Friday, December 08, 2006

Leavin on a Jet Plane

All those who visit here often and generously leave comments and make this space lively. This blog shop will be closed for a vacation for a short time. The blogger is on vacation for few days. I will be back soon and till then...
Be brave, expressive and communicative rather than being a
wuss and non-communicative. Reach out!!
And of course listen to the song Leavin on a jet plane by (no not John Denver) Chantal Kreviazuk version, its a lot better.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Snack Thingie

I wanted to make some snack. I decided to make sabuddee vadai! Yeah I know, its sabudana but I prefer calling sabuddee ( I have my reasons..). I dunno why it was so funny for some people when I said I am gonna cook. So funny that they chuckled and had some strong reactions. Anyway, here is a picture of it as a proof ! And if thats not enuf I wish they had tasted some of it. Well life is full of regrets..:). I guess some people are better off only prod%^@!*# HW or something to that effect..:P.



Anyway, moving on, I discovered this song called Bin tere kya jeena from the movie Guru. All I can say is that its totally blown and I am awe struck. Its the Rehman effect which makes it completely worth it. I have been listening to it for a long time now or at least it seems like or at least I want to feel like that..:). So the point is I strongly recommend this one since it definitely belongs to the goosebumpy category of songs.
So hum along and enjoy this marvel:

O humdum bin tere kya jeena..
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya oh sajana ho
rukhi re rukhi kato re kate na ratiya
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya
ho ho ho o o o
bhigi bhigi beswadi ratiya o sajana
tere bina kya jeena
tere bina tere bina
chand ka sona khota re
tere bina sona peetal tere sang peetar peepal
aaja kate na ratiya o humdum!!

I know these are not the complete lyrics but I put together the lines which I liked!!

Friday, November 10, 2006

Rambling, yet again

Its not that I have to pen something here but sometimes I want to even though I have no specific direction. At this very moment too I have series of mixed feelings going on in my mind. Its' a mixed bag of achievement, satisfaction, peace, enthusiasm, reasoning, restlessness, longing and loss. But my guess would be it's not something unique thing for only me or least I would like to feel that I have company. But again its just me and its just a guess. I can be wrong. I stumbled on this poem by Max Ehrmann, read it and its simplicity will sweep you off your feet:
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. (Its so true!)

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-------------------------
Did it? Stunning! Anyway, I have been listening to Melissa Etheridge lately and she is just so marvelous! Current favorite:

Come on baby lets get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
Theres a chill in my bones
I dont want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive
Ill pack my bag and load up my guitar
In my pocket Ill carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive

and so on.......

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Emotional ride

We as human beings are driven by variety of emotions. Sweet, sometimes not so sweet. Its' surely complex and certainly there is no well secured and universally systemized definition. Although scientifically speaking and for practical purposes we can all concur that emotion is an intense neural impulse produced state controlled by brain. Before I go on I would like to narrate a short instance that happened with me couple of weeks. It happened during one of my regular weekly visits to temple. Mind you, I don't go to temple to ask for anything or for anything to happen. For me its something I get inner peace and it embraces me with tranquility and powerful feeling of reassurance for my correct actions. So if I miss a trip there, I know God will not bestow bad on me...:). I disagree with people who go to such places out of fear and expecting things to happens just because they pleaded. Anyway, before I digress since I tend to do that a lot.
It must have been early evening on a sunday and there aren't too many people at that time of the day. As I entered the temple I saw just one young lady sitting in the center of the room. She looked fairly young, attractive, educated and may be married I guess. I as usual walked in surveyed the place and about to comfortably sit. Next thing I percieve is that this young woman is weeping and with tears rolling down endlessly. I tried not look at her just so she doesn't get conscious of my presence and get interrupted in this emotional process. I did try to pretend as if am unaware. But like most of us do, hide our emotions and keep them under multiple layers of anonymity, she was also trying to do same and I could feel that she was afraid and ashamed that some stranger saw her turmoil. I wanted to leave her alone and not make her feel more public and judged. But I couldn't go. I wanted to reassure her that whatever has caused this will soon go and it will be brighter times tomorrow. Of course I could n't say all this but I did sit next to her for a short time gave her friendly pat and was genuinely sorry for whatever she was going through (God bless her). She clarified that it doesn't happen often and that was just once! Disappoinment with friends, failing relationship, loss of something precious or professional mishap, it could have been anything.
So when emotions are such integral part of our existence why do we try and control them, restrict them and manipulate them? Emotions not only help you in personal life but they do significantly contribute to your professional life. Successful leaders are not mechanical, non-emotive, ruthless human beings. In fact, they are the highly emotional, intelligent and analytical folks. I strongly suggest this book which I read a while back called Emotional Intelligence by Dan Goleman. Leading a team sucessfully for a project of any magnitude is not a mathematical equation. Successful management is often a product of commitment of each contributors with their best efforts which is led by a highly emotionally charged leader. I have often seen this in my boss. He is passionate, emotive, dedicated and when he talks about work, he pledges only quality work. No wonder he owns a company which is very dynamic and successful and acheived country-wide recognition in its specialization.
Emotions probably are one of those non-verbal communications which often formulate your decision-making which could be either short-term or long-term. So if they play such a role then why defy their presence?

Sunday, October 15, 2006

My beloved monster

Past couple of days I have been listening to Shrek soundtrack. Almost all the songs from this movie are absolutely kickass. Shrek has been my favorite movie and not just because its animated but also for the message it conveyed. Its a story about true friendship (donkey and shrek), love (princess fiona n shrek) and victory (shrek over farquad). Its one of those classy movies who have lot of style in almost everything, be it music, characters (donkey being my favorite and greatest work by eddie murphy), and whole screenplay intertwined together. I have cried in this movie..:).. when shrek reveals- "everyone judges him even before they know him." Anyway, if you haven't heard shrek music yet, I would strongly recommend it. Especially songs- bad reputation, my beloved monster, stay home and I am on my way are just totally worth it.

