Picture a poem
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Bridge Over Troubled Water
P. Simon, 1969
(From the album of the same name by Simon and Garfunkel)
When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
When you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Sabbath
Sunday, February 25, 2007As you lie down on Saturday night and set your alarm because you find out you have a busy day and an early morning for a Sunday, the thought of not getting to snuggle in bed is disappointing. So when the alarm goes off at 7 am on a Sunday, you amble out of bed to turn on the coffee pot, you open the blinds lazily and you realize - Nature has made a decision for you. She has decided that one neednt be this busy on a Sabbath- the day God decided that men rest from all labors. She has taken it upon herself to make sure you laze, veg, unwind guilt-free. She has decided to cover the ground in a wintry mix-there's snow, there's ice, there's a wintry mix. You trek back to bed and smile as your slowly sink into a deep sleep!
Doesnt pass for time pass
For all the hype and hoopla this was a typcial case of "much ado about nothing". The interviews and the music seemed promising. Reema Kagti's directorial debut, Farhaan/Zoya's promising venture- all this sure cooked up a khichdi which turned out bland and tasteless.
A disappointing investment of time, money and energy for a Friday dinner and a movie!
Totally agree with this review.
Rating : 2.5/5
Blue's blues
Friday, February 23, 2007Once upon a time, when I was a frequent flyer(both for business and for pleasure), like any common (wo)man, I have had my fair share of flight related woes. Right from being stranded in transit at O'Hare due to weather to sitting on the runway for 5 hours at Newark due to mechanical problems. One learns over time to demand for hotel vouchers at the right time, to never stand in the line AT THE AIRPORT for rescheduling the ticket(you call or go online, silly!) and equipping oneself with ipods, laptops, cell phone chargers and many more gadgets to while away one's time. One also learns tricks to check in standby, to carry the minimum makeup items to not have to checkin baggage and so on and so forth.
For about 4 months during this "frequent flying" period I was supposed to fly from DC to Boston regularly, every week Mon-Thu. I had perfected the routine of leaving early on Monday mornings, taking the first or second flight out, renting the car, driving the 40 mins to a Boston suburb etc etc that I could do all this and be able to THINK clearly of my day's workload. In these weeks, out of trial and error I had figured that there was nothing as punctual or smooth as Jetblue airways. Much like Jetblue, thy name is punctuality. If I had a flight at 7am, so long as I made myself available near the gates by 6:30am, A Jetblue flight would definitely take off and land at the designated time, without fuss.
And that, in today's state of domestic airlines is just a mammoth task, something no other airline(I have tried every one of them out there) has been able to accomplish. I used to read JetBlue's sky magazine and had long since fallen for its simplistic ideals and dedication. I was very impressed with the founder's story and the history behind the airline. I totally agree, for such regular travellers there's no other luxury required except that of travelling on time with no hiccups. Who needs business class and champagne during a hectic work schedule AND for a one hour 20 minute flight? I enjoyed the satellite TV that this airline offers and the "blue" chips so characteristic of this wonderful airline. Also many a time, I have walked out from another airline's ticket counter filled with disgust at their shoddy service and cancellations and delays and lo and behold! a helpful JetBlue rep would print out a new ticket for a flight that left in 30 mins and I'd be back home just as I wished! In all those times, I have saved a special prayer for JetBlue, long live the airline.
So recently when I read about the cancellations at Jetblue due to the storm that clouded the North-East coast during Valentine's day and the commotion it stirred, I was not surprised. All the other airlines were waiting for such an incident to happen to JetBlue so they could feel better about their miserable service. Another case of "how the mighty have fallen" in their eyes. They must have gotten tired of hearing customers rave about the Mighty Blue.
But I am sure none of JetBlue's loyal customers are going to change their minds, such an incident cannot and will not cause a stir. And the way JetBlue has apologized and is making amends, kudos! I was reminded to write this because I actually received an email from JetBlue apologozing for their disruptions. Their new customer Bill of Rights makes one wish the other domestic airlines would be half as courteous as JetBlue is and has been. I mean, which airline takes the trouble to email every customer apologizing for its mistakes? In the first place a weather related incident is god send for these airlines to disrupt their flight schedules. I dont even believe JetBlue needs to be fully responsible for bad weather! Any other airline wouldnt even reschedule/refund or give hotel vouchers conveniently blaming the weather and washing their hands off all and any kind of blame or responsibility.
And I cant believe all the other slimy creepy airlines are trying to maximize on JetBlue's forthrightness! Pathetic!
JetBlue rules and soars!
--a staunch Blue fan
"suji wa dokushin ni kagiru"
Tuesday, February 20, 2007Greek? Latin? Neither- its Japanese meaning "the digits must occur only once" and SuDoKu is its acronym. And now I have the latest....
