and spend their travel in gyrating alleys and by lanes! From whatever little of India I have seen, language is never a barrier. The directions, though mostly vocal, are adorned with hand movements, gestures and sometimes even sounds. As I said before we are never far from a helping hand.
The thought does cross my mind, where I feel whether this quality is Indian or is it Human? Is it the same in the sign-board filled streets of the “developed” west? For now let it be Indian, once I travel the world I will tell you whether it is an intrinsic human quality or not!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Gauntlet for Knights on Steel Steeds
The state of Rajastan has the pink city as its capital. The city of Jaipur is adorned with magnificent buildings having a history of centuries. From the literally "breath" taking Hawa Mahal to the sublime Amer Fort. Jaipur is one of the must see places in this country.
Adding to the heritage of the city are the brave Knights on steel steeds, commonly found on the streets of this historic city. Born into royalty these knights are found on a variety of stallions. Namely
1. A sturdy two wheeler
2. A quadracep driven, three wheel chariot
3. A smoke bellowing three wheel war horse
4. Four wheel enclosed chariots
5. Finally Actual horses/ donkeys/ cows/ camels/ elephants.
Let me make it clear these things are not part of you "city tour" attractions. These are real. As the roads of jaipur are not mere roads. They are a video gamers' dream and disciplinarians' nightmare!
Looking at the traffic of the city, through the lenses of a sportsman, there are two rules. Just two!
1. Wear a helmet (pillion included) if you are on a 2 wheeler
2. Seat belts are a must for a car driver.
If you satisfy these two conditions, you are ready to take on the tarmac of jaipur. That is if you dare to! Let me return to my expertise of making a list, Here are the 5 things you wont( probably shouldn't ) do on the roads of Jaipur.
1. Ride your vehicle.
2. Ride your vehicle following traffic rules.
3. Cross the road.
4. Try crossing the road
5. Use the phrase "lets hit the road"!
If not for gravity, motorists of jaipur would have taken their mean machines over buildings, pillars, palaces and even people. It is the most synchronized chaos you will ever see.Vehicles move in from all directions and move out of all the remaining directions. Red need not mean 'Stop', it can connote a) Accelerate with all power, b)Turn without any indication c) Keep your normal pace and cross the junction. The traffic system is so specialized that they have special lanes for overtaking. Yes Germany take notes , these are called footpaths!
The roads of Jaipur are not for the faint hearted. With all due respects, this is one city where even if Ray Charles drove a limo , it wouldn't make any difference nor would it cause any accidents!
So buckle up and hold those reins tight! There is a lot to see in Jaipur, if you survive the streets! ** Ends with War Cry **
Adding to the heritage of the city are the brave Knights on steel steeds, commonly found on the streets of this historic city. Born into royalty these knights are found on a variety of stallions. Namely
1. A sturdy two wheeler
2. A quadracep driven, three wheel chariot
3. A smoke bellowing three wheel war horse
4. Four wheel enclosed chariots
5. Finally Actual horses/ donkeys/ cows/ camels/ elephants.
Let me make it clear these things are not part of you "city tour" attractions. These are real. As the roads of jaipur are not mere roads. They are a video gamers' dream and disciplinarians' nightmare!
Looking at the traffic of the city, through the lenses of a sportsman, there are two rules. Just two!
1. Wear a helmet (pillion included) if you are on a 2 wheeler
2. Seat belts are a must for a car driver.
If you satisfy these two conditions, you are ready to take on the tarmac of jaipur. That is if you dare to! Let me return to my expertise of making a list, Here are the 5 things you wont( probably shouldn't ) do on the roads of Jaipur.
1. Ride your vehicle.
2. Ride your vehicle following traffic rules.
3. Cross the road.
4. Try crossing the road
5. Use the phrase "lets hit the road"!
If not for gravity, motorists of jaipur would have taken their mean machines over buildings, pillars, palaces and even people. It is the most synchronized chaos you will ever see.Vehicles move in from all directions and move out of all the remaining directions. Red need not mean 'Stop', it can connote a) Accelerate with all power, b)Turn without any indication c) Keep your normal pace and cross the junction. The traffic system is so specialized that they have special lanes for overtaking. Yes Germany take notes , these are called footpaths!
The roads of Jaipur are not for the faint hearted. With all due respects, this is one city where even if Ray Charles drove a limo , it wouldn't make any difference nor would it cause any accidents!
So buckle up and hold those reins tight! There is a lot to see in Jaipur, if you survive the streets! ** Ends with War Cry **
Monday, December 19, 2011
WRT
WRT- previous post, for those who did not use short forms in class notes its With Reference to. ( I could have written the full form itself instead of such a long explanation)
Any way, in the graveyard where we were, in the photographers lingo, shooting around, few kids, obviously excited looking at what we were doing, gave us company for a while. I have to say they were not only fun but were not at all shy of the camera! check out the photos you will know.
Any way, in the graveyard where we were, in the photographers lingo, shooting around, few kids, obviously excited looking at what we were doing, gave us company for a while. I have to say they were not only fun but were not at all shy of the camera! check out the photos you will know.
Rajdhani Express 3
Weekend one
The morning alarm was an awaited one. A 200km journey on the cards. Where to? To one of the wonders of the world. One of the most famous grave sites. The Pyramids of Giza and Aztecs might come in your head. It is because I have not mentioned the purpose behind this grave. Love. This marble edifice has found its place in every Indian’s heart. Form some its an inspiration for some it is the poster on the Barbers door. But they know the Taj Mahal.
Blame the harmones or how our civilization has progressed; the thumping of a 350cc motorbike is always music to a boy’s ear. We ride on meticulously laid out roads. Stopping for the occasional tea. But the civilized roads, like civilization itself, met its end. An incomplete expressway. We continue on mud. Much slower. More dirtier. Manuvering on the muddy “motorable” service road is like our country’s state. We have tasted the fruits of development. But we are on a slow track now. Bumpy and dusty. On One side is the lure of the lush green fields of prosperity, while on the other is the grey dry development. We have so far moved on enjoying both the sides. Each separately. But will these three paths meet somewhere in the future. Not in the near future. May be the distant one.
The aim was to visit one of the most Islamic grave site. We ended up in an Islamic graveyard alright. But it was nowhere close to Agra. We were in a graveyard for the worshippers of Mecca, in one of the holiest places for the Hindus. Mathura. It was here , these very grounds , where lord Krishna took birth. Like most religious centers, Mathura is also dirty. The roads are filled with dust ,dung and devotion. It is one of those places which has an identity crisis whether it is a village, a town or a city.
We were there, deciding whether to head to Taj or take a U-turn and find a road, a proper road back to Delhi. Our thoughts were like a pendulum, until we saw the temple with around 200 people, lined up in front of the temple and countless more inside, to have one look at the idol. Devotion and belief acted as force fields to the people who were waiting outside. The dry afternoon sun, the dust from the roads, the smoke from the vehicles, cow dung filled streets , nothing mattered. Their souls needed no cleansing, it was their feet and faces that needed some.
From that sight the bike had a mind of its own and decided to take the highway. Stopping occasionally at dhabhas and tea stalls we reached back with a lot of memories and a lot more road sense!!
The morning alarm was an awaited one. A 200km journey on the cards. Where to? To one of the wonders of the world. One of the most famous grave sites. The Pyramids of Giza and Aztecs might come in your head. It is because I have not mentioned the purpose behind this grave. Love. This marble edifice has found its place in every Indian’s heart. Form some its an inspiration for some it is the poster on the Barbers door. But they know the Taj Mahal.
Blame the harmones or how our civilization has progressed; the thumping of a 350cc motorbike is always music to a boy’s ear. We ride on meticulously laid out roads. Stopping for the occasional tea. But the civilized roads, like civilization itself, met its end. An incomplete expressway. We continue on mud. Much slower. More dirtier. Manuvering on the muddy “motorable” service road is like our country’s state. We have tasted the fruits of development. But we are on a slow track now. Bumpy and dusty. On One side is the lure of the lush green fields of prosperity, while on the other is the grey dry development. We have so far moved on enjoying both the sides. Each separately. But will these three paths meet somewhere in the future. Not in the near future. May be the distant one.
The aim was to visit one of the most Islamic grave site. We ended up in an Islamic graveyard alright. But it was nowhere close to Agra. We were in a graveyard for the worshippers of Mecca, in one of the holiest places for the Hindus. Mathura. It was here , these very grounds , where lord Krishna took birth. Like most religious centers, Mathura is also dirty. The roads are filled with dust ,dung and devotion. It is one of those places which has an identity crisis whether it is a village, a town or a city.
We were there, deciding whether to head to Taj or take a U-turn and find a road, a proper road back to Delhi. Our thoughts were like a pendulum, until we saw the temple with around 200 people, lined up in front of the temple and countless more inside, to have one look at the idol. Devotion and belief acted as force fields to the people who were waiting outside. The dry afternoon sun, the dust from the roads, the smoke from the vehicles, cow dung filled streets , nothing mattered. Their souls needed no cleansing, it was their feet and faces that needed some.
From that sight the bike had a mind of its own and decided to take the highway. Stopping occasionally at dhabhas and tea stalls we reached back with a lot of memories and a lot more road sense!!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Rajdhani Express 2
THE CITY
A week into the fast paced life of the rajdhani. This city has a soul of its own. Wide arteries and veins, with fast moving people , who are the blood of this control room of civilization. It is wired mixture. Fast paced life, impatient people, with a lot of places of civilized relaxation. Mammoth concrete structures juxtaposed against historical buildings, imperial mansions and religious houses. People run. Run across roads. Run for work. Run for trains. Buses. Run from each other. Run for time. Sometimes against it. Every citizen trying to make a kingdom out of his own world, in a city of plenty and a city of constraints. Petrol bunks, Gas stations fuel the busses and autos. Chole bature , parota push carts fuel the people and rickshaw wallas. Did the city conquer the state? Or did the state devour the city? Or do the kingdoms of all citizen merge in unison? Delhi is something to be experienced.
A week into the fast paced life of the rajdhani. This city has a soul of its own. Wide arteries and veins, with fast moving people , who are the blood of this control room of civilization. It is wired mixture. Fast paced life, impatient people, with a lot of places of civilized relaxation. Mammoth concrete structures juxtaposed against historical buildings, imperial mansions and religious houses. People run. Run across roads. Run for work. Run for trains. Buses. Run from each other. Run for time. Sometimes against it. Every citizen trying to make a kingdom out of his own world, in a city of plenty and a city of constraints. Petrol bunks, Gas stations fuel the busses and autos. Chole bature , parota push carts fuel the people and rickshaw wallas. Did the city conquer the state? Or did the state devour the city? Or do the kingdoms of all citizen merge in unison? Delhi is something to be experienced.
Rajdhani Express 1
And all of the sights of the hill and the plain
Fly as thick as driving rain…..
The unforgettable words of R L Stevenson fill my head , as my hair is styled by the wind and my eyes survey the fast moving sights of far away hills, plains brown green and yellow. The fragrance of the earth is abruptly interrupted by the smell of the engines smoke. Rhythmic beats of the metal wheels and rails and long solos by the rail horn. Rexin seats, the comfort of being uncomfortable. This is truly a sensuous experience.
14 hours have passed since the experience started. 16 more to go. The journey from the south of India to the capital is an enriching experience. The sights are sounds of the journey provide the background score for the nostalgic stories of co passengers. “I ran and caught a train once”, “..one of the cleanest stations..”, “…it was the time of emergency..”. Mundane stories fuelled by enthusiasm act a catalysts to conversations. No topic is left untouched. Opinions, analysis, criticisms, facts and even gossip.
Three people from three completely different areas of work, interests amd origin share the journey. One a businessman, frequent on trains, thanks to all the trade fairs. Two , an army man, travelling to report to duty after a break. Three, its I. travelling with a purpose, a purpose of change.
