quite a mug
Originally uploaded by viyered.
taken outside the largest pewter factory, Royal Selangor, in Malaysia, on a rainy day.
12/07/2004
12/06/2004
Asian TV Awards and other exciting stuff..
No apologies for staying away from my blog. There's lot been happening in life. I am now officially on the wrong side of twenties. And, so there was some obvious despair. Now that I have recovered and have come to terms with the "number 26", I will move on.
To start with the festival of lights, Deepavali, went off so smooth and smoke free that I felt it was just an off day from work. Miss the loud, thundering fireworks that were such an integral part of this festival. I mean lighting four small diyas is not an ideal way of celbration. Phew..
On the brighter side, I made traditional South Indian food for the first time, and to sheer joy it was quite edible. At least that's what Viyer and my Dad's best friend who had come home for a meal insisted. :)
Suddenly with a shoestring budget, we also managed to have a small getaway in Malaysia, at a short notice. I like KL so much better than my grey concrete paradise. It is not so fanatically organised and disciplined as my current habitat, but there was colour in the crowd and aroma in the air. There was commotion, excitement, dirt, believable cleanliness, and everything that is not irritatingly perfect.
The highpoint was however the Asian TV awards. My first awards night outside India. In the past, I have just seen similar ceremonies at home on TV. It was quite an experience sitting right there, in the fourth row from the stage. Sometimes, I had imagined that the dancers from the might just throw some props at me, coz I was giggling throughout—like a teenager in a Justin Kimberlake concert J
Met a colleague from Delhi at the event. With a little weight and coats of makeup somehow she looked quite different from when I saw her. Anyways, it is nice to get a smile in an event where the browns were about 0.2% in a quintessential 98.8 Chinese gathering.
Had my first brush with racialism here in the so called cosmopolitan, advanced tolerant society. Almost gave up but for Viyer and a friend’s advice. So now, like a friend of mine always says, I have “lost weight and gained thick skin!!”
Oh by the way also watched Incredibles, SAW, Princess Dairies -II, To Sir With Love, Monalisa Smile, Alfie, Addicted to Love…
More action in my blog when there is some in my life. Hee Haa..
Cheerio people!
To start with the festival of lights, Deepavali, went off so smooth and smoke free that I felt it was just an off day from work. Miss the loud, thundering fireworks that were such an integral part of this festