Terrorists once again attacked India ... this time the financial capital of India, Mumbai.
I am just saddened and angry at the same time ... sad because innocent people are targeted and have paid their lives, angry because of my helplessness. I fail to understand their motive ... how can someone be happy when they cause pain and sufferings to others????
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Movie - Matadaana
Watched the movie Matadaana (kannada) over the weekend. The movie is based on the same name novel by S.L.Byrappa. One of the few realistic movies ... I'd say.
Director T.N.Seetharam has roped in the right actors for the different characters. The movie depicts the various incidents that might happen during the time of election and how common man gets affected with all the politics around election. The story is quite gripping mainly telling of a contractor played by Anant Nag and his morales and political links.
The most irritable characters of the lot to me was "Puttathamaiah", the role so well played by actor Avinash. The moment he appeared on screen made me cringe. The thought that such people exist in the real world makes me really sad.
The best scene of the movie is when Lakshmi, wife of Puttathamaiah, unable to tolerate her husband anymore, walks away from his life. This guy then in his male ego shouts out "Lakshmi, I forgive you" instead of asking for forgiveness ... Lakshmi then gives him a pitiable look.
I wish the movie ended more realistically ... but then the ending depicted was not really very bad. It needed to end on a happy note ... so it did.
Watch this movie if you are looking for some realism...
warning: A very depressing movie ... if you watch movies for escapism from real life, this one is surely not for you.
Director T.N.Seetharam has roped in the right actors for the different characters. The movie depicts the various incidents that might happen during the time of election and how common man gets affected with all the politics around election. The story is quite gripping mainly telling of a contractor played by Anant Nag and his morales and political links.
The most irritable characters of the lot to me was "Puttathamaiah", the role so well played by actor Avinash. The moment he appeared on screen made me cringe. The thought that such people exist in the real world makes me really sad.
The best scene of the movie is when Lakshmi, wife of Puttathamaiah, unable to tolerate her husband anymore, walks away from his life. This guy then in his male ego shouts out "Lakshmi, I forgive you" instead of asking for forgiveness ... Lakshmi then gives him a pitiable look.
I wish the movie ended more realistically ... but then the ending depicted was not really very bad. It needed to end on a happy note ... so it did.
Watch this movie if you are looking for some realism...
warning: A very depressing movie ... if you watch movies for escapism from real life, this one is surely not for you.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Ever wondered...
why we say 2008 as Two thousand eight, while we say 1997 as Nineteen Ninety seven?
Why don't we say Twenty zero eight OR One thousand nine hundred Ninety seven ? (I know some of us say Nineteen hundred ninety seven)
Hmmm ... I am thinking why ... you tell me.
Why don't we say Twenty zero eight OR One thousand nine hundred Ninety seven ? (I know some of us say Nineteen hundred ninety seven)
Hmmm ... I am thinking why ... you tell me.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sanskrit language - A class of its own
One of the few reasons I regret taking up Engineering was I missed learning Sanskrit language. I was introduced to this beautiful language very early in life in the form of shlokas. My parents taught me several shlokas as a kid and also explained the meaning of the same a lot of times. Performing pooja on various festivals increased my exposure to this language. I studied in Hindi medium school (meaning Hindi was the first language in Kendriya Vidyalaya, I studied. In fact Social studies was in Hindi ... anyway I digress). So I was familiar with the script of Sanskrit. (Hindi and Sanskrit have very similar script)
I could neither talk nor understand any conversation happening in Sanskrit.
And then high school happened. Sanskrit was my first language. Parents chose this language for me perhaps because it was easier to score better marks in the all important 10th and Pre-University exams. Anyways, I will always be thankful for me for making this choice. They introduced me to a beautiful language which had mesmerizing prose and lovely poetry. The Sanskrit grammar is rich and vast that one could spend their life time appreciating and understanding it in totality. I specifically loved working on "Chchandassu" ... and I how I can I ever forget those immortal lines of "Subhashitas" ??
Quote:
"Vjradapi kathoRani, Mruduni Kusumadapi
LotottaraaNam chetamsi Kohi Vigyantumarhasi"
- Genious lines ....