Here is something nice I read its from the movie - akheelah and the bee: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Bittersweet life

I recently begun running regularly. After trying it for few days, I just decided to set up a target of 4 miles and wished to achieve it. I mostly run on weekends and had kept a time frame of one month. I did this with an increment of half a mile and sometimes one mile. It wasn't easy simply because I tend to take a break from my exercise for months and it takes hell of a discipline to get back to it. Anyway, while I have been pretty enthusiastic and actually look forward to weekends just for this. Last thursday, I realized since I am so close (at 3.5 miles) to my target, why not go try, JUST DO IT! I must have given up several times but haven't been much of a quitter, I kept going. I don't know how many of you do this but I modulate my speed several times. I did finish my 4 miles target in 58.12 minutes. I didn't feel my legs existed for some time. But yey!
While walking back to my car and trying to regain my sense in legs I was celebrating my small, tiny victory. As I reach the car, I see some papery thing stuck to wipers...:). Yeah thats right I have been ticketed for parking in visitor's parking which I used to think is free. Sometimes, I think ASU and God have wierd sense of humor..:). Nevermind.
Anyway, been reading a lot lately which include book and several blogs and articles. Book Never eat alone by Keith Ferrazi has some interesting views on how to leverage networking and build a successful trusted set of friends. Another interesting read, I stumbled on this blog where the fellow blogger has painted a very simple picture of his expectations of love Its very simplicity is very beautiful. Well done!
I read somewhere that sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick (it sure does) and you loose every bit of faith in life. You will be devastated and will hit the ground. Your life will be shattered to innumerable pieces where you would feel its hard to put them all together. Don't give up and keep the faith. If you survive this you will emerge as one helluva strong and wiser person and life will never be the same again.
Random act: When things/acts do not make sense to me in very logical and rational mode and it ranges from surroundings and people, I tend to go to my shell and live a secluded life.

Monday, September 25, 2006

I just dont want be a millionaire

So I have started getting spams on gmail account too. Few jobless people have all the time to create very fascinating bait to make me a millionaire and am trying very hard to resist this free money. This time I won the lottery which I never played. All they want is detailed information bout me and done all the money is going to go straight to my account. Its just that its really simple to get all the money but I prefer hard earned money. Get a life folks!
Below is the so promising email and it cracks me up every time I get things of this sort:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EURO-AFRO-AMERICAN SWEEPSTAKE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMHead quartersThe National LotteryP O Box 1010Liverpool, L70 1NLUNITED KINGDOM(Customer Services)Ref: UK/9420X2/68Batch: 074/05/ZY369 WINNING NOTIFICATIONWe happily announce to you today, 25092006 the draw (#509) of theTHUNDERBALL WINNING under the UK/SA NATIONAL LOTTERY,online SweepstakesInternational program held on 24 092006.Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 56475600545 188 with Serialnumber 5368/02 drew the lucky numbers.(10)(22)(30)(31)(34) with a bonus(03).which subsequently won you the lottery of the Jackpot Prize.You havetherefore been approved to claim a total sum of £1,950,000.00 (One millionnine hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling) in cash credited to fileKTU/9023118308/03.All participants for the online version were selected randomly from WorldWide Web sites through computer draw system and extracted from over100,000unions, associations, and corporate bodies that are listed on line. Thispromotion takes place weekly.Please note that your lucky winning number falls within our South africanbooklet representative office in South Africa as indicated in your playcoupon.Our South African agent will immediately commence the process to facilitatethe release of your funds as soon as you contact him.To file for your claim, please contact our fudiciary agent:Mr.Frank ZumaEmail:paymentagent_southafrica@yahoo.ca.ukMobile:+27-834772044Provide him with the information below:1.Name:2.Address:3.Marital Status:4.Occupation:5.Age:6.Sex:7.Nationality:8.Country Of Residence:9.Telephone Number:10.Fax Number:11.Email Address:12.Draw Number above:That way your Winnings Certificate and all other relevantdocuments/paperwork can be prepared for you. You would be required to showan instrument of identification when cashing your cheque i.e. Driverslicense or International passport.For security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning informationconfidential till your claims is processed and your money remitted to you inwhatever manner you deem fit to claim your prize. This is part of ourprecautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of thisprogram. Please be warned. Cynthia Paul was one of three winners to share the Lotto Rollover Jackpot, each scooping a massive £4,000,000 Pounds.Goodluck from me and members of staff of the UK/SA/OMEGACROSSING COMPANY.NATIONAL LOTTERY.Yours faithfully,Mrs. Carolina Strauss.Online coordinator for UK/SA NATIONAL LOTTERYSweepstakes International Program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway, here is something nice I read by Maya Angelou who is a poet, educator, author, playwright and a whole lot of other jazz and yes she is 70+:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Salad-e-Zannat

Looking at my comment section of my previous blog, it seemed, cooking and food, by far, fascinated everyone than anything else I yapped. So with this encouragement I present, absolutely zero in effort- Salad-e-Zannat. Now people who have watched Andaz apna apna will immediately associate to what I am talking about. Anyway the salad consists of all kind of ghas-patti, ok veggies: lettuce, spinach, carrot, green/red bell pepper, onion and turnip. So where is my expertise in this? Arre I thought of adding two special ingredients- blackberries and italian parmesan almond seasoning. Eat it with any of dressing you want and torture yourself. Below is the picture for all of you for some encouragement to eat salads.



Anyway, I ran for 3.25 miles in 45.03 minutes in the morning. Just about when I was done it started drizzling and by the time got out of the gym it started pouring. This much rain is very unusual for Tempe, Arizona. I got a little drenched too and so it was combination of sweat and rain, yikes. I felt like hugging my nephew, just like his father (my brother) used to gross his little sister (me) out by offering his sweaty hug, yuck. All his expressions of affection were through grossing me out.
Anyway for all those lovers of indian advertisement, I bumped into this Tata tea ad, it made my day. Enjoy. Boost is the secret of my energy!!

