It’s a bit late – but still, how did your Valentine’s Day go? Don’t ask me - we don’t celebrate V-day. We have nothing against people who do, just that we find it commercialized and kinda, stupid, if you ask. Why do you need a day to express love? I relate to mother’s and father’s days though. It seems hypocritical, but I think we take our parents for granted all the time. So a day to make them feel special seems like a good idea.
“So won’t you be taking your partners for granted as well?” is what you will now ask! Let me ask you something – who do you think celebrates V-day more? A couple spending their 15th anniversary together or 18-20 somethings? Cootchie cooing to each other 20 hours a day and then again getting mushy on V-day – give me a break guys!
Agreed, I am not romantic in the “usual” sense of the word. I think candle light dinners are the most boring things ever – and I would yawn to death halfway through. I also cannot imagine my husband lavishing cards, chocolates, and gifts on me every other day. God – I would so want to divorce such a guy! But yes, I do understand that there are many couples who really enjoy these, and I am not saying this is despicable. I only want to say, spare me!
But why am I discussing this at this late hour? Because last day, I came across this V-day supplement, featuring love notes people had sent to their valentines. First of all, I don’t understand why you have to put it in the newspaper for the whole world to see, but again, maybe that makes them feel special, and is a major surprise to know that person took the trouble of doing that for you – so fine. I was very amused by a few – of course I read them all after one caught my eye. That much of hypocrisy is fine with me ;)
Some were very interesting, here are a few for you (of course, names have been changed to protect MY identity):
1. “To Mrs xyz Sinha from abc Sinha” (so that people know it is his wife that he is proclaiming his love for)
2. “Dear anonymous from xyz Kumar” (Now – how on earth is the girl, who this is meant for, know it is her? Atleast if he had put in the girl’s name and signed off as anonymous, she would know someone loved her!)
3. To my grizzly bear from ur hairless bear (eeeeeeeeeeks – how can someone survive this! I’m sure there must be some interesting story behind those pet names, but I really don’t want to know what it is!)
All men out there - please tell me, I really want to know: do you mean to say you enjoy being called grizzly bear, honey bunny (yes, that was another one of the above list), or cootchie poo? Don’t you want to have a heart attack and die when you girlfriend calls you all that in public? I for one cannot stand women who get all mushy and call their boy friends or husband “baby”. Baby? Yuck! How do you bear with it?
Now I guess all of you think I am extremely boring and unromantic. I don’t think I mind though. If I were a guy, I’d rather spend my life alone than with someone who calls me all that. But well, in my defense I would like to say that I am not unromantic, I am just a different kind.
And what floors me? The one who needs to know, knows that well. So mum’s the word !
February 27, 2009
February 24, 2009
Game Plan
A few of days ago, all of a sudden I began to miss my childhood. People who know me well know that it is perfectly normal for a weirdo like me to have such thoughts - so let's not get into that discussion. I was thinking about the wonderful times I had when I was a little girl - when I used to spend almost all free time playing with my gang of friends. And what games they used to be! I am sure today's kids might have not even heard about those.
These games, unlike the sophisticated games of today, involved running around, screaming in excitement, shouting, quarrelling and were thoroughly enjoyable. We fought like cats in the playground, but the next day we were back to friends :) These really installed in us the qualities of teamwork, leadership, and negotiation much better than most of the summer camps of today. Not to forget, it probably gave us all the exercise we needed. And we looked forward to the afternoons so much that I'm sure none of the shows on TV today, if presented to us then, would have kept us back home.
Most of the games of those days involved a maidan, a couple of twigs or a few stones, and at most a rubber ball. What do kids today play and play with? Cricket, football, tennis, table tennis, badminton? Classy huh? What about seven stones? Has any one of them heard about budhiya kabbadi (this game is known by various names - so probably half of my generation has not heard of it either, but it involves two circles drawn on the maidan some distance away from each other, two teams, one team all set to "catch" the other team members, who try to rescue the budhiya in distress - which is another member of the team - in the other circle), or gilhari-mungphali? How many of them might have enjoyed a simple game of kabbadi or kho-kho? There are so many more if we start to list them down.