It started with an innocent looking 10 page booklet that I grabbed at a Borders in San Jose airport some 2 yrs ago. Then the collection grew to Sudoku books ranging from beginner's, easy, medium and tough.
and daily Newspaper puzzles
and then Web Sudoku
and then Jigsawdoku
and then yahoo groups Sudoku
and then iGadget Sudoku
Now Sudoku cube.
Its Shifoku(go figure this one :p)!
Curiously strange encounter
7:45am on a weekday
Lunchbox, gym bag, laptop, cell phone-check, check, check and check. Ready, set go. And the calendar alarms pops :"Meet Debbie at 11am".
NPR news drones about the latest bomb attacks in Iraq.
8am same weekday @gas station
Swipe credit card, set grade to 93, remove nozzle and set to fill.
Favorite pastime : People watching.
At the pump next-door, is seen a youngish woman/girl most likely in her mid-twenties, with highlights, a red pant-suit with a brown trim, brown boots, long and flowing black coat, gloves, shades. She repeats the steps as outlined above and returns to the car to continue with the rest of the unfinished makeup routine.
While she can be seen dabbing her makeup, "What could she be thinking right now?" is the muse. I warrant a guess after making a mental note of the absence of any rings on her fingers. "Hm, maybe I could do Chipotle for lunch today. Need to call XYZ before 9. And I have client meetings at 10 and 11 and some more at 2 and 3. Need to email Mom and send her pics from this weekend's ski trip. ..........."
"Beep, beep" chimes the pump and says thats its done filling the beamer up. "Printing receipt" and it spits out a flimsy piece of paper out telling me just how much one spent early in the am on "gas"- the most controversial and in demand commodity of modern times". Gas tank gets closed, and with a casual pat, I get in and drive away to begin yet another busy day at work.
11am same day at an office :
"Ma'am, I am here to meet with Debbie. I have an appointment with her for 11." I say.
"If you'll have a seat, she'll meet with you in a minute" says the receptionist as she dials Debbie and lets her now that her client was here.
Out of the narrow corriders of the offices walks a girl in a red pant suit. My senses realize within minutes it is the girl from the gas station. "Hello " she says, while extending her hand, "I am Debbie, nice to meet you. Lets sit in my office and discuss your case- you said you got a speeding ticket?"
The voice of reason has spoken...........
| You Should Be a Painter |
 You have the vision, patience, and skill to bring your unique visions to canvas. And you're even tempered enough not to cut your ear off in the process! |
Yup, I totally agree. My childhood dream profession was to be an artist. Hence Paris held a special charm(akin to Alice in Wonderland). I would read many novels that talked about the amateur artists that moved to Paris to make it big, and the Renaissance movement. I could almost see with my minds eyes, artists flocking to major European cities, learning new and improved techniques, collaborating with the best and brilliant. What a time, what an age, what an era!
And wonder of wonders another voice of reason says.........
| You Belong in Paris |
 You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe. |
The asterix affection
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Alright, time for another trip back in time!
I first got introduced to Asterix comics when my uncle(mother's bro) bought two brand spanking new copies (I believe it was Asterix and the Big Fight and Asterix and the Soothsayer) from Gangarams on his annual visit.
Having been spoilt by Tintin I was reluctant to give these a try. The trick with trying new comics is the initiation process of learning about the characters, the history and background. Sometimes one prefers to laze comfortably in the known world of Five Findouters or Famous Five or some such. When I'd run out of other options, try I did.
I instantly fell in love with the characters, the setting, the history-I fell for this series lock, stock and barrel. I borrowed every book in the series once and many times over such that now I know every story and have memorized most of the lines. But I can always go back any time, any day and re-read another one of this wonderful series. What always amazes me is the ingenuity and creativity of these authors to have produced such a great setting, the stupendous characterization, the humor and the jest. And last but not the least, sheer appreciation for the names used(this is by far the biggest highlight). Credit must also be given for the translation, which has maintained the essence and impact of the stories without taking away the nuances of the vernacular.
Feature or bug?
- "Hey" pops a window from one of the many messenger sessions.
- "You've got mail" says the voice from the laptop.
- "Ringgggg...." goes the cell phone.
- The never-ending drone of the TV is heard in the background.
- Half of glass of coke and a plate of cookies can be seen somewhere in the vicinity.
- The dish washer is heard cranking away to glory.
- The steady churning of the washing machine adds a rhythmic beat to the noises around.
- The slow cooker is "slowly" cooking a delectable meal for the evening.
- And with all this half a shirt is left un-ironed(the auto-off feature on these modern-day irons is SUCH a help!)
Has multitasking become a modern day luxury or a manic menace?