There might be some thoughts which people get when they travel by rail. How did they lay the tracks? How did they plan it? To name a few. One question I got in my mind, for which the answer is not measurable. How much can we learn from co passengers? By learn, I want to stress that this is education not by syllabus but by lived experience. This education has no theorems nor ant formulae, no thesis or anti thesis, no assignments nor exams, but this interaction, teaches. With the small amount of time I have spent with my co passengers I have learnt History, geography, politics, anthropology and even cooking. If I ever become a citizen capable of influencing policy making, or if I ever get the power itself , I would certainly make 30 hour train journeys in Second class a mandatory assignment for college students. They need not write any reports of the journey nor give colourful power point presentations, they just have to make the journey.
The train moves from one state to the other. As I write this previous statement, two things come into my mind. Imagine a train which could move from one state of matter to another? I bet Ms Rowling did not get this idea! The other thought is that our mind is like a train on a long journey. Our mind, working constantly trying to reach reason, trying to reach destinations, chugs along. Our minds move from one state to the other too, more frequently than our travelling counterpart.
Fly as thick as driving rain…..
The unforgettable words of R L Stevenson fill my head , as my hair is styled by the wind and my eyes survey the fast moving sights of far away hills, plains brown green and yellow. The fragrance of the earth is abruptly interrupted by the smell of the engines smoke. Rhythmic beats of the metal wheels and rails and long solos by the rail horn. Rexin seats, the comfort of being uncomfortable. This is truly a sensuous experience.
14 hours have passed since the experience started. 16 more to go. The journey from the south of India to the capital is an enriching experience. The sights are sounds of the journey provide the background score for the nostalgic stories of co passengers. “I ran and caught a train once”, “..one of the cleanest stations..”, “…it was the time of emergency..”. Mundane stories fuelled by enthusiasm act a catalysts to conversations. No topic is left untouched. Opinions, analysis, criticisms, facts and even gossip.
Three people from three completely different areas of work, interests amd origin share the journey. One a businessman, frequent on trains, thanks to all the trade fairs. Two , an army man, travelling to report to duty after a break. Three, its I. travelling with a purpose, a purpose of change.
There might be some thoughts which people get when they travel by rail. How did they lay the tracks? How did they plan it? To name a few. One question I got in my mind, for which the answer is not measurable. How much can we learn from co passengers? By learn, I want to stress that this is education not by syllabus but by lived experience. This education has no theorems nor ant formulae, no thesis or anti thesis, no assignments nor exams, but this interaction, teaches. With the small amount of time I have spent with my co passengers I have learnt History, geography, politics, anthropology and even cooking. If I ever become a citizen capable of influencing policy making, or if I ever get the power itself , I would certainly make 30 hour train journeys in Second class a mandatory assignment for college students. They need not write any reports of the journey nor give colourful power point presentations, they just have to make the journey.
The train moves from one state to the other. As I write this previous statement, two things come into my mind. Imagine a train which could move from one state of matter to another? I bet Ms Rowling did not get this idea! The other thought is that our mind is like a train on a long journey. Our mind, working constantly trying to reach reason, trying to reach destinations, chugs along. Our minds move from one state to the other too, more frequently than our travelling counterpart.
Rajdhani Express
For once you wont find the usual 1 to 10 list on my blog, but i will be posting a series of posts which I write after being inspired by our capital New Delhi ( That should explain the Rajdhani part of the title ). I am expressing my thought/experiences/opinions so I found it apt to put an 'express' in the title. So here goes all about 'Dilli'!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Cycle
Yes! Everything, they say (those really old Chinese men), happens in a cycle! Life, History, seasons etc etc etc.
But sometimes you see that it might be true. let me give you an example.
India is known for its oral tradition. the Vedas and Upanishads were taught by gurus to their disciples orally. There was no written text nor was their anything to be written ( not to forget no bad handwriting or class notes). Thus the great work of the early eras were all voiced out!literally!
Then came writing and the script. In the early stages scholars still spoke while a scribe/student/elephant headed boy wrote and documented what he spoke. Thus in that era came the epic Mahabharata.
Once writing became popular it had no road blocks.It got boost with Gutenberg's invention and writing took the speedway. until, the emergence of the Typewriter. The dark days of the pen had begun. it was not mightier than the sword anymore.
Consequently the typewriter gave in for the computer which revolutionized writing (even though typed it is still called so ). It overtook the typewriter and the pen so much that educational institutions had them for the assignments to be written. Well I think we have reached the present or almost reaching it. During this time, one good man named Steve Jobs came up with a device called the iphone 4S. It had a special feature called 'Siri'. Siri could hear you speak and had the ability to type the same.(Now we are in the present)
Continuing the journey, the same software will be inculcated in computers and laptops and people (Will get lazy for sure ) will just need to talk and the words appear on their own. The fingers are going on a holiday! So in the near future the next best book will be written, no, will be talked and written by the machine. Thus the next great epic will be replaced by a white gadget with a mouse (I am not being a racists but just giving credit to the inventors of siri) instead of a jumbo-headed boy!
Now do you think 'things' go around in cycle? Pedal your thought on that.
But sometimes you see that it might be true. let me give you an example.
India is known for its oral tradition. the Vedas and Upanishads were taught by gurus to their disciples orally. There was no written text nor was their anything to be written ( not to forget no bad handwriting or class notes). Thus the great work of the early eras were all voiced out!literally!
Then came writing and the script. In the early stages scholars still spoke while a scribe/student/elephant headed boy wrote and documented what he spoke. Thus in that era came the epic Mahabharata.
Once writing became popular it had no road blocks.It got boost with Gutenberg's invention and writing took the speedway. until, the emergence of the Typewriter. The dark days of the pen had begun. it was not mightier than the sword anymore.
Consequently the typewriter gave in for the computer which revolutionized writing (even though typed it is still called so ). It overtook the typewriter and the pen so much that educational institutions had them for the assignments to be written. Well I think we have reached the present or almost reaching it. During this time, one good man named Steve Jobs came up with a device called the iphone 4S. It had a special feature called 'Siri'. Siri could hear you speak and had the ability to type the same.(Now we are in the present)
Continuing the journey, the same software will be inculcated in computers and laptops and people (Will get lazy for sure ) will just need to talk and the words appear on their own. The fingers are going on a holiday! So in the near future the next best book will be written, no, will be talked and written by the machine. Thus the next great epic will be replaced by a white gadget with a mouse (I am not being a racists but just giving credit to the inventors of siri) instead of a jumbo-headed boy!
Now do you think 'things' go around in cycle? Pedal your thought on that.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Political Fitness
Enough of all the serious stuff! In this day of cut-throat competition, it is quintessential to have an edge over your enemy. And politics is no different. It includes a race which can be run by the meanest and the strongest.
it is not easy. its hard work. To extract political mileage , you have to be fit and strong. In the busy schedule of a politician devoting time for fitness is difficult. So what do you do? Enter the new age politicians who mix not only pleasure and money with their work, they mix fitness too making them unstoppable!A list (ah!finally) of some routines.
1. Political walks: Padayatra, peoples walk, call it what you want its the perfect mix of cardio and "looking good in the eyes of the people".
2. Fast: Chuck the atkins diet, throw the protein diet out of the window, the fasting is here. Fast for any issue, fast, no food no water, indefinite , a lot of options to choose from. It gives you a lot of media attention too. What more do you want?
3. The village meal: chuck your usual meal, go to the countryside, eat at a layman's house. its low fat and gets you all the votes from the village.
4.Attend yoga camps: Its simple choose a hairy man in saffron and attend his camp, come on your using the indian way! Votes flowing in!
So get ready for the new age multi tasking politicians who are fit! So its time to sweat it out! on the political battlefield!
it is not easy. its hard work. To extract political mileage , you have to be fit and strong. In the busy schedule of a politician devoting time for fitness is difficult. So what do you do? Enter the new age politicians who mix not only pleasure and money with their work, they mix fitness too making them unstoppable!A list (ah!finally) of some routines.
1. Political walks: Padayatra, peoples walk, call it what you want its the perfect mix of cardio and "looking good in the eyes of the people".
2. Fast: Chuck the atkins diet, throw the protein diet out of the window, the fasting is here. Fast for any issue, fast, no food no water, indefinite , a lot of options to choose from. It gives you a lot of media attention too. What more do you want?
3. The village meal: chuck your usual meal, go to the countryside, eat at a layman's house. its low fat and gets you all the votes from the village.
4.Attend yoga camps: Its simple choose a hairy man in saffron and attend his camp, come on your using the indian way! Votes flowing in!
So get ready for the new age multi tasking politicians who are fit! So its time to sweat it out! on the political battlefield!
A few addresses everyone should know-Part 3
The last speaker (Thank god, this blog looks like a civics lesson otherwise) was an ex army man.
There is a difference between torture and violence. Torture is by a person in a position of power toward a person at a lower position for a purpose. So even untouchability is torture.
In a democracy dissent is most essential. You cannot call it democracy if there is no argument. But our govt cannot take dissent. The police is asking google not to publish certain articles. why? Democracy is becoming a police state, there is an undeclared emergency. it will resemble the Pinochet regime of Chile. The influence of the economic system is very high. So be prepared to face a state run by corporates, police controlled by corporates. Stay alert and voice out and save democracy brfore you lose it to money guzzling corporates.
There is a difference between torture and violence. Torture is by a person in a position of power toward a person at a lower position for a purpose. So even untouchability is torture.
In a democracy dissent is most essential. You cannot call it democracy if there is no argument. But our govt cannot take dissent. The police is asking google not to publish certain articles. why? Democracy is becoming a police state, there is an undeclared emergency. it will resemble the Pinochet regime of Chile. The influence of the economic system is very high. So be prepared to face a state run by corporates, police controlled by corporates. Stay alert and voice out and save democracy brfore you lose it to money guzzling corporates.
A few addresses everyone should know -Part 2
The second speaker was an advocate and a human rights activist.
The constitution gives us the citizens some fundamental rights and duties. One such duty is to cherish and continue the ideology and noble cause behind the freedom struggle. All the extremists during the struggle used violence to go against the system. Back to the future, in 2011 when a naxalite uses violence to go against the system is it not a fundamental duty? ( the speaker and I are completely against violence) One more duty is to promote harmony, save trees, water and environment and to show compassion to all living creation.
Now lets see what violence is? The Govt drives out peaceful tribes to build 5 star hotels in the name of development. ( fundamental duty? mental duty?). Govt silencing people who go against the system. problems sorted by encounter killings? using one issue to dilute the other. So we have a very violent govt. The extent of violence has gone beyond comprehension. the system is trying to shut all issues up. Its a complex system which sues social workers and doctors, threatens the society to watch the drama of the govt without raising a whisper! In case you talk against encounter killings you will be termed an extremist. be careful!
The constitution gives us the citizens some fundamental rights and duties. One such duty is to cherish and continue the ideology and noble cause behind the freedom struggle. All the extremists during the struggle used violence to go against the system. Back to the future, in 2011 when a naxalite uses violence to go against the system is it not a fundamental duty? ( the speaker and I are completely against violence) One more duty is to promote harmony, save trees, water and environment and to show compassion to all living creation.
Now lets see what violence is? The Govt drives out peaceful tribes to build 5 star hotels in the name of development. ( fundamental duty? mental duty?). Govt silencing people who go against the system. problems sorted by encounter killings? using one issue to dilute the other. So we have a very violent govt. The extent of violence has gone beyond comprehension. the system is trying to shut all issues up. Its a complex system which sues social workers and doctors, threatens the society to watch the drama of the govt without raising a whisper! In case you talk against encounter killings you will be termed an extremist. be careful!
A few addresses everyone should know..
I recently attended a meet observed as part of the International Anti-corruption day. it had three spokespersons who gave very informative and thought provoking lectures. I will try to reproduce the same , concise but will try to bring the same impact.I will write it in three parts.
The first speaker was an eminent legal expert, who has seen and read law from the time the Indian constitution was drafted. Here goes.
There is no act or bill in the Indian constitution to counter atrocities or torture.what is the legality of torture in the constitution? Lets start with some facts. The constitution is the highest law of the country. Torture includes both physical and mental torture. According to the Indian Penal Code, section 319 defines Hurt as whoever causes injury to body, mind or reputation. But the code never mentions anything about torture. So is torture legal? the answer is obvious. No, torture is an inhuman activity.