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Lazy weekend

Its a long weekend and I am trying to make use of every bit by doing things which otherwise my work restricts. I love morning sunshine, bright and crisp (by early I mean8/9), yeah and thats precisely, I enjoy coz I have the freedom to sleep late and wake up late. Having a hot cup of tea with good reading where the sunshine has washed n brightened my room is what I call my kind of time. It poured here yesterday and discussion with friends revolved around importance of rains to Arizona. The real estate prices are steady at the moment but will soon fall since the resources are depleting.
Anyway, moving on, I ran 2.5 miles yesterday and 3 miles just now. I feel great and want to steadily (one month, ambitious is it?) reach the 5 miles target and I try not to overdo since sometimes I get ache in my calf muscles. I am currently reading Competing for the Future by Gary Hamel and CK Prahalad and just about done. Some of the chapters on core competencies, thinking differently and leveraging strategies are worth taking a note of and would recommend to people who enjoy such reads.
Moving on, to my cooking experiments, by the way, I simply love cooking and always want to experiment with ingredients my way. I have been successful few times and few turned out to be ultimate fiascos. Here I would like to mention my luck with gulabjamun (never get them right), either they get over cooked, syrup is watery or not soft...:(. Anyway I want to try some "desi chinese." I wonder who coined such a term and if chinese, even remotely know what we Indians are doing to their popular cuisine. Gobi manchurian, paneer manchurian, spring dosa and what not, and very sure it did not originate in China.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Herd outlook

Individualism vs collectivism has been my long debate and been unable to find clear solution. Or to survive in a society, is there a balancing act between the two premises? Herd mentality is not so uncommon and we will often see one following a flock because its safe. My question is about if each and everyone of us, are so distinctly unique, in our thinking, then what leads to mass to follow a mass? Is it primarily because we are rejecting to think and understand and take responsibility of our actions/analysis? Or we have just trained/taught our brain to function and prevent from all possibilities of fear of rejection?
Tragedy of the commons is the conflict of interest between individual principles with common herd well-being. Reason and reasoning are purely owned by an individual. When an individual subjugates this very reasoning from others' synthesis and judgment is when the rejection of independent thinking begins to concrete. And this blind following caused by insecurity and to gain sense of belonging is dangerous.
Whenever I have discussed Roark from Fountainhead to anyone, I have always heard only one response-"Its hard/impossible to survive like him in a society and do things like he did." Not a single person opined that he was wrong, a loser or a failure. The Fountainhead is about the difference between collectivist and individualist: it shows that the dependent man could never have reason on his side, and that the independent man could never have anything else.
It takes a lot of courage and conviction to stand for truth and values and voice against wrong, sinful and immoral. But with this fear of being quarantined or rejected by "society" (I really need another post for this term), are we going to be supine and wait for more severe repercussion?

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Indian Ocean live

Any good music when heard live, has a longer lasting impact. This held true yesterday when I heard Indian Ocean's sublime music live. It was nothing but pure joy and time well spent listening to very talented group of people. The impact of each instrument was distinct and fusion between guitar and tabla was simply blown. The vocals of this band have very earthy, subliminal and very folksy quality.
There were several jugalbandis interspersed with their songs array. The concert lasted for about 3 hours and closed after generously playing one extra song by audience demand...:). Melancholic ecstasy was always in my favorite's list but now I have two more added, Ma rewa and Bharam paap ke. Audience swang, waved, tapped and enjoyed every bit. I am glad I was part of it..:).

Friday, August 18, 2006

I, me, my dad and fashion

Few days back, I went to this clothing store, and was looking at some new styles in jeans. I also checked out their “destroyed look” series. It immediately reminded me of my dad. I tried one pair of jeans for the kicks, and my foot went through the destroyed part so I corrected myself and the immediate thought was why people would want to pay more for stuff that’s hazardous to normal living.
Anyway, if I ever wore that pair of jeans in front of my dad he will question me “beta, why is your jeans torn, do you not have money?” It was back in college, when my fashion cells were bursting, my dad gave me Rs.500 for emergency, mind you emergency. I went window shopping with my friends and bought Rs.399 Benetton t-shirt. When my dad saw that, he said “beta you paid Rs.400 for this baniyan?” I said daddy it’s not baniyan it’s Benetton t-shirt. He replied that it is baniyan only, it doesn’t even have collars. Oh daddy, you won’t understand. Anyway after that emergency money never happened again.
Another incidence I recall is when my dad used to take me to Bata showroom for shoe shopping. I used to always question him, dad Bata is not fashionable, he always replied, they are durable. I used to always wonder why you would want anything to be durable when you don’t like it.

Song recommendation: Patience by Guns n' Roses..here you go
Shed a tear coz I am missing you
I am still alright to smile.......

Thursday, August 10, 2006

What is pleasure?

Pleasure, for anyone is not a luxury or temporary need but an essential psychological demand for survival. Through the state of real and true enjoyment, man experiences the value of life which makes you believe that life is worthwhile, worth struggling for those honest and true moments of personal victories leading to joy. When I say personal, I do not mean hidden, not shared but moments which are true deep within one's existence and not decided by usual accumulation of collectivists.
Pleasure serves as the emotional fuel of man's successful existence. Not to mention, that man's emotional mechanism will work as per his choice of values he picks up. This is of most importance because if he erred in choice of values, his emotional mechanism will neither correct him nor shield from making a wrong choice. It is found that that there are four broad categories that allow human being to experience the enjoyment: productive work, human relationships, recreation and art (this includes array of things). Each one is inter connected and successful optimization of each will affect the others giving a fulfillment in life.
Man of self-esteem experiences the pure unadulterated enjoyment of using his faculties correctly and of achieving actual values in reality. A rational self-confident man is motivated by a love of true values and by a desire to achieve them. The difference in motivation is reflected, not only in the things different men seek for pleasure but also in the nature of the pleasure they will experience.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Critical task

Women make about 50% of the world's population and ironically, they also form a segment which is underrepresented in several categories. Education, economic growth, politics and global development are just a handful of sections. I am, by no means, ignoring, the precentage who has already made their way, or is on its' way. This concern is towards the massive number who has never seen the light beyond managing a household by forced circumstances of early marriage and numerous other circumstantial surroundings created by our society and eliminating the choices. Choice which is provided by awareness and independent thinking and both of which are spin-offs of right kind of education imparted at the right age & right time.
Question goes back to the history, who made these rules and assumed that its' a "weaker sex" and defined a role for them? or was it a conscious selection by them itself? These are the questions that have always intrigued me and would certainly like to know: why was it like that, what is the driving force that is causing a current of change and whether this wave will sustain, recede or disappear.
Some of the solutions that I can think of are:
  • guaranting women's rights and effective policies and regulations.
  • more rigorous implementation of holistic education system.
  • ensuring safer environment to increase their presence by addressing violence and abuse.
  • investing in economic development by making them key players.
Of course, all the above issues and solutions are interrelated and co-dependence of one on the other is explicit. Some results will be immediate and some not so prompt. Needless to say, that it will lead to eradication of poverty, illiteracy and low social status of a huge population. Most importantly, women play a key role in education and growth of a growing population- youth, and hence the positive outcome is bi-fold.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Lasseiz faire

So when I do not interfere with the world and I keep myself busy doing numerous things and which sometimes leaves me reflecting and believing..there is so much to do and very little time! Weather outside is wonderful so decided to run, ran less than 2 miles, which proves that I have pathetic stamina. Hope to bike a bit this weekend and obviously to make the most of the weather.
Random thoughts.." I will take his laughter and his tears and make them all my souvenirs."

