Saturday, March 26, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Collection keeps growing...
My music collection is growing, slowly but surely. The latest additions are Beatles. Recommended hear: Norwegian Wood.
Later:
I knew it, I just knew that the strings on this song had to be a sitar!! This page (scroll down) tells a little about the song. George Harrison was just discovering about the Indian instrument, and without any training, just struck at the strings to make this melody. Speaks a lot about his musical poweress.
Later:
I knew it, I just knew that the strings on this song had to be a sitar!! This page (scroll down) tells a little about the song. George Harrison was just discovering about the Indian instrument, and without any training, just struck at the strings to make this melody. Speaks a lot about his musical poweress.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Odds and Ends...
The US' refusal to grant a visa to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi has more repercussions that is visible to the eye. How will the typical "I-love-the-US" Gujju react to this? notice that there has been no repurcussions to this news. Even the so-called 'Swabhiman Yatra' did not find any takers, as it was aimed against the US. Nothing comes between a Gujju and the US.
On another not, getting broadband meant that I could download full version movies, games and songs, but I had not counted on the connectivity. A full version game that I am trying to download will take me 11 days!! The size is around 3 GB, ot be sure, but 12 days??!!?? Broadband is over-rated, and I have given up on downloading such stuff now.
On another not, getting broadband meant that I could download full version movies, games and songs, but I had not counted on the connectivity. A full version game that I am trying to download will take me 11 days!! The size is around 3 GB, ot be sure, but 12 days??!!?? Broadband is over-rated, and I have given up on downloading such stuff now.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Bad News...
The bomb blasts in Qatar are a very disturbing development. The peaceful image of Qatar now lies shattered, especially since next year, they are hosting the Asian games, and are really keen on putting their best foot forward. When I left Doha for good in December last year, I had no inkling this would happen.
I hope things dont deteriorate further in this small, beautiful godforsaken country.
I hope things dont deteriorate further in this small, beautiful godforsaken country.
The 'Sting'...
So the state of journalism in India has achieved a new high, or is it a new low? The ‘sting operations’ done by the India Today TV were supposed to be a about exposing the ugly side of showbiz to the rest of the world but it has just become another salacious episode in the showbiz saga. Nearly everyone has not even batted an eyelid in India, except those approached for their views by the television channels. That the movie industry is an immoral, sinful place is understood. That’s what people expect it to be. In fact, if the channel wanted a real sting, they could have tried to get a starlet to offer herself to the hero, and the hero instead tells her, ‘You are like a sister to me’!! That would have really gotten people’s attention! But all said and done, this was not a sting operation in any way, in my opinion. Rather, it was entrapment, where both, Shakti Kapoor and Aman Verma were lured into a trap by the girl named Ritu. From the recorded conversations, it would seem like the girl was a babe in the woods, completely ignorant of how the industry works. She played the part of the innocent, helpless girl to the hilt.
The film industry, while being at fault here, is being made a soft target by the media. The current sting operation only reaffirms the people’s opinion of the industry as a vile place. Add to that, the number of eyeballs they attract by having the film industry’s name attached to it (Salman Khan’s escapades, Vivek Oberoi-Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai triangle, Sanjay Dutt’s TADA case, film stars joining politics anyone?). As far as the TV producers are concerned, it’s a win-win situation.
In my opinion, this ‘sting operation’ ranks right up there with the reality shows, in that, both are voyeuristic in nature. The common person sits there, in the confines of his living rooms and watches as other people present their worst profiles to them. They then pass out righteous judgements to them, like they really matter.
In channel concerned has been going to town, justifying its ‘sting operation’. The news presenters keep reiterating that their motive was not to defame anyone, but to bring the truth out. But since when do journalists have to justify their actions again and again? Also, a trial-by-media has begun, with the actors calling press conferences and the news channel repeating the relevant clips to show what the actors actually did.
In fact, these ‘revelations’ has spawned a new mini industry in the press circles. Daily, there are articles, opinions of people who don’t matter, talk shows with the same guests, all discussing this matter threadbare. But really, does it matter? Will girls stop dreaming of the arc lights after watching the clips? I doubt it. Life will go on, people will keep getting exploited by the ones higher up in the hierarchy.
In the mean time, keep watching out for ‘shocking news about a former superstar’.