How is it illegal? Let us step back in time. the year 1899. The first Hague Peace convention bans the use of 'Dum Dum' bullets. Why? Dum Dum bullets were no ordinary bullets, once shot they would pierce the victim and using the body heat explode ripping the body beyond recognition. The bullet was banned as it was inhuman killing ( KK input: oh there is humane killing too??Well according to the warring nations a soldier killed during the battle with a normal bullet is humane..anyway back to the speech). Year 1907. The second Hague Peace convention bans poison gas for the same reasons ( it was generously used in the world wars but come on respect the convention) Year: back to 2011. All countries agreed to these two.
So Indian constitution like many around the world is completely against, hurting , injuring or harming people. So torture inturn becomes illegal. END
I have not given the examples give by the expert so just read these cases during your free time. One Khadhar Nassir Shah case, two Mcnaaught question and answers; and the IPC by Macalay. Peace
** Due apologies for the sarcastic additions.
The first speaker was an eminent legal expert, who has seen and read law from the time the Indian constitution was drafted. Here goes.
There is no act or bill in the Indian constitution to counter atrocities or torture.what is the legality of torture in the constitution? Lets start with some facts. The constitution is the highest law of the country. Torture includes both physical and mental torture. According to the Indian Penal Code, section 319 defines Hurt as whoever causes injury to body, mind or reputation. But the code never mentions anything about torture. So is torture legal? the answer is obvious. No, torture is an inhuman activity.
How is it illegal? Let us step back in time. the year 1899. The first Hague Peace convention bans the use of 'Dum Dum' bullets. Why? Dum Dum bullets were no ordinary bullets, once shot they would pierce the victim and using the body heat explode ripping the body beyond recognition. The bullet was banned as it was inhuman killing ( KK input: oh there is humane killing too??Well according to the warring nations a soldier killed during the battle with a normal bullet is humane..anyway back to the speech). Year 1907. The second Hague Peace convention bans poison gas for the same reasons ( it was generously used in the world wars but come on respect the convention) Year: back to 2011. All countries agreed to these two.
So Indian constitution like many around the world is completely against, hurting , injuring or harming people. So torture inturn becomes illegal. END
I have not given the examples give by the expert so just read these cases during your free time. One Khadhar Nassir Shah case, two Mcnaaught question and answers; and the IPC by Macalay. Peace
** Due apologies for the sarcastic additions.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Flowing thoughts of the Utopian world. Part 1
The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir. MUST READ!!
"One is not born, but rather becomes a woman"
Imagine a world without Sex. I am not talking about the biological difference of male, female. Neither am i talking about the "act" of sex (the world would be really boring!). Imagine a world where there was not 'Sex', no male no female. A world where everyone is seen as just human beings.
When we see a dog (Canis lupus familiaris), it is common that we brand it "loyal". But do you see whether it is a bitch or a dog. Do you label the qualities according to sex the particular specimen belongs to?
Now when you see a human (Homo sapien), you brand the specimen strong, aggressive, impulsive etc if its a male, and weak, caring, emotional if its a female!
Imagine a world where humans are labeled/branded according to their abilities, their strengths, and not according to their sexes!( the female DNA just lacks a Y chromosome)
Imagine. Imagine a world where there are no boys, girls, guy, gal, dude duddett or man woman! Imagine a world where there are no choices in any application form asking whether your M, F or other!A world without reservations for the other sex. A world where we dont see children of one sex playing with Barbies while the other with muscular GI Joes! Imagine a world where equality and rights of a woman is not decided by a man!!
Imagine.
Imagine UTOPIA!!
"One is not born, but rather becomes a woman"
Imagine a world without Sex. I am not talking about the biological difference of male, female. Neither am i talking about the "act" of sex (the world would be really boring!). Imagine a world where there was not 'Sex', no male no female. A world where everyone is seen as just human beings.
When we see a dog (Canis lupus familiaris), it is common that we brand it "loyal". But do you see whether it is a bitch or a dog. Do you label the qualities according to sex the particular specimen belongs to?
Now when you see a human (Homo sapien), you brand the specimen strong, aggressive, impulsive etc if its a male, and weak, caring, emotional if its a female!
Imagine a world where humans are labeled/branded according to their abilities, their strengths, and not according to their sexes!( the female DNA just lacks a Y chromosome)
Imagine. Imagine a world where there are no boys, girls, guy, gal, dude duddett or man woman! Imagine a world where there are no choices in any application form asking whether your M, F or other!A world without reservations for the other sex. A world where we dont see children of one sex playing with Barbies while the other with muscular GI Joes! Imagine a world where equality and rights of a woman is not decided by a man!!
Imagine.
Imagine UTOPIA!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Three breakfasts at 3:00 am
The clock shows 2:30, am. I bite into the crunchy crust of the bread with the taste of the omelette hitting my taste buds late. No! I am not insane to wake up so early and have tea and toast!I was on a roadside eatery! This was an experiment!
what you do determines the person you are, or at least the person other people want you to be. Yes I bet everyone has gone through times when you do something and you get this expression from people " YOU! are doing this!!". why not? A person will be doing the things he does for two reasons. one he would want to do it, two circumstances would make him do it. People find it hard to take surprises such as these. when we know the strength and power of the human mind, feebleness of decision , its weakness for influences, we will still be surprised!
One thing I discovered from this experiment is the beauty of the human mind. How it connects, how it wants to know, how it reacts!
For the past four days i did things which had no routine, no limits but millions of thoughts, just to realize one simple thing! Let me prevent you (the readers) from going through the same to learn such a trivial truth!
THE HUMAN BRAIN IS BEAUTIFUL!
what you do determines the person you are, or at least the person other people want you to be. Yes I bet everyone has gone through times when you do something and you get this expression from people " YOU! are doing this!!". why not? A person will be doing the things he does for two reasons. one he would want to do it, two circumstances would make him do it. People find it hard to take surprises such as these. when we know the strength and power of the human mind, feebleness of decision , its weakness for influences, we will still be surprised!
One thing I discovered from this experiment is the beauty of the human mind. How it connects, how it wants to know, how it reacts!