Where have these games gone? I really think there should be a revival of these, and an effort to bring kids out of homes to the playgrounds. I believe there already is an initiative in this direction, I guess in Mumbai - I vaguely remember having read about it. Would it not be fun? But again, will today's kids enjoy it? I feel we must not be prejudiced – this generation of kids can also be child-like, who knows! ;)
And yes, this must involve not just children, but also grown ups who often miss their childhood and these lovely games, when confronted with other games grown up people play. What say?
PS: Please share the wonderful games that you fondly remember from your childhood! I'm sure all of us would love to refresh our memories!
These games, unlike the sophisticated games of today, involved running around, screaming in excitement, shouting, quarrelling and were thoroughly enjoyable. We fought like cats in the playground, but the next day we were back to friends :) These really installed in us the qualities of teamwork, leadership, and negotiation much better than most of the summer camps of today. Not to forget, it probably gave us all the exercise we needed. And we looked forward to the afternoons so much that I'm sure none of the shows on TV today, if presented to us then, would have kept us back home.
Most of the games of those days involved a maidan, a couple of twigs or a few stones, and at most a rubber ball. What do kids today play and play with? Cricket, football, tennis, table tennis, badminton? Classy huh? What about seven stones? Has any one of them heard about budhiya kabbadi (this game is known by various names - so probably half of my generation has not heard of it either, but it involves two circles drawn on the maidan some distance away from each other, two teams, one team all set to "catch" the other team members, who try to rescue the budhiya in distress - which is another member of the team - in the other circle), or gilhari-mungphali? How many of them might have enjoyed a simple game of kabbadi or kho-kho? There are so many more if we start to list them down.
Where have these games gone? I really think there should be a revival of these, and an effort to bring kids out of homes to the playgrounds. I believe there already is an initiative in this direction, I guess in Mumbai - I vaguely remember having read about it. Would it not be fun? But again, will today's kids enjoy it? I feel we must not be prejudiced – this generation of kids can also be child-like, who knows! ;)
And yes, this must involve not just children, but also grown ups who often miss their childhood and these lovely games, when confronted with other games grown up people play. What say?
PS: Please share the wonderful games that you fondly remember from your childhood! I'm sure all of us would love to refresh our memories!
February 19, 2009
Metamorphosis miracle
Ever seen a butterfly breakout of its cocoon? I almost did. Ok - so I missed out on the breaking-out-of part, but this was no less than a miracle!
Remember I told you about sericulture in Ramanagara in my post on Mekedatu? We had carried back with us the 3 pupae that we had been gifted. We left it on our computer table to see what would happen to them, and totally forgot about it. Last day I remembered we had left this experiment on, and went back to check. I cannot tell you how fascinated I was to find 2 of the cocoons broken open, with butterflies crawling around!
Yes crawling. And placed very far away from my misconceptions of colorful butterflies fluttering around! They are white - well, the kind of white that clothes are before the 'washing powders' in advertisements turn them milk-white, and so totally bland (well, not literally). Also, they look more like moths.
Why are they not flying away? What will they feed on, those lazy bums, if they do not? And when will they get those bright colors? Are they a colorless variety? So many questions!
We are planning to leave them out in the sunshine if they do not show an inclination to flutter away by themselves. Let us see what happens!
For now, here are a few pics. How many of us ever get a chance to see this in real life? Enjoy while I google for answers to all my questions!
Remember I told you about sericulture in Ramanagara in my post on Mekedatu? We had carried back with us the 3 pupae that we had been gifted. We left it on our computer table to see what would happen to them, and totally forgot about it. Last day I remembered we had left this experiment on, and went back to check. I cannot tell you how fascinated I was to find 2 of the cocoons broken open, with butterflies crawling around!