Wanted to write on some philosophical premises but feel jaded on a friday night to put my brain to work so I shall put that task for the next post..:).

Point to ponder:There is always more to things than they appear at the surface and who seek this and unfold are the successful few. Right or wrong?

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

List of cool n uncool things

I think, in this world of uncertainty and unsurety, there are few things that will never change. Hence there is a list of things which will be always be cool and list of things which will be so uncool, forever. I would probably go in random order and tag it accordingly:
  • Being truly friendly, caring and affectionate- so always cool.
  • Pretending to be friendly and loving- uncool.
  • Want to be friendly but trying hard not to-so very uncool.
  • Pretending to be busy & pricey when you are not- so uncool again man.
  • Reaching out to people- cool.
  • Understanding if anything can be done for a problem- so cool.
  • Actually doing something about a problem, once you have identified the issue- very cool.
  • Conditioning your actions with the potential fear-uncool.
  • No enthusiasm and initiative- uncool.
  • Back biting- absolutely uncool.
  • Manipulation and diplomacy when something in danger-uncool.
  • Good deeds and actions- very cool.
  • Appreciating n encouraging who do good things- very cool.
  • Resisting change- uncool
  • Resisting change for good- very uncool.
  • Laughing- cool
  • Laughing hard- very cool.
  • Making fun of weak- uncool.
  • Supporting a loser- uncool.
  • Being strong, brave and courageous- super cool.
  • being stupid, timid and chicken- uncool.
  • Reaching for stars- cool.
  • Listening to a person who wants to say something- cool.
  • Avoiding, evading and rejecting to share- so very uncool.
  • Chivalry- cool
  • Respecting your parents n elderly- very cool.
  • Letting the child in you die- very very uncool.
  • Lying, deceiving and betraying- so outrageously uncool.
  • Believing in prayers- very cool.
  • Dreaming big-cool.
Feel free to add to the list if I have missed on anything crucial. I will also keep adding as and when I think of something..till then ciao.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

An objectivist ethics- happiness

Yet another philosophical quest to find out what a human mechanism entails towards emotions. Is man born with an emotional mechanism just as he is born with cognitive mechanism? Man through his cognitive faculty and mind determines the complex content to retain in his body and soul. Human mind and system is programmed through values that he/she has chosen over a period of time.
Values are the product either of his thinking based on evasion/acceptance through various experiences. Values are not a constant factor and are almost never uniform through any given set of people. This is simply because they are formulated by default, by subconscious associations, on faith (blind or rational) and some form on social osmosis (complex process) or even blind imitation. Value is that which one acts to gain and/or keep-virtue is the act by which one gains and/ or keeps it. The three important values of the objectivist ethics are- reason, purpose ans self esteem with their three corresponding virtues: rationality, productiveness and pride.
To me emotions are a product of man's premises, held consciously or subconsciously, explicitly or implicitly most of the times. Man has no choice about his capacity to feel that something is good for him or evil, but what he will consider good or evil, what will give him joy or pain, what he will love or hate, desire and fear, depends on his standard of value.
A quote from Galts' speech to which I agree: " Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy- a joy without penalty and guilt, a joy that does not clash with any of your values and does not work towards your self destruction. Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals, seeks nothing but rational values and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions."

Monday, July 10, 2006

Strategic business model

Stumbled on this compelling read about how a co-op works, what factors attribute to it and what sustains it and also its possible deficiencies. Of course, solutions to the flaws are briefly discussed but what is fascinating about the article is that it discusses the work model with the globalization in perspective. It has worked great deal for few examples but its implicit monumental logististics cannot be ignored. Solutions such as these which encourage emerging economy can probably be tested and can be adopted if successful.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Feeling unsafe

I recently read news about a serial rapist who has been operating in and around Phoenix and has nearly reached 18 rapes and murders altogether. He is still roaming free and continues with his dreadful activities. Its' scary and mere thought leaves you feeling unsafe anywhere you go. A lot of times, I schedule my going out/ coming home with a fear. Not that it will happen, but how fair is it to even feel that way. I myself, have a lot of times advised my friends, to be cautious and watchful. Eve-teasing is common and its worse form, probably what leads to nasty incidences. I feel helpless about the women who have to face any kind of shameful misbehavior. I guess we need to learn and teach to respect human life and treat both the genders with equal respect.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Tour de Tempe

Nah! There isn't anything called Tour de Tempe. I just bought a bike for myself and plan to bike often. Its a Mongoose XR-200. Yey! Thanks to Prem Kuchi for patiently listening to my specifications helping me shop around. Its seems like a pretty decent bike with some specific features which Prem Kuchi (not me and Shanti) felt were important. I wanted to add a basket to it. Yeah I used to have a basket in my previous bicycle..:).
So my biking in and around Tempe will be called as Tour de Tempe (nothing grand as Tour de France not even remotely close, people). So I did bike for like a mile and half today. Its not the ideal weather to bike around but its a good exercise to tone your legs muscles. I shall post some pictures of me with bike soon. I still need to buy a few accessories (helmet, lights etc.) which I will do piecemeal.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