It helped that I had very good Sanskrit teachers who made sure we learnt our Ramaha, Ramao, Ramaaha along with appreciating the beauty of the language. I seriously considered pursuing higher studies in Sanskrit Literature ... but alas other interests took precedence.
Its been almost 13 long years since I have read anything in Sanskrit. Its a pity I have almost forgotten what I had learnt ...
Which is your favourite language?
I could neither talk nor understand any conversation happening in Sanskrit.
And then high school happened. Sanskrit was my first language. Parents chose this language for me perhaps because it was easier to score better marks in the all important 10th and Pre-University exams. Anyways, I will always be thankful for me for making this choice. They introduced me to a beautiful language which had mesmerizing prose and lovely poetry. The Sanskrit grammar is rich and vast that one could spend their life time appreciating and understanding it in totality. I specifically loved working on "Chchandassu" ... and I how I can I ever forget those immortal lines of "Subhashitas" ??
Quote:
"Vjradapi kathoRani, Mruduni Kusumadapi
LotottaraaNam chetamsi Kohi Vigyantumarhasi"
- Genious lines ....
It helped that I had very good Sanskrit teachers who made sure we learnt our Ramaha, Ramao, Ramaaha along with appreciating the beauty of the language. I seriously considered pursuing higher studies in Sanskrit Literature ... but alas other interests took precedence.
Its been almost 13 long years since I have read anything in Sanskrit. Its a pity I have almost forgotten what I had learnt ...
Which is your favourite language?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Morning obsession
I had never tasted or tea for about 23 years of life. My parents (mother in particular) thought that caffeine would further thin my already slim physique. So when hubby ordered 2 teas during our Manali trip, I didn't know how to react. I was newly married and he didn't know my tastes / preferences. It was a very cold evening and we had been driving for almost 5 hours and were naturally tired and hungry. I desperately wanted to drink something hot and perhaps eat something spicy too. Obviously I couldn't get hot Bournvita in a road side tea stall and so I decided to try out "Chai" for the first time in my life. The tea stall owner gave us steaming hot cups and the aroma was itself very very inviting. My unsure self, took the first sip with a lot of apprehension. But one sip and I knew I had missed something so divine for such a long time in my life. I just fell in love with that cup of tea. (of course, I haven't tasted that special tea till date)
And so, I started drinking tea occasionally... gradually it become a habit. It replaced my morning cup of Bournvita and now it is almost an obsession. First thing in the morning, I need my steaming hot cup of tea.
I like my tea light and spicy ... little milk and mix of spices. I love it when I add ginger, 1 cardamom, 1 clove and just a bit of cinnamon. Over the years I have also learnt that boiling water with the spices and sugar for an extended time and then adding tea leaves and milk gives a totally unique taste. My taste buds jump with joy every morning when I drink the first tea sip. Its extra special to me since hubby makes that perfect tea for me. I prefer nothing to come between me and my tea during the morning. 5 minutes of divinity with my morning tea and I am good to tackle the long day with a smile. Disturb my morning tea time and I will grunt about something or the other for the next 2 hours ... well thats me :)
And so, I started drinking tea occasionally... gradually it become a habit. It replaced my morning cup of Bournvita and now it is almost an obsession. First thing in the morning, I need my steaming hot cup of tea.
I like my tea light and spicy ... little milk and mix of spices. I love it when I add ginger, 1 cardamom, 1 clove and just a bit of cinnamon. Over the years I have also learnt that boiling water with the spices and sugar for an extended time and then adding tea leaves and milk gives a totally unique taste. My taste buds jump with joy every morning when I drink the first tea sip. Its extra special to me since hubby makes that perfect tea for me. I prefer nothing to come between me and my tea during the morning. 5 minutes of divinity with my morning tea and I am good to tackle the long day with a smile. Disturb my morning tea time and I will grunt about something or the other for the next 2 hours ... well thats me :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Amma
Amma is here with us for the past 6 months and what is relief it is to have her here. She is not currently staying in our house ... infact she moved to my sister's place almost 8 weeks back ... but the thought of she being around is very very satisfying. Sister lives about 10 mins drive from my house, so can visit her anytime. Of course I do visit her almost everyday on the pretext of dropping my younger kid.
Amma who came to help me out with the kid in May is now helping out sister's kid. She is also taking care of my little one.