Yes crawling. And placed very far away from my misconceptions of colorful butterflies fluttering around! They are white - well, the kind of white that clothes are before the 'washing powders' in advertisements turn them milk-white, and so totally bland (well, not literally). Also, they look more like moths.
Why are they not flying away? What will they feed on, those lazy bums, if they do not? And when will they get those bright colors? Are they a colorless variety? So many questions!
We are planning to leave them out in the sunshine if they do not show an inclination to flutter away by themselves. Let us see what happens!
For now, here are a few pics. How many of us ever get a chance to see this in real life? Enjoy while I google for answers to all my questions!
Look at the pattern on their wings! I am sure they will become colorful now!
This is the 'broken-open' cocoon
Errr- Two to tango?Updated after googling: My knowledge in bio is really pitiable. Read some info on these here in Wikipedia. It says "If the animal is allowed to survive after spinning its cocoon, it will release proteolytic enzymes to make a hole in the cocoon so that it can emerge as a moth. The adult phase (the moth) cannot fly." It is a moth - it will not be colorful - and it won't fly - SIGH!
February 17, 2009
Ever noticed...
Ever noticed that in India...
- Smiling at strangers is considered weird, but shouting at them in traffic is perfectly normal...
- Holding hands in public is wrong, but spitting and pissing on the road is not taboo...
- Smiling at strangers is considered weird, but shouting at them in traffic is perfectly normal...
- Holding hands in public is wrong, but spitting and pissing on the road is not taboo...
February 13, 2009
The name game
The movie Billu is releasing today. The name Billu Barber was recently changed to Billu after protests from barbers on ‘hurting their sentiments’. What? How did it ever hurt their sentiments? The movie is just called Billu Barber – it does not say anything derogatory about barbers, does it? In fact, Billu is perhaps one of the most noble characters in Bollywood’s history (I have watched the original Malayalam version, so I can tell you that). But he just cannot be called barber - strange!
Many years ago, in Kerala there was a protest against a movie Ponmuttayidunna Thattan. I do believe it should have been taken in the figurative meaning in a sporty way, but this was still justified in the sense that it literally meant “the goldsmith who lays golden eggs” and was changed to the Malayalam equivalent of “the goose that lays golden eggs”. I think these days people go a bit too far when protesting against seemingly simple issues, and I am not talking about movie names alone. Probably it is just a minority who does this, the majority of the population might not even have bothered. Perhaps it is because these days there is a lot of media intrusion into lives, and every simple thing becomes “breaking news” because there is so much of competition in the media. So whatever you say is heard, and well, all have a voice.
I was wondering who all could have raised objections against movie names, and came up with this list. Please note: this is in no way intended to hurt the sentiments of anyone. It is in pure jest, and I do not plan to change the name of my blog. Those who cannot see the lighter side of the world may please stop reading at this point.
Jai Veeru (2009)
Objection raised by: Sachin Tendulkar
Sound bite: “There are many cricketers who must be honoured before Virender Sehwag”
Aasma (2009)
Objection raised by: Indian council of medical research
Sound bite:”It hurts the sentiments of all asthmatics to name a movie like this that reminds them of their condition”
Love 86 (1986)
Objection raised by: The moral police
Sound bite: “According to ‘Indian tradition’, you must love only 1”
Mr Ya Miss (2005)
Objection raised by: Doosri Radha
Sound bite:”It is a direct insult on me. But more than that Antara Mali directing it and acting in it is more of an insult on the viewers’ intelligence”
Strings - Bound By Faith (2006)
Objection raised by: Mallika Sherawat
Sound bite: “Though it doesn’t look like it from my clothes, there is more than faith that binds the strings”
Mudda - The Issue (2003)
Objection raised by: Ragi farmers in Karnataka
Sound bite:”Mudde is one of the most healthy foods, it is improper to call it an issue”
Oonche Log (1985)
Objection raised by: A section of vertically challenged people
Sound bite: ”You cannot be partial to their interests alone”
Bachke Rehna Re Baba (2005)
Objection raised by: Baba Sehgal
Sound bite: ”That is a warning. It is absolutely not acceptable especially since I have not even brought out an album for so long!
Hum Hain Kamal Ke (1993)
Objection raised by: Sarika
Sound bite: ”It is clearly sexist, and now that I am divorced from Kamal, it is particularly wrong”
Kishen Kanhaiya (1990)
Objection raised by: Ravi Kishen (Big Boss contestant and Bhojpuri superstar)
Sound bite:”Mere baap pe kyon jaate ho?”
And finally,
Lal Badshah (1999)
Objection raised by: Mohanlal
Sound bite: “I am neither Shah not bad.”
Many years ago, in Kerala there was a protest against a movie Ponmuttayidunna Thattan. I do believe it should have been taken in the figurative meaning in a sporty way, but this was still justified in the sense that it literally meant “the goldsmith who lays golden eggs” and was changed to the Malayalam equivalent of “the goose that lays golden eggs”. I think these days people go a bit too far when protesting against seemingly simple issues, and I am not talking about movie names alone. Probably it is just a minority who does this, the majority of the population might not even have bothered. Perhaps it is because these days there is a lot of media intrusion into lives, and every simple thing becomes “breaking news” because there is so much of competition in the media. So whatever you say is heard, and well, all have a voice.
I was wondering who all could have raised objections against movie names, and came up with this list. Please note: this is in no way intended to hurt the sentiments of anyone. It is in pure jest, and I do not plan to change the name of my blog. Those who cannot see the lighter side of the world may please stop reading at this point.
Jai Veeru (2009)
Objection raised by: Sachin Tendulkar
Sound bite: “There are many cricketers who must be honoured before Virender Sehwag”
Aasma (2009)
Objection raised by: Indian council of medical research
Sound bite:”It hurts the sentiments of all asthmatics to name a movie like this that reminds them of their condition”
Love 86 (1986)
Objection raised by: The moral police
Sound bite: “According to ‘Indian tradition’, you must love only 1”
Mr Ya Miss (2005)
Objection raised by: Doosri Radha
Sound bite:”It is a direct insult on me. But more than that Antara Mali directing it and acting in it is more of an insult on the viewers’ intelligence”
Strings - Bound By Faith (2006)
Objection raised by: Mallika Sherawat
Sound bite: “Though it doesn’t look like it from my clothes, there is more than faith that binds the strings”
Mudda - The Issue (2003)
Objection raised by: Ragi farmers in Karnataka
Sound bite:”Mudde is one of the most healthy foods, it is improper to call it an issue”
Oonche Log (1985)
Objection raised by: A section of vertically challenged people
Sound bite: ”You cannot be partial to their interests alone”
Bachke Rehna Re Baba (2005)
Objection raised by: Baba Sehgal
Sound bite: ”That is a warning. It is absolutely not acceptable especially since I have not even brought out an album for so long!
Hum Hain Kamal Ke (1993)
Objection raised by: Sarika
Sound bite: ”It is clearly sexist, and now that I am divorced from Kamal, it is particularly wrong”
Kishen Kanhaiya (1990)
Objection raised by: Ravi Kishen (Big Boss contestant and Bhojpuri superstar)
Sound bite:”Mere baap pe kyon jaate ho?”
And finally,
Lal Badshah (1999)
Objection raised by: Mohanlal
Sound bite: “I am neither Shah not bad.”
February 10, 2009
It's rocking!
This weekend, we set out on a trip to Mekedatu. This is about 100 km from Bangalore, and is a rocky place with a deep narrow ravine through which river Kaveri runs. It is about 4 km from Sangam, where rivers Kaveri and Arkavathi merge. It is perfect for a one day trip for adventurous people – which means not so much for people like me (read chicken).
Things to look out for (or watch out for, depending on which side you are on):
1. Sericulture in Ramanagara: It’s not for nothing that Ramanagara is called the silk town. People there are very friendly, and will explain to you all about silk worms and cocoons. But unless you know Kannada, chances of you getting enlightened are close to nil.
2. Sangam: This is where your drive ends. Here the waters are shallow and you can have a splash :) Carry a set of clothes, there is a restaurant nearby which has rest rooms and you can change there. Don't let the warning signs on the way to Sangam (see pic) worry you - they are for the hair-pin bends and rash drivers!
3. Bus ride to Mekedatu: Across the Sangam, there are buses which will take you to and fro Mekedatu at Rs. 40 per head. The drive lasts 10 minutes, is very bumpy but enjoyable. :)
4. The Mekedatu ravine: The word Mekedatu means “goat’s leap”. Read the legend here. The rocks there are smooth and slippery (or so they seemed to me), with river Kaveri gushing through the deep gorge below. I feared for my life after a point and refused to accompany my husband further ahead (I told you I was chicken!). And all around I could see guys sitting on the edge and looking down at the water – aaaaaaaaaah! I almost had a heart attack!
5. Chunchi waterfall: You might also want to check out this waterfall which is on the way to Sangam, about 6 km off the main road. We drove down to that place, but realized we had to walk down further and were too tired to trek, so gave it a miss. But the journey to Chunchi was nice- through an idyllic village so typical, it was like from movies! And please drive extremely slowly here, because people, cattle, goat, dogs – none is tuned to vehicles and are forever darting on to the road.
I would like to leave you with a video from Sangam. This aunty was trying to dehusk a coconut. What an idea madam jee! I feel so sorry for that coconut!
Things to look out for (or watch out for, depending on which side you are on):
1. Sericulture in Ramanagara: It’s not for nothing that Ramanagara is called the silk town. People there are very friendly, and will explain to you all about silk worms and cocoons. But unless you know Kannada, chances of you getting enlightened are close to nil.
2. Sangam: This is where your drive ends. Here the waters are shallow and you can have a splash :) Carry a set of clothes, there is a restaurant nearby which has rest rooms and you can change there. Don't let the warning signs on the way to Sangam (see pic) worry you - they are for the hair-pin bends and rash drivers!
3. Bus ride to Mekedatu: Across the Sangam, there are buses which will take you to and fro Mekedatu at Rs. 40 per head. The drive lasts 10 minutes, is very bumpy but enjoyable. :)
4. The Mekedatu ravine: The word Mekedatu means “goat’s leap”. Read the legend here. The rocks there are smooth and slippery (or so they seemed to me), with river Kaveri gushing through the deep gorge below. I feared for my life after a point and refused to accompany my husband further ahead (I told you I was chicken!). And all around I could see guys sitting on the edge and looking down at the water – aaaaaaaaaah! I almost had a heart attack!
5. Chunchi waterfall: You might also want to check out this waterfall which is on the way to Sangam, about 6 km off the main road. We drove down to that place, but realized we had to walk down further and were too tired to trek, so gave it a miss. But the journey to Chunchi was nice- through an idyllic village so typical, it was like from movies! And please drive extremely slowly here, because people, cattle, goat, dogs – none is tuned to vehicles and are forever darting on to the road.
I would like to leave you with a video from Sangam. This aunty was trying to dehusk a coconut. What an idea madam jee! I feel so sorry for that coconut!
February 6, 2009
My Precious!
I must tell you about this wonderful book that I stumbled upon. I had no idea such an author existed
but the moment I found him, I knew that we would go a long way!
Ever heard of Alexander McCall Smith and his wonderful "The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" series? I read about them first on this blog, Hail! Mount Helicon. For those who love reading, this is in fact a good blog to follow. You can read the article here (scroll down for the article or try finding ‘Alexander’). I could not write better about the book or the author, so I will not even try. But I still cannot resist telling you a bit about why I love them so much.
The series is about Mma. Precious Ramotswe and her ‘The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' in Botswana. Sensible, middle aged, and ‘traditionally built’ (I love that word - so far the best euphemism for ‘fat’. So all you people- call me traditionally built now), Mma Ramotswe is highly respected and loved. What sets these books apart from the usual ‘case files’ format of sleuth stories is that they predominantly explore her life, during which she also happens to find solutions to a few issues in her town.
This seemingly boring setting is what in fact makes the book such an excellent read. It is as simple as simple can be. There are no prosaic passages, no words that will have you referring to the dictionary often. And yet, the style is so lucid, so enchanting that you will not put down the book before you are through it. The characters are full of life, but live on their own pace, never in a hurry to rush past the world. The book is full of worldly wisdom blended into the characters without the usual conscious ‘positive thinking’ formulae.
Amazing still is the response the book evoked in all the friends I passed it on to. All of them were hooked to the first – and craving the rest. So now all of us are buying/borrowing all the parts. And we do not even need to say the name of the book anymore – we communicate through numbers. I know that an sms that says “You want 4 or 5?” – is about The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and not about the number of doughnuts that I might want my friend to get.
If you enjoy books on people (and not necessarily ones who have walked the earth), you might love this. I am now the proud owner of parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. I love you Ms Rao for parts 3 and 4! All of you who might want to gift me the rest (there are a total of 10 books in the series as of now) please check with me to make sure I have not already got them by the time you are at the book shop.
Cheers!
PS: I have almost decided that I will update my blog twice a week – by Tuesday and Friday evening. This will leave me with enough time to write. It would also be easier for you to know when to check this out and leave your comments. (Oh pleeeeeeeeease do!)
but the moment I found him, I knew that we would go a long way!
Ever heard of Alexander McCall Smith and his wonderful "The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" series? I read about them first on this blog, Hail! Mount Helicon. For those who love reading, this is in fact a good blog to follow. You can read the article here (scroll down for the article or try finding ‘Alexander’). I could not write better about the book or the author, so I will not even try. But I still cannot resist telling you a bit about why I love them so much.
The series is about Mma. Precious Ramotswe and her ‘The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' in Botswana. Sensible, middle aged, and ‘traditionally built’ (I love that word - so far the best euphemism for ‘fat’. So all you people- call me traditionally built now), Mma Ramotswe is highly respected and loved. What sets these books apart from the usual ‘case files’ format of sleuth stories is that they predominantly explore her life, during which she also happens to find solutions to a few issues in her town.
This seemingly boring setting is what in fact makes the book such an excellent read. It is as simple as simple can be. There are no prosaic passages, no words that will have you referring to the dictionary often. And yet, the style is so lucid, so enchanting that you will not put down the book before you are through it. The characters are full of life, but live on their own pace, never in a hurry to rush past the world. The book is full of worldly wisdom blended into the characters without the usual conscious ‘positive thinking’ formulae.
Amazing still is the response the book evoked in all the friends I passed it on to. All of them were hooked to the first – and craving the rest. So now all of us are buying/borrowing all the parts. And we do not even need to say the name of the book anymore – we communicate through numbers. I know that an sms that says “You want 4 or 5?” – is about The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and not about the number of doughnuts that I might want my friend to get.
If you enjoy books on people (and not necessarily ones who have walked the earth), you might love this. I am now the proud owner of parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. I love you Ms Rao for parts 3 and 4! All of you who might want to gift me the rest (there are a total of 10 books in the series as of now) please check with me to make sure I have not already got them by the time you are at the book shop.
Cheers!
PS: I have almost decided that I will update my blog twice a week – by Tuesday and Friday evening. This will leave me with enough time to write. It would also be easier for you to know when to check this out and leave your comments. (Oh pleeeeeeeeease do!)
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