The film industry, while being at fault here, is being made a soft target by the media. The current sting operation only reaffirms the people’s opinion of the industry as a vile place. Add to that, the number of eyeballs they attract by having the film industry’s name attached to it (Salman Khan’s escapades, Vivek Oberoi-Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai triangle, Sanjay Dutt’s TADA case, film stars joining politics anyone?). As far as the TV producers are concerned, it’s a win-win situation.
In my opinion, this ‘sting operation’ ranks right up there with the reality shows, in that, both are voyeuristic in nature. The common person sits there, in the confines of his living rooms and watches as other people present their worst profiles to them. They then pass out righteous judgements to them, like they really matter.
In channel concerned has been going to town, justifying its ‘sting operation’. The news presenters keep reiterating that their motive was not to defame anyone, but to bring the truth out. But since when do journalists have to justify their actions again and again? Also, a trial-by-media has begun, with the actors calling press conferences and the news channel repeating the relevant clips to show what the actors actually did.
In fact, these ‘revelations’ has spawned a new mini industry in the press circles. Daily, there are articles, opinions of people who don’t matter, talk shows with the same guests, all discussing this matter threadbare. But really, does it matter? Will girls stop dreaming of the arc lights after watching the clips? I doubt it. Life will go on, people will keep getting exploited by the ones higher up in the hierarchy.
In the mean time, keep watching out for ‘shocking news about a former superstar’.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
What a Hoot!!!...
This morning I got the biggest laugh in a long time. And the irony in that is that I had Akshay Kumar to thank for it!!
The song, "Main Khiladi Tu Anadi" from the same film was playing on Channel [V], and to my utter surprise, the channel actually censored the pelvic thrusts of to two male actors!! Yes, that's right folks, the channel cut any scene that had the two of them doing pelvic thrusts, which in this song was 95 % of the time. Come to think of it, now that I wrote this line, does this song in anyway have gay undertones? They do point their thrusts at each other. Hmm...
And are the music channels on the road to self-censorship? I think not, cos the next song had an aadhi nangi firang ladki. Will someone please tell me what is happening?
The song, "Main Khiladi Tu Anadi" from the same film was playing on Channel [V], and to my utter surprise, the channel actually censored the pelvic thrusts of to two male actors!! Yes, that's right folks, the channel cut any scene that had the two of them doing pelvic thrusts, which in this song was 95 % of the time. Come to think of it, now that I wrote this line, does this song in anyway have gay undertones? They do point their thrusts at each other. Hmm...
And are the music channels on the road to self-censorship? I think not, cos the next song had an aadhi nangi firang ladki. Will someone please tell me what is happening?
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Dear injinuity III...
injinuity said:
ha ha ha. Dude, you crack me up. Your own wife's life wouldn't revolve around you, leave alone anyone else's What I post on my blog in strictly my business, and you being the subject for the last three posts is only incidental, os chill out.
hmm... your life revolves around me eh?... don't you have anything else to post you imbecile.
ha ha ha. Dude, you crack me up. Your own wife's life wouldn't revolve around you, leave alone anyone else's What I post on my blog in strictly my business, and you being the subject for the last three posts is only incidental, os chill out.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Dear injinuity...
injinuity said:
the only person in need of sympathies is your dad for siring an insufferable, lazy prick like you.
and don't ever be under the illusion that you came to my rescue at the airport. on the contrary, you mucked it up further.
I definitely feel sorry for you old man you nitwit.. he has made only one mistake... and its you..
and as I said.. if I didn't volunteer your stuff would get thrown out.... someone kick me for waiting 45 minutes outside the airport... grrrr
the only person in need of sympathies is your dad for siring an insufferable, lazy prick like you.
and don't ever be under the illusion that you came to my rescue at the airport. on the contrary, you mucked it up further.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Dear injinuity....
injinuity said:
"You idiot.. I had no plans on sending the luggage at all had it not been for your father.. felt sorry for him.. its not his fault if his son is an irresponsible moron... been almost a month and a half and you still didn't send the passport copy.... I really wanted to keep it here for a year ... and would have done it had it not been for your pops... grrr
anyways hope you are having a blast in New York, catch you later dude.. have fun but be careful."
Reply:
sure, I believe you. you dick, if you didn't know the first thing about sending cargos, then why did you volunteer to do it in the first place, huh? and even when you came to about the passport requirement, why didn't you tell me about it. You write this in all your self-righteous tone, when in reality you were an ignorant ass, and a lazy bastard, thats what you are. And that's the reason I decided on not sending you the passport details. If not my father, then I would have come and picked it up myself.