last weekend

Had a very peaceful weekend. And I owe it to the blog world.;), so I blog regularly. So I will begin with the description of small get-together that I attended. Met a lot of elderly folks and kids too. Felt really nice. During one conversation, one old aunty nudged me and teased me on something, I was like OMG but it was really very sweet.:). And this is the level of elaboration I can get to probably. One tiny kid tried to get a bit friendly to me so I also went ahead and offered my friendship. For every question that I asked her she replied with a yes. You want to go on a slide? Yes. Is it hot? Yes. Can you manage? Yes. Do you want to go inside? Yes. And the next reply was only sobbing. I immediately got her inside before I got noticed as a person who makes kid cry. Phew.
Anyway, on Friday I got this really strong urge to eat Portobello mushroom ravioli in garlic cream sauce from California Pizza Kitchen. Yeah, its’ the best ravioli I have had so far and I have compared about 3 or 4 places. So I asked a few people at work. Got a great response. So I decided to invite everyone. I am known as a troublemaker at work, since I am always up to something and I might get in trouble for this one day. I should keep my humor in check though. Anyway, I decided I would invite everyone. So I sent out an email saying that this lunch is in welcome of the new recruit. Around twenty people responded positively. Yey!! Some more coordination and went, hogged and felt satiated. But, now this new recruit has developed a new kind of respect towards me. She sent me an email and came and thanked me personally too. Appa!! I was feeling guilty and thought if only she knew my train of thoughts.;).

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Ten things to do to prevent global warming

In an effort to spread the awareness, I am adding this poster from climate crisis for all of us. It gives a list of few simple things which we can incorporate in our lives to prevent global warming and our planet on the whole. Please do take a moment to read it and try and assimilate in your day to day life. Spread the word to people who are willing to listen and yeah rock on!! :)

Thursday, June 22, 2006

How does one lead a rational life in an irrational society?

My question will begin from the basic quest to find out who are we as individuals, what forms a society and how do we decide what is rational or irrational. Once we do know that its irrational, do we make noise or shrug and walk away. To me individual is an ever evolving phenomenon of discerning, making choices, actions and results. Then comes analysis, learning and synthesizing in your future life. But one question that has always bothered me is are we always trying to adapt/evolve ourselves to best possible ways in reaction to existing/dynamic surroundings. If we are, then are we just reacting to what is existing and not to the best, pure and sublime world which we all think, the way it should be.

So if we are always adjusting to something adulterated and debased and making just the best of the situation, then, we as responsible souls are allowing these things to exist in the society? And tomorrow when the future questions back how do we urge to handle it? Adjust and adapt or revolt and eradicate?

It is the fear of this responsibility that prompts most people to adopt an attitude of indiscriminate moral neutrality. If one found it difficult to maintain loyalty to ones' own conviction at the start, a succession of betrayals will only multiply the evil and courage to fight will diminish and will make it virtually impossible.

On a lighter note: song on my my mind, when you say nothin at all-by Ronan Keating from the movie Notting Hill.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Man's laws

This is a verbatim representation of the mail I got from my colleague and its' really hilarious and found it worth sharing. Its' an interesting portrayal of guy's thinking. Especially number 6, 9, 13 and 19, I found very funny.

1: Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.

2: It is OK for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
(a) When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
(b) The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
(c) After wrecking your boss's car.
(d) One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game".

3: Any Man who brings a camera to a bachelor party may be legally killed and eaten by his buddies.

4: Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out of jail within 12 hours.

5: Moaning about the brand of free beer in a buddy's fridge is forbidden. However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.

6: No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your buddy's birthday is strictly optional. At that point, you must celebrate at a strip bar of the birthday boy's choice.

7: On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.

8: When stumbling upon other guys watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.

9: It is permissible to drink a fruity alcohol drink only when you're sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless model and only when it's free.

10: Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to kick another guy in the nuts.

11: Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.

12: If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.

13: Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.

14: Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of pizza, but not both, that's just greedy.

15: If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you'd better be talking about his choice of beer.

16: Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a friend of yours, except if she's withholding sex pending your response.

17: Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing: i.e., both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.

18: Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer than you are able to. Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up if necessary.

19: It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for her to drive yours.

20: Thou shalt not buy a car in the colors of brown, pink, lime green, orange or sky blue.

21: The girl who replies to the question "What do you want forChristmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets an Xbox. End of story.

22: There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Fast Car

Well this post has got nothing to with fast car. Its' one of my favorite song since eternity, and its' by Tracy Chapman. So the simplicity of song led me write something on my own. I dunno if it can be classified as a poem. Its' imcomplete. I wrote this yesterday night. So bear with me.

He smiles I get high. He laughs I get weak.
He looks I feel alive. He looks away I feel deprived.
He is sexy; he is toxic.
He is a rush of blood I feel in my tips.
He is an icy chill. I quiver. I shiver. I long.
He moves I watch, I feel, I veer.
He talks I dont listen.
He dreams I fantasize.
He shares I feel special.
He feigns. He fakes. He covers. Its sweet.
I wait. I give up. I sail. I sing; I hum.
I feel the rain on my face. I hide; I try.

Another funny thought; My boss (clean freak) went for a vacation leaving his space squeaky sharp. Me and my colleague found it very amusing thought that if we mess up his desk. It will be so funny when he comes back to find it all botched. I can imagine him fuming..:).


Sunday, June 04, 2006

Objectivism

This is going to be one of my boring philosophical BS posts. I will probably restrict this one to few of the rules or ethics of an objectivist. Psychologically, the choice "to think or not" is the choice "to focus or not." Existentially, the choice "to focus or not" is the choice " to be concious or not". Metaphysically, the choice "to be concious or not" is the choice of life or death." Conciousness for living organism is the basic means of survival. But for man the basic means of survival is reason. Simply coz man cannot survive, as animals do, by mere guidance of perceptions. Man goes one step ahead and process of thought is doesnt remain automatic and instinctive (sometimes). Man has to initiate it, to sustain it and to hear responsibility for its results.

He has the onus of discovering, telling the truth and how to correct from his mistakes. He has to discover his rules of thought, laws of logic, to direct his thinking. Ethics is not a msytic fantasy and nor it is a social convention, subjective luxury which can be switched or discarded in any emergency (convenience sake). Ethics is an objective, metaphysical necessity of man's survival. Rationality is man's basic virtue. Suspension of such rationality or his conciousness is the refusal to know (and not ignorance). Irrationality is the rejection of man's means of survival and therefore, a commitment to a course of blind destruction which is product of anti-mind and anti-life.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Trivia

Slashdot.org gets a new look soon. Designed by Alex Bendiken. He bags a laptop and all the accolades associated with it...nifty!!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Whats' cookin?