For the past four days i did things which had no routine, no limits but millions of thoughts, just to realize one simple thing! Let me prevent you (the readers) from going through the same to learn such a trivial truth!
THE HUMAN BRAIN IS BEAUTIFUL!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
10 things you want to KNOW before you go to KAMBLA!
Kambla is a traditional sport of the canara. Its a race between two teams, each having a pair of buffaloes and a running jockey! the track is filled with slush! Check out the photos, you will know..!
10 things you got to know before you go to one of these events.
1. Buffaloes can RUN! and they can run fast!
2. Slush and white clothes dont mix!
3. Man+ buffalo+ race = Adrenalin rush.
4. Racing is always interesting when you bet!( old school knowledge)
5. You dont need to burn rubber in this drag race!!
6. PETA/ Maneka etc not allowed on Kambla grounds.
7. Please dont expect racing suits and aerodynamics.
8. Buffaloes are horny (they have horns). be careful!
9. Dont sing "Buffalo soldier". Cliche!
10. You are going to be enthralled!
10 things you got to know before you go to one of these events.
1. Buffaloes can RUN! and they can run fast!
2. Slush and white clothes dont mix!
3. Man+ buffalo+ race = Adrenalin rush.
4. Racing is always interesting when you bet!( old school knowledge)
5. You dont need to burn rubber in this drag race!!
6. PETA/ Maneka etc not allowed on Kambla grounds.
7. Please dont expect racing suits and aerodynamics.
8. Buffaloes are horny (they have horns). be careful!
9. Dont sing "Buffalo soldier". Cliche!
10. You are going to be enthralled!
Buffalo Dragsters
Two buffaloes, one runner, 24hrs of non stop action!! The slush, the trumpets and the adrenalin!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Disaster
Condolences to the sardar who tested the sardar designed helicopter. He even tested the eject seat during the flight. Remembrance meet at 2:00PM, IAF grounds.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tribute
The previous blog is my attempt at science fiction. You will probably see more of such stories. Its a tribute to a writer who can give O'Henry endings to science fiction, Isaac Asimov.
Excavation!
It was a bright sunny day. The ripples of the 200th year celebration of the One-World treaty was still felt. It was a better day for us in the Terra-bore org because the Union Government had given us the sanction and the needed funds to explore Area-52.
You might be wondering what im talking about. Let me explain. In the year 2150, all the world economies merged to form a single entity under the One-world treaty. Under this 100 sites around the world were made into restricted zones. They were either vanishing ecosystems or had some unwanted history. 200 years down the lane, No human , robot or Neptunian has tread on these grounds. Area-52 is one such site in the eastern hemisphere. We were given the sanction to explore this after the satellites showed a large stores of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in some undiscovered compound.
We were amazed to find that the compound was a new one. Johan was not sure about this. He had a couple of examples where the analytical skills of robots could not be relied upon. Robotics in our field was relatively low. You could not train one for excavation! or so we thought!
It was mid year and the weather was on our side. Within meters of digging, we stumbled upon huge containers, cement rubble and very few human remains. As a protocol everything had to be sent to the on-site lab. It was, in a excavators day, a very fruitful one.
The rewarding first day succeeded with bad news the next morning. We never saw it coming. we had received an order to stop mining and our fund were completely stopped. The notice gave no explanation as to why this was stopped. The notice was also signed by the One-world industrial division and the union govt. had this been one more influential move by the industrialists? We wanted an answer, and we did not have to wait long.
As we packed our field equipment in the trench, we saw Johan standing at the top of the trench. I called out " Any lead on that?". He shrugged and said " I was right about the satellites". I knew his victorious speeches and acts. "anything about why this was stopped?" He answered " Your valuable containers did you in!" . I was astonished, "those were the best finds in the past decade! it does not belong to a war, nor does it have a name". i could see Johan smiling. he said " thats where you are wrong! they got a name". This was something we were not ready for! I looked at him with a question mark on my face, and Johan turned and started walking. As he walked he shouted "Union Carbide!".
You might be wondering what im talking about. Let me explain. In the year 2150, all the world economies merged to form a single entity under the One-world treaty. Under this 100 sites around the world were made into restricted zones. They were either vanishing ecosystems or had some unwanted history. 200 years down the lane, No human , robot or Neptunian has tread on these grounds. Area-52 is one such site in the eastern hemisphere. We were given the sanction to explore this after the satellites showed a large stores of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in some undiscovered compound.
We were amazed to find that the compound was a new one. Johan was not sure about this. He had a couple of examples where the analytical skills of robots could not be relied upon. Robotics in our field was relatively low. You could not train one for excavation! or so we thought!
It was mid year and the weather was on our side. Within meters of digging, we stumbled upon huge containers, cement rubble and very few human remains. As a protocol everything had to be sent to the on-site lab. It was, in a excavators day, a very fruitful one.
The rewarding first day succeeded with bad news the next morning. We never saw it coming. we had received an order to stop mining and our fund were completely stopped. The notice gave no explanation as to why this was stopped. The notice was also signed by the One-world industrial division and the union govt. had this been one more influential move by the industrialists? We wanted an answer, and we did not have to wait long.
As we packed our field equipment in the trench, we saw Johan standing at the top of the trench. I called out " Any lead on that?". He shrugged and said " I was right about the satellites". I knew his victorious speeches and acts. "anything about why this was stopped?" He answered " Your valuable containers did you in!" . I was astonished, "those were the best finds in the past decade! it does not belong to a war, nor does it have a name". i could see Johan smiling. he said " thats where you are wrong! they got a name". This was something we were not ready for! I looked at him with a question mark on my face, and Johan turned and started walking. As he walked he shouted "Union Carbide!".
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A Glimpse..
Its late February or early March.
Location: Kodak Theater, Los Angeles CA.
The red carpet is out. Flashes from the camera are bringing glitter to the event. Its the Academy Awards. Its almost the end on the event.
On the stage, dressed in a black Louis Voutton tux and matching sunglasses is Jack Nicholson. Accompanying him in a navy blue Yves saint lauren is Sandra Bullock. They are here to announce the award for the best actor.