Sometimes I wonder, isn't it physically very draining for her? She is missing daddy for sure ... so she might be emotionally drained as well. But she keeps going about her tasks everyday ... with no fuss. If this isn't love for her kids, what else is?
Amma who came to help me out with the kid in May is now helping out sister's kid. She is also taking care of my little one.
Sometimes I wonder, isn't it physically very draining for her? She is missing daddy for sure ... so she might be emotionally drained as well. But she keeps going about her tasks everyday ... with no fuss. If this isn't love for her kids, what else is?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Simple pleasures ... and a milestone
Your everyday routine starts before sunrise ... you rush through the preparation of breakfast / tea, get 2 kids ready for school / day care (this takes more effort than one can ever imagine), pack lunch to self, kids, spouse, get the kid to do some reading / writing ... drop the kids off to school / day care ... work in office ... rush back home to energized kids , play with them, clean up the mess they have done, prepare dinner, do the dishes .... squeeze many more tasks in between ...
Thats one insane day if you ask me... and that is how MY weekday looks like.
So amidst this madness, if spouse and I squeeze in game of Carrom (unplanned) ... well thats priceless. Its such a simple pleasure.
Thats what happened yesterday ... we played a game of Carrom, with my elder daughter cheering us and younger one cooing every now and then.
Its a different thing that I lost the game 9-0 .... well my defense I couldn't concentrate .... too much cheering and cooing :)))
And on that note, I finish my 100th post !!
Hurray !! Cheers to me !!
Thats one insane day if you ask me... and that is how MY weekday looks like.
So amidst this madness, if spouse and I squeeze in game of Carrom (unplanned) ... well thats priceless. Its such a simple pleasure.
Thats what happened yesterday ... we played a game of Carrom, with my elder daughter cheering us and younger one cooing every now and then.
Its a different thing that I lost the game 9-0 .... well my defense I couldn't concentrate .... too much cheering and cooing :)))
And on that note, I finish my 100th post !!
Hurray !! Cheers to me !!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Matadaana ...err ... Voting
And so Barrack Obama is the 44th President of USA. The votes were cast on the 4th Nov 08 and result announced the very same night !
This day brought back memories of my voting experiences when in India. I got to vote the first time as soon as I turned 18 ... I think it was for Corporation election. The enthusiasm of voting for the first time, the pride of feeling a responsible adult, strong belief of making a difference to the country ... and many more emotions were experienced by me at that point. My great grandma, (muttajji) who was a vociferous reader and a great enthusiast in politics was my motivator. She must have been around 85+ at that time and still was very keen on casting her vote. She was a retired head mistress who stayed in my grandma's house (her only daughter) After following the local newspapers and learning about the election contestants and the political party they represented I cast my all important vote at a near by college.
I remember showing the "Black Ink" mark (an indication of having voted) on my nail to my friends and debating with them what the outcome of the election would be ...
I got to vote the second time when Lok Sabha elections were held ... again I ensured my id was right .. went early to the booth and cast my vote. And that was the last time I cast my vote ... I moved to a different city and then to a different country, so have been unable to experience the sheer satisfaction of casting my precious vote.
Do you remember your first voting experience?
This day brought back memories of my voting experiences when in India. I got to vote the first time as soon as I turned 18 ... I think it was for Corporation election. The enthusiasm of voting for the first time, the pride of feeling a responsible adult, strong belief of making a difference to the country ... and many more emotions were experienced by me at that point. My great grandma, (muttajji) who was a vociferous reader and a great enthusiast in politics was my motivator. She must have been around 85+ at that time and still was very keen on casting her vote. She was a retired head mistress who stayed in my grandma's house (her only daughter) After following the local newspapers and learning about the election contestants and the political party they represented I cast my all important vote at a near by college.
I remember showing the "Black Ink" mark (an indication of having voted) on my nail to my friends and debating with them what the outcome of the election would be ...
I got to vote the second time when Lok Sabha elections were held ... again I ensured my id was right .. went early to the booth and cast my vote. And that was the last time I cast my vote ... I moved to a different city and then to a different country, so have been unable to experience the sheer satisfaction of casting my precious vote.
Do you remember your first voting experience?
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