And you don't need to feel sorry for my father, he doesnt need you sympathies. Your sympathies are not needed.
I had a real blast in NY, and am now back in India. When are you travelling?
On to other news:
I have got broadband in my home now!!! The speeds are prety impressive. In fact, I did a 20 mb download in less then 20 minutes
"You idiot.. I had no plans on sending the luggage at all had it not been for your father.. felt sorry for him.. its not his fault if his son is an irresponsible moron... been almost a month and a half and you still didn't send the passport copy.... I really wanted to keep it here for a year ... and would have done it had it not been for your pops... grrr
anyways hope you are having a blast in New York, catch you later dude.. have fun but be careful."
Reply:
sure, I believe you. you dick, if you didn't know the first thing about sending cargos, then why did you volunteer to do it in the first place, huh? and even when you came to about the passport requirement, why didn't you tell me about it. You write this in all your self-righteous tone, when in reality you were an ignorant ass, and a lazy bastard, thats what you are. And that's the reason I decided on not sending you the passport details. If not my father, then I would have come and picked it up myself.
And you don't need to feel sorry for my father, he doesnt need you sympathies. Your sympathies are not needed.
I had a real blast in NY, and am now back in India. When are you travelling?
On to other news:
I have got broadband in my home now!!! The speeds are prety impressive. In fact, I did a 20 mb download in less then 20 minutes
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Back Again...
During my absence from posting, a lot has happened. First of all, I visited the US for an entire month. The trip was quite memorable, in that I visited New York, and Cincinnati and got a first hand perspective of life in the US. In the end, my opinion is that though life in US is quite laidback in comparison to India, it is still no match for the Gulf. The people here are very friendly, and eager to help. All in all, a very fine place. But there is one peeve that I have, at leat where NY is concerned. They have very few rest rooms there. During the week I was in NY, it snowed and rained alternately, and I was either sloshed or drained for the entire time. All this resulted in frequent calls from Mother Nature (“Maa, main aa raha hoon maa!!!”), and I was at a loss for where to go. Thankfully, the golden arches came to my rescue. The convenience of the McDonalds chains, along with the fact that they have restrooms was a big help. The only problem was that it was available only to the persons who purchased something there, which is understandable. So , I was forced to give up my self-imposed boycott of all the joint and order some chicken (to their credit, they were good) and then use their restrooms. At times like these, I missed the convenience of India, with the vast network of Sulabh Shauchalya in place. Score one for India. Go India!!!
Another peeve of mine was the cold….IT WAS MORE THAN FREEZING THERE!!! In fact, the chill of Doha was more then enough for me, and this was even worse. My ears and hands actually froze in the winter!! It’s a wonder that I did not catch frostbite.
The trip to the Statue of Liberty was quite memorable. It started out as a sunny day, but by the time I reached Battery Park, it was pouring. And the view I got the Lady Liberty was one in dreary surroundings, not in the bright sunlight that is always recommended. Will be posting the pictures soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge trip was good too. Hiked up and down, and enjoyed the view from both sides. The construction feat has to be admired, in my opinion.
In contrast, Cincinnati is a very quite town, where nothing much happens. Life moves at a very easy pace there.
Yeah, yeah, I know, this is a boring post. I’ll end it right here.
Will improve later.
Great News So Far:
A Google search for Sweet Demon puts my blog on the top.....Yeah!!!!!!!!!
Another peeve of mine was the cold….IT WAS MORE THAN FREEZING THERE!!! In fact, the chill of Doha was more then enough for me, and this was even worse. My ears and hands actually froze in the winter!! It’s a wonder that I did not catch frostbite.
The trip to the Statue of Liberty was quite memorable. It started out as a sunny day, but by the time I reached Battery Park, it was pouring. And the view I got the Lady Liberty was one in dreary surroundings, not in the bright sunlight that is always recommended. Will be posting the pictures soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge trip was good too. Hiked up and down, and enjoyed the view from both sides. The construction feat has to be admired, in my opinion.
In contrast, Cincinnati is a very quite town, where nothing much happens. Life moves at a very easy pace there.
Yeah, yeah, I know, this is a boring post. I’ll end it right here.
Will improve later.
Great News So Far:
A Google search for Sweet Demon puts my blog on the top.....Yeah!!!!!!!!!
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