Sandra(Opening the envelope): You nervous jack?
Jack( peeping into the envelope): Nervous no! excited yes!
Sandra( handing over the envelope): Why dont you do the honors?
Jack(receiving the envelope with his signature grin): ah! my pleasure.
Jack: And the oscar for best actor goes to...what the!(astonished)
Sandra(trying to bring in emotion): you ok jack??
Jack(Perplexed): I think i have finally flown over the cuckoos nest!!!
Sandra( In a "im so cool" way): Gimme that you old bloke!!
Sandra: what the!!!
Sandra: I dint know Iron Maiden was into movies!!
Jack: Yo! miss confusiality!!
Jack: This is my limelight..let me do the honors!!
Sandra: I have never heard of him!!
Jack:If you making movies like 'The Proposal', you will forget who you are!
Jack: Ladies and gentlemen...
Sandra(scratching her hair like dirty Harriet): But i cant believe this..
Jack: Shut up!!
Jack: Sorry for the disturbance..where was I?
Sandra: Ladies and gentlemen
Jack: OH! Ladies and gentlemen...for his excellent emotional role..this years Oscar, for the best male actor goes to..none other than Yeddiurappa!! ..Did i pronounce that right?
* Applause, Screams etc *
Jack: Come over here yeddy!!!
Yeddy dressed in all white comes to the stage. In true hindutva style touches the feet of Jack and hugs and kisses Sandra.
Yeddy: I have no words. I am as happy as i was when i had my lunch at a poor village.(wiping tears)(with a white napkin)I would like to thank the investors of Bangalore, I would especially like to thank Santosh Hegede for giving me this opportunity. I would like to thank my parents, my fellow citizens (wiping more tears) and reddy without whom i would not be here..thank thank you...(leaves the stage)
Location: Kodak Theater, Los Angeles CA.
The red carpet is out. Flashes from the camera are bringing glitter to the event. Its the Academy Awards. Its almost the end on the event.
On the stage, dressed in a black Louis Voutton tux and matching sunglasses is Jack Nicholson. Accompanying him in a navy blue Yves saint lauren is Sandra Bullock. They are here to announce the award for the best actor.
Sandra(Opening the envelope): You nervous jack?
Jack( peeping into the envelope): Nervous no! excited yes!
Sandra( handing over the envelope): Why dont you do the honors?
Jack(receiving the envelope with his signature grin): ah! my pleasure.
Jack: And the oscar for best actor goes to...what the!(astonished)
Sandra(trying to bring in emotion): you ok jack??
Jack(Perplexed): I think i have finally flown over the cuckoos nest!!!
Sandra( In a "im so cool" way): Gimme that you old bloke!!
Sandra: what the!!!
Sandra: I dint know Iron Maiden was into movies!!
Jack: Yo! miss confusiality!!
Jack: This is my limelight..let me do the honors!!
Sandra: I have never heard of him!!
Jack:If you making movies like 'The Proposal', you will forget who you are!
Jack: Ladies and gentlemen...
Sandra(scratching her hair like dirty Harriet): But i cant believe this..
Jack: Shut up!!
Jack: Sorry for the disturbance..where was I?
Sandra: Ladies and gentlemen
Jack: OH! Ladies and gentlemen...for his excellent emotional role..this years Oscar, for the best male actor goes to..none other than Yeddiurappa!! ..Did i pronounce that right?
* Applause, Screams etc *
Jack: Come over here yeddy!!!
Yeddy dressed in all white comes to the stage. In true hindutva style touches the feet of Jack and hugs and kisses Sandra.
Yeddy: I have no words. I am as happy as i was when i had my lunch at a poor village.(wiping tears)(with a white napkin)I would like to thank the investors of Bangalore, I would especially like to thank Santosh Hegede for giving me this opportunity. I would like to thank my parents, my fellow citizens (wiping more tears) and reddy without whom i would not be here..thank thank you...(leaves the stage)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wrong men in Paradise.
The United states of America( referred to as US , USA or "them" from here )is playing in the football world cup 2010!! Oh! sorry in case they dont understand it, its soccer. The Big brother has finally started to play the worlds most popular game,somehow moving away from the sports where heavily-armoured titan like humans clash around on grass or ice!!
But there were certain aspects which shows how new they are to the beautiful game.Here goes the list.
1. The stadium in Johannesburg has a design of an African pot.The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African cooking pot. Our American counterparts thought this was the "Super Bowl"!!!!!!
2.When US scored their accidental goal against England (thanks to Mr Green; Comic fans, i am not referring to the Hulk!), American fans were heard shouting things like "home run" and "touchdown".
3. The US coach Bob Bradley was seen asking for timeouts during a game!!
4. The South African press reported that the American fans were disappointed at the absence of cheergirls and leaders!! ( imagine the state of those girls in a match ,if they have to dance once or twice, or may be never! )
5.American fans were awestruck not to see any wide-mouthed, tongue swaying Budweiser commercials!
6. The opening ceremony and the pre-opening party of the 2010 FIFA world cup was telecast in the US with a PG-17/Adult rating!you ask why? Their fear of wardrobe malfunction has not gone. Thank you Janet and Justin!
Well these are some of the blunders by the Americans! But come on! You cant blame them , they are know for blunders! Iraq, gulf of Mexico, Bhopal, Hiroshima,Vietnam, declaration of independence...blunders overflow in their history!! So lets forgive, forget and enjoy the beautiful game ,Football (NOT soccer!!!)
But there were certain aspects which shows how new they are to the beautiful game.Here goes the list.
1. The stadium in Johannesburg has a design of an African pot.The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African cooking pot. Our American counterparts thought this was the "Super Bowl"!!!!!!
2.When US scored their accidental goal against England (thanks to Mr Green; Comic fans, i am not referring to the Hulk!), American fans were heard shouting things like "home run" and "touchdown".
3. The US coach Bob Bradley was seen asking for timeouts during a game!!
4. The South African press reported that the American fans were disappointed at the absence of cheergirls and leaders!! ( imagine the state of those girls in a match ,if they have to dance once or twice, or may be never! )
5.American fans were awestruck not to see any wide-mouthed, tongue swaying Budweiser commercials!