I have been trying to incorporate healthy food habits in my regular regime. Some research led to discovery of "Asparagus." I had heard this weed name before but had never attempted to eat...:). Simply coz it sounded very pardesi to my taste buds. It turns out its' one of the very nutritious "ghas phoos"...:). So I bought some and researched a little further for some vegetarian recipes. To my disappointment, there aren't too many out there to satiate my vegetarian existence. Nevertheless, my interest in cooking and few years of experimenting gave rise to... I dont know what to name it though!! Here is the picture of it. You can send some innovative names for it after you read the recipe.





Ingredients: 5/6 sticks of Asparagus, crushed pepper, thyme, basil, cummin seeds, chopped garlic, diced onion, salt and 1 spoon of plain yogurt.

Chop the weed the way you want (size, shape really doesnt matter). Heat the pan, add a dash of oil, fry cummin seeds, garlic and onion. Saute it for 3/4 minutes on low flame, and then add the weed..:). It doesn't take too long for it to cook. Add all the spices mentioned above and cook it for 6/7 minutes. Once it looks done add the yogurt and salt. Stir it and yey..its' ready to eat. Yummy...yes it tastes really good. Yeah, I had my reservation bout it.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Women's revenge

"Cash, check or charge?" Shopkeeper asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet, he noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
"So, do you always carry your TV remote?" he asked.
"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me ,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Vande Mataram

Music,Sometimes or actually always, can stir so many emotions within your system. I am referring to this special kind of turmoil felt when I stumbled on Louis Bankss' rendition of "Vande Mataram." The impact is deep and mystifies the worthiness of my actions towards the cause.I wept like a child, with those tears flowing I probably could focus better on the task at hand. It helps me define my long term goals and hopefully won't go astray and trudge the right path.I am not sure if being so sensitive is good or not.May be it is, to feel alive. Being brought up in Mumbai (ironically the financial capital), has kept me real close to reality.I have seen extremes of societal issues,poverty, slums, inadequate facilities, red-light trafficking to just name a few.

Here I am, flapping and attempting to mature in a way that I can make a difference tommorow. Deeper understanding of problems and cognitive thinking will provide a step-by-step solutions.

On another note, I am grateful to have few people in my life. Besides my family, I have few real close friends here. Bill and Drea for my sane existence. I have shared my friendship with them for about 2 years now. Bill is Dreas' better half (very quiet person). Drea (equally opposite of Bill) is my rational and emotional support to times when I have broken down completely. I knew this post is going to be all over the place when I started. Sorry about it folks. Shall come up with something funny soon.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Kick-ass



This one cracked me up...

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Google Earth

Its' a beautiful morning and more so coz I discovered that Google has finally released their mac version of Earth. Its' a pretty peachy and slick tool. I have used it at work quite a bit and wanted to fashion it on my laptop for leisure pleasure. As a result of my ego search, here is the aerial image of my home, People familiar with Tempe will notice Rural road on left-side and ASU on further left.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Bowling at work

Dont let the title mislead you. I dint bowl at work but with work people. Last week we had bowling nite for the entire office as one of the events in our series of office socials. So we do have two so called "social directors" in our office who have taken up this job of organizing events like these. So these guys come up with fun ideas which have always revolved around some sports in my tenure. One of the guy gives these events a tournament feel by fishing about good players, teaming, scores and trophies. We had about 5 teams led by a different captains. Yeah he picked me as one of the captains despite me clarifying that I am not a good player. He was supsicious about this since he had witnessed the badminton tournament.
So onus on me to perform was high. It didn't work. I sucked and was one of the lowest scores in the first game. Only one guy was lower than me who was in ultimate boss's team. Now his position was so miserable, imagining that he was in team led by ferociously competent and yeah boss too. This team was next to our lane. I must have heard boss screaming at that guy to perform. Imagine your boss yelling at you to bowl better. I even heard him saying " look at Pallavi even she is doing better than you and look at Megan even she is doing better than you." I had sympathies with him man.
Well anyway, two games average was computed and I made sure where we stood before I left. My team was second. The funniest thing happened the next morning. Mr.boss hovers around and says, "yesterday evening was lot of fun and grabbing second position was awesome." Hello!!! I had to turn back and clarify it was my team which came second. He argued with me for a short time, I didn't budge though. So I approached the social director and requested him to email the results of the game to everyone. After half hour he comes again and says, "ok so your team came second, only by 6 points." Exact thought on my mind was 6 points but still. I was grinning...:).

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Professor Paul Rothstein

I was one of the privileged student at ASU to go to School of Design and had a marvelous opportunity of being in the same era of Professor Paul Rothstein. I had taken couple of his classes and had an opportunity to be in seminars on some of the design issues he was working on. His personality was magnetic and sharp. Very few people have that beaming glow of intelligence in their eyes and Paul was one of them. He literally forced people to think critically and objectively about design issues, rather than having that vague and inexplicable quality. Everyone just nodded in sheer agreement with his point of view because it just made pure logic. He divided the design issues in plain smaller solvable sections and dealt with each one and like a straightforward scientific problem. No abstraction involved and ignored. His approach to design theory was neat and presented factually. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not with us anymore.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

I am an optimist!!

Why am I an optimist? First reply would be because I know it. Ok I am kidding. I have a better answer based on experience, growth, maturity and keen sense of understanding of sophisticated atmosphere around us.

Firstly, being optimist doesn't imply excluding the factor "not having to fail." Secondly, being
optimistic doesn't refrain one from cognitive thinking and rationale in action. Why sometimes people tend to walk towards pessimism? Simply life has treated them in unexpected ways. I have seen various levels of pessimism. People often judge their current circumstances with reference to past events, which is fair to some extent. To analyze the past events fully and move on is the smartest way. Another point I would clarify is that being optimistic doesn't mean suspension of critical anatomizing. It rather refers to the enthusiasm and zeal with which you take anything new with certain amount of risk factor. The risk factor cannot be diminised fully, simply because you are dealing with unknown, dynamic and everchanging scenarios and people try to adapt as adeptly as possible.

If you have started at anything with some amount of pessimism, to me battle (battle may not be the best word here) has begun half heartedly in the first place. Everyone feels their life is most tough. My sister-in-law once told me this saying and it's been with me since then- "Never underestimate anyone's struggle. Each and everyone of us are fighting our own battle."