Footnote : Movie of the week(end) was Eklavya. Very passable fare, thank god it was a short one. Some brilliant photography and set design. Despite the strong cast, the weak storyline kept this kite from flying too high.
Soup-er Zen
Monday, February 12, 2007
Live to earn or earn to live
Give and take or take and give
Either way you see the rules of life
In glory or in strife
All that glitters sure is not gold
There's no comfort in drinking soup turned cold.
Reviews and rehashes
Wednesday, February 07, 2007"The Spanish Gardener" by AJ Cronin
- I am surprised the wiki has nothing to say about this masterpiece by AJC. I happened to buy this as a used book recently for a re-read.
I still remember being 15 and crying buckets of tears over this book. The narrative is excellent and crisp, the emotions are wonderfully conveyed and the setting is simple and realistic. I cant say more except that reading the book is such a fantasy ride akin to those roller-coasters in a theme park. With good writing, the scenes and characters come to life in a bygone era and with varied emotions and psyches.
One of my projects is to try to re-create the "Two sister, on a terrace" oil painting by Renoir in watercolor. Its my sister's favorite paintings and I have a soft corner for it myself. No, we(sisters) are not even this close to being as pretty as those two girls in the painting, but the minute we sighted this painting, we instantly related it to us. That was my highlight of visiting the Art museum at Chicago.
-The End
Irony!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007| You Should Travel to India |
 You're a passionate, gusty traveler - and India's gritty urban centers won't scare you away. Maybe you'll take in the Taj Mahal, eat the best curry of your life, or attend a huge street festival. |
Comfort in crossed legs
Blame it on my short stature or small build, I enjoy sitting in a cross-legged position. For many years, ,meals in my grandparents' house was always on the floor, sitting cross-legged on cane mats and eating messy but superbly tasteful south indian fare.
Till we could afford dining tables. Then most of my homework was done sitting cross-legged next to an open french window, with brief pauses either to smell the roses or gasp for a breath of fresh air. I believe my best intellectual moments have been whilst I have been seated thus.
When I started working, there-in I began to run into this problem of never finding an opportunity to sit comfortably(as in cross-legged) and work. My inital years as intern and a "beginner" in the office had me literally on my toes and I'd willingly give up my first born in turn for some time to put my feet up and sit. But my kind boss would give me a few brief minutes in a day to indulge in my love for sitting cross-legged. While working late in the evening, he'd look up from his desk to catch me sitting cosily in the old rickety chair , toiling away to glory. "You really should head home now" he'd say quite unconvinced, after this sight. Sure one wouldnt feel like going home, if one already FELT at home in this position.
And then when I came to the US, I sure was in deep trouble, to say the least. For the first couple of years, I made desperate attempts to never give in to my evil thoughts on sneaking this posture in. I was afraid that I'd get fired(yes, believe it or not, call me timid!). After a couple of years, and I had settled into a comfortable rapport with my colleagues and cohorts, one lazy afternoon- I did it! I slipped my open toed sandals out(it was summer then) and sank into the swivel chair in my oh-so-comfortable posture. Man it felt heaven! The next 2 hrs flew by while I effortlessly worked with my headphones on. I am sure there were quite a few coworkers that passed by with a second glance. I even heard some taunting over the cube walls.......but I trudged along. I even had a couple of others indulge in this pleasure when they had mounds of work piled up that needed them to stay put at their desks. Since then on it was a regular sight to see minnie-mouse(which was a nick for me) bundled up in her seat and typing away to glory. No one complained to HR and I believed I had won a small and non-existent battle right then.
Since then, everywhere I go, I normally resort to my "patented" position when I have loads of work to do and a lot of people stop by to marvel at how I could curl myself into this challenging position and not feel cramped! Thats when I feel like saying "I come from the land of yoga, its in my blood!" :)
I am in this heaven right now as I chug along yet another work day- hey I figure if work is inevitable, why not make it enjoyable?
Story of the Iwo Jima
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Sometimes it takes a movie or a book to understand the significance and daunting history behind any memorial, artifact or relic from the past.
I have been to this memorial many times with visitors and as a visitor myself, passed by many times, but never really understood the poignant tale behind till I watched "Letters from Iwo Jima".
Brilliantly crafted piece by Clint Eastwood, moving, somewhat lengthy- but definitely warrants all the Oscar nominations.
We get to watch Ken Watanabe(of the Memoirs of a Geisha, The last Samurai and Batman fame) and the movie has a wonderful message-that of the massive price paid in wars of the many lives of normal people who take up the onus of serving their country. The Iwo Jima invasion was a landmark in Japanese soil, a perfect example of "do or die" orders from the Imperial Govt.
The wiki and imdb say it better, as always.
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