6. The opening ceremony and the pre-opening party of the 2010 FIFA world cup was telecast in the US with a PG-17/Adult rating!you ask why? Their fear of wardrobe malfunction has not gone. Thank you Janet and Justin!
Well these are some of the blunders by the Americans! But come on! You cant blame them , they are know for blunders! Iraq, gulf of Mexico, Bhopal, Hiroshima,Vietnam, declaration of independence...blunders overflow in their history!! So lets forgive, forget and enjoy the beautiful game ,Football (NOT soccer!!!)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Neo-Tourism
ABC travels, a premier global travel agency brings to you a set of new travel deals! Never before seen/visited/experienced offers!! Here is a preview!
1. A Deep fry in the Gulf of Mexico : Yes, with so much oil in it, its not sun bathing but you can get yourself deep fried! Kids can enjoy building black sand castles, plus you can refill your vehicles fuel supply! Its the smoothest (and the most slippery) beach holiday you will ever have!! ( SMS "Black Gold" to 5555 for exciting offers)
2. Smoke Sailing in Iceland: Are you bored of just driving through smoke in Bangalore and mumbai? Do you yearn for more? Look no further , because ABC brings to you sailing in the smoke!! you can para-sail or sail in the thick smoke around iceland! ( SMS "Choke" to 5555 for smoking hot deals)
3. Wife Hunting with Zuma : All you extrovert wanderers out there! pack you bags as you heed the call from South Africa. Jacob Zuma wants more! You get a chance to meet the president, roam around in the game country waiting and searching for his majesty's next better half, or should we say better 1/4! ( SMS "waka waka" to 5555. caution:Football fever is on, so you might get your balls kicked! pun intended)
4. Road to In-solvento : Gracias Amigos!! Las Vegas beckons you to become a "broke"r! Don worry you wont fracture any bones, but throw away your money at the casinos and go pauper!!its a once in a life time experience! bankruptcy is in vogue!! Take Greece for example.. ( SMS "lehman" to 5555 for credit facilities)
SO backpackers and hitch hikers its time to "move on" again! St Augustine said "the world is a book and those who dont travel read only one page", well if you dont travel with ABC, you will also miss the exciting ending, a autographed hard bound edition and the photo shoot with the author of the book!!! By the way who is the author??? Never mind! Call us at 1800-23-456WTF.
1. A Deep fry in the Gulf of Mexico : Yes, with so much oil in it, its not sun bathing but you can get yourself deep fried! Kids can enjoy building black sand castles, plus you can refill your vehicles fuel supply! Its the smoothest (and the most slippery) beach holiday you will ever have!! ( SMS "Black Gold" to 5555 for exciting offers)
2. Smoke Sailing in Iceland: Are you bored of just driving through smoke in Bangalore and mumbai? Do you yearn for more? Look no further , because ABC brings to you sailing in the smoke!! you can para-sail or sail in the thick smoke around iceland! ( SMS "Choke" to 5555 for smoking hot deals)
3. Wife Hunting with Zuma : All you extrovert wanderers out there! pack you bags as you heed the call from South Africa. Jacob Zuma wants more! You get a chance to meet the president, roam around in the game country waiting and searching for his majesty's next better half, or should we say better 1/4! ( SMS "waka waka" to 5555. caution:Football fever is on, so you might get your balls kicked! pun intended)
4. Road to In-solvento : Gracias Amigos!! Las Vegas beckons you to become a "broke"r! Don worry you wont fracture any bones, but throw away your money at the casinos and go pauper!!its a once in a life time experience! bankruptcy is in vogue!! Take Greece for example.. ( SMS "lehman" to 5555 for credit facilities)
SO backpackers and hitch hikers its time to "move on" again! St Augustine said "the world is a book and those who dont travel read only one page", well if you dont travel with ABC, you will also miss the exciting ending, a autographed hard bound edition and the photo shoot with the author of the book!!! By the way who is the author??? Never mind! Call us at 1800-23-456WTF.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A Thought....
Q. There are no script writers in AXN. why?
A. Actions speak louder than words!!!
But...the pen is mightier than the sword...
A. Actions speak louder than words!!!
But...the pen is mightier than the sword...
THIRD EYE!
All my photoblogs will be titled the same. Variety might be the spice in life, but you wont recognize variety unless there is some monotony. This photo was taken beside the oriental research institute in mysore.
THIRD EYE!
My attempt at photography. Its like my third eye! just coincides with the fact that i have been named after shiva 's abode!!! this is the DC office in mysore. All you comic fans out there! DC office is the district commissioners office , NOT where batman comics are printed!!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
IPL Ads
The Indian premier league is a money machine. Every business wants to be associated with it in some way or the other. with the induction of two more teams for the next season the race for endorsements has already begun. Here is a preview of some players who have been pulled into the marketing.
Dale Steyn - Aerial ( aerial mitaaye "stains")
Chris Gayle- Meteorological Department
S Tyagi- Adarsh Charitable Foundation
DB Ravi Teja - Surya tubes and bulbs
Shawn Marsh - Florida Tourism ( everglades)
Dwayne Bravo- Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards
JM Kemp- Kids Kemp, Publishers of Mien Kemph
AB de Villers - Kidzee Montessori
TM Dilshan - Narayana Hrudyalaya
Ajanta Mendis - Ajanta watch/clock repair and service
KA Roach- Baygon Spray
CA Pujara - Muzarai Department
Ross Taylor- Reid & Taylor
Dale Steyn - Aerial ( aerial mitaaye "stains")
Chris Gayle- Meteorological Department
S Tyagi- Adarsh Charitable Foundation
DB Ravi Teja - Surya tubes and bulbs
Shawn Marsh - Florida Tourism ( everglades)
Dwayne Bravo- Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards
JM Kemp- Kids Kemp, Publishers of Mien Kemph
AB de Villers - Kidzee Montessori
TM Dilshan - Narayana Hrudyalaya
Ajanta Mendis - Ajanta watch/clock repair and service
KA Roach- Baygon Spray
CA Pujara - Muzarai Department
Ross Taylor- Reid & Taylor
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