What happens when there is an optimistic enthusiast around?Ohhh... Advantage is multifold. It immediately creates an aura of positive energy and conditions conducive for synergy of ideas and their realizations. On the other hand, not starting a dialogue because of uncertainty is rejecting whole lot possibilities of new horizons and dreams to be fulfilled.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Sweet Mystery

All those who waited patiently..guys I wasnt attempting to create mystery intentionally. Was really really busy. So here it is...


Thats' right!!! 19" Dell Ultra Sharp flat panel LCD monitor..:D. For all the mundane info (if you care to know).
Why is it special to my heart? Coz it replaces one ugly, fat CRT one from my study...
and check-out all the room around it..sweet...na?





















Coming up next......My poem on eyez..

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

New gadget

Just got my new cool baby added to my gadget family. Cant' wait to get home..:)..Mystery shall be revealed soon.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Do we compromise in life?

This question has always troubled me and urged to think about my actions and the way I deal with life in general or specific. First of all the question arises, what do we really mean by the word "compromise." To me compromise is merely a betrayal of one's principles (or even the standards you have set for your life)- a self surrender to any irrational (purely when you are not able to convince your own self), unethical and hurtful/harmful claim (long term, short-term).

Personal integrity is often abused simply because we have made that comfortable fluctuation (in total awareness). I don't think we can get confused (in our attentive mindful presence of soul) between an innocent mistake and a honest betrayal of regulations of every day operations of a system which we refer to as life. Its not a compromise when we see rational validity in a situation and learn quickly and move on. e.g., accepting publishers' meaningful suggestions is not a compromise but making some changes in order to please him or to please public against one's own standards is. Also accompanying one's husband or wife to a concert, when one does not care for music is not a compromise.

I personally feel that there can be no compromise on moral principles. Does life really need a surrender of that which is true and good to that which is false and evil? Well I really strongly don't think so. It precisely what life forbids-if one wishes to achieve anything but a stretch of tortured years spent in progressive self-destruction. Think about it..:)

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Carrot, egg or coffee bean?

Here is a story which puts you to think about what kind of a person you are or have become. As soon as I read this I was sure of my choice. I think I am an egg at this stage of my life and probably moving towards being a coffee bean. Here it is for you:

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water,
its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same,
but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Let me know your pick.

On a very different note I have these songs on my mind..:).
-Tumko dekha to yeh khayal aaya zindagi dhoop tum ghana saaya (Saath-saath)
-Aap ki aakhon mein kuch mehke hue se khwaab hai (Ghar)..:D
-Tu bin bataye (Rang de Basanti)
-Chandi jaisa rang hai tera (Pankaj Udhas)
-Naina milaike (Saathiya)
-Gali mein aaj chaand nikla (Zakhm)
-Best of me (Bryan Adams)
-Hungry eyes (Dirty Dancing)

Thats' it for now. Believe me, this list is so long that I can stay awake all night listening to my favorites but I don't have that choice. I have be at work at 8am morning.:(((. Anyway on this romantic note I say good night to all of you and if you want any of those songs please email me I shall send it to you.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Top ten things only women understand.

It may not be a very significant, descriptive and informational blog but I found it very funny. Here is a list of 10 things ONLY women understand and I seriously believe in couple of points being really true.:). Like number 9 and 5...hehehe.

10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell colors.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One Number One thing only women understand :

1. OTHER WOMEN

Saturday, March 11, 2006

At work!!

After a fair amount of contemplation I decided to put this entry on my blog for everyone. Wasn’t sure, simply because it involved my colleagues, and it might get me in trouble. Anyway, being brave has been fun. My immediate team member is a middle-aged lady, very bright, hard working and a wonderful mentor. She is equally disorganized, believes in piling stuff in layers in no particular order and doesn’t know if concept of filing exists. She has been claiming to come to office on weekends to clean her cubicle area since eternity. On the other hand my project director who is also middle aged man, very charming (supposedly the most handsome guy in our office), dedicated, extremely organized (gives me cut-throat competition on this), climbing up the hierarchy ladder very fast and has a very keen sense of humor. Now he comes once every month to put all the drawings, documents, submittals in order. Now obviously he is very proud of this fact and leaves no opportunity to tease my neighbor colleague that her surrounding is a ghetto. He will use this word in different combinations, its’ a “ghetto,” “ghetto area”, “ghetto world” and likewise. I always give controlled smile on these comments.

But the other day, he comes around and says “ohh it’s a ghetto and the next thing you know there is a RV truck parked in our cubicle.” I think I chuckled out and so did he. When I couldn’t control anymore I had to go out and finish laughing for another ten minutes or so. Now obviously by this sarcastic humor we two had a good laugh but she was flushed with embarrassment. When I got back to my desk I couldn’t look straight into her eyes for like an hour. I gradually gave some wisecracks about the guy who left our team and firm because he didn’t get two/three hour lunch breaks to play football and stuff. Things look fine and friendly between all of us now. She is a good sport.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Vows

I stumbled on this very interesting and an over achiever's blog.He has very generously shared his wedding vows. Each and every vow is deep and made nothing but pure sense. It is very meaningful and just the way relationship should be. With all the credit to him I am sharing this with everyone:

# Do you, A and B, pledge to help each other in developing your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom, as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life, and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, joy and equanimity? Do you pledge to grow in dharma?

# Do you pledge to support each other's journey, to continually shine light on each other's virtue, and support individual intuitions, even when it doesn't directly benefit yourself? Do you pledge to reinforce and complement each other's virtue?

# Understanding that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each person is also a mystery to us. Do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with openness and joy? Do you pledge to trust the inexplicable ways of the universe?

# Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your compassion, wisdom, and skill? Do you pledge to remember the harmfulness of ignorance, anger and clinging attachment, to apply antidotes when these arise in your minds, to recall the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them? Do you pledge to be an instrument of selfless service?

# Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally, your own minds and emotions will sometimes get challenged by negativity, do you pledge to see all these circumstances as opportunities to grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other? Do you pledge to be real, in all situations?

# When it comes time to part, do you pledge to reflect on your time together with thankfulness for the ways in which you have grown, acceptance that all things are temporary and empty of inherent satisfaction, and joy that you met and shared what you have? Do you pledge to cultivate gratitude for the boundless gifts you have received?

# Do you pledge to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, and to share it with all beings? To take the loving feelings you have for one another and your vision of each other's potential and inner beauty as an example, and rather than spiraling inwards and becoming self absorbed, to radiate this love outwards to all beings? Do you pledge to expand your family to include all living beings?

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Are we really ever content?

Do we really ever feel content with ourselves? I have felt content and that feeling has lasted for a short span, simply because I immediately saw something which needed my action. The urge has orbited around plethora of activities like learning a musical instrument, dance, community outreach, learn to sing, philosophy, professional growth and a lot more (believe me the list is really long). I guess this feeling of restlessness is the seed behind all our actions. We always hope for something better and sweet on the horizon. The feeling of non-stop seeking and then achieving is what we call being "alive."

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Be the Change

Ok I have been tagged by this Kartik ka baccha (he is a baccha in literal senses though). I will never forgive u for not giving me a new number..:). Anwyway,

A LIST OF THINGS I DO TO BE THE CHANGE, UNCONDITIONALLY.

1. Not litter in public and point out to people who do that.Keep ur environment clean just the way u want to keep ur house clean.

2.Car pool whenever possible and minimize the use of our resources.

3.Try to be good & protective to weak and vulnerable. There are bunch of people (read losers) out there who grab every opportunity to use you.. So be strong.

4.Promote Ayn Rand philosophy of "Objectivism" as much as possible.

5.Be involved in some kind of cultural thingie to keep my roots in place.

6.Love my family.

7.Laugh often, long, loud & till my cheeks hurt. It creates positive energy anywhere and eases things out.

8. Be an active sportsperson which means playing lawn tennis, table tennis or badminton on a regular basis.

9. Last but not the least beat Kartik. Yes unconditionally..:D.

THINGS I HOPE TO DO TO BRING SOME CHANGE.

1. Get more involved and be more productive to AIDIndia.

2. Make more friends.

3. Write poems more often.

4. Put condescending people in place.

5. Compliment and appreciate more often who do good work, things or deeds.

ok I think thats it for now. Not able to think more right now.


Ohhh and to keep the spirit of tagging alive I am tagging Mr.Venktesh Kalyanaraman. This will also give a much needed kick-start to Venky's blog.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Ashes n Snow

Yesterday my boss came to me and said "I want to show you something and I know you will appreciate it." He introduced me to this website which features work of a Canadian photographer "Gregory Colbert." I am so intrigued by his work. He seems to be very keenly exploring the silence of nature. He has very beautifully portrayed the synergy between the man and animal in a very simple yet very sophisticated way. The use of lights, backgrounds and minimalistic approach to colors are just mindblowing.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

.....

Song on my mind from the movie Rang de basanti. Its' a hardcore romantic song and trying to sing along with the same melody. Lyrics are really beautiful and touchy. My attempt to put the lyrics together.

Tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi.

tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin
jahan tu muskuraye, meri manzil wahi..

meethi lage, jag ke dekhi abhi, mishri ki dali,
zindagi ko chali jahan hai teri bahein,
mera saahil hai wahi.

tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin,
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi..

man ki dali to phuaron aa
bhig jae mere khaabon ka kafila
jise tu gunganae meri dhun hai wahi.

tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin,
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi..

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Food habits

Today I was reflecting on my food habits and how they have changed over a period of time. Todays' diet included: two honey wheat pretzels sticks..gosh (when I came to US I use to wonder how people can put themselves through torture of having pretzels.)fat free harvest peach yoplait yogurt, veggie sandwich with sprouts and avacado..(goodness), herbal green tea (bhagwan). I was thinking if I would have been in India these things would never come to my life.:D. My food must have included paratha, masala chai (one thing I dont understand is why people give me d looks when I put milk and sugar in my tea man. I like it that way yaar), aloo matar, paneer and all those kinds of fancy things man. I remember as a kid I was quite a pain for my mamma. I used to not like any vegetable except aloo, paneer, matar & baigan. I hated palak because the way it looked..(I had to be fashionable in my food too..:D), gobhi for its smell, karela for obvious reasons. For pretty long time I did not eat any other dal then tuar dal coz I did not like color of other daals..hehe. Now here I am and have become very acceptable towards diferent vegetables and food habits. Mom is going to be so happy and thrilled when she sees that I eat all those things which were normal and cook it too.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Dreams

Just when I was sitting on heap of broken dreams, those special wishes unfulfilled.Along came this video on dreams Sometimes life doesn't really behave the way you had expected. You may want to stop and change the direction of wind or try not dream. You may be able to do it for a lil while but not for too long. Its' not human. I guess dreams are what keep us moving. Its a driving force for our life. So dont let life bog you down, stumble but get up and look up and find your star. Its there waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the ride!

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Sore muscles

So after a span of 3/4 months I played tennis yesterday. I ran, served, smashed...phew. And now today every part of my body is sore.:(. I played on hard court and its always great to be on hard court than grass or clay (since clay gives you a natural bounce) for that matter. My comments on my game..:D. I have a strong serve, awesome forehand but I suck at backhand..hehe. I think its weak, lacks force but if I get footwork and positioning correct its works sometimes..aahhh. My goal is to work towards my backhand stroke. I guess I tend to use more of my forearm which restricts the force and even if I try using two-handed backhand which will be a good strategy. My being an "offensive player" kinda restricts my backhand stoke and thats' why I do well at forehand smashes and shots. So I am reading stuff on backhand strokes..:D.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Saathiya

Have you ever heard such a passionate song that you get goose bumps listening...oooooh. Song Mangalyam from the movie Saathiya belongs to such a category. Rahman's superb blend of beats, rythm, voices of KK and Shaan create nothing less than a magical effect.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Midnight madness

This is what I did for new year. Midnight madness is a healthy alternative against pubs, parties and dancing. I took part in this 3 miles race along with a friend. Although, I couldnt finish the entire race running but I completed the remaining distance ,walking..:D. On the other hand my friend did rather well. He finished pretty close to the third spot..:D. All in all it was awesome fun and good exercise too. One thing I cannot ignore is that I need to exercise regularly.
Wish you all a very happy and a prosperous new year ahead. May God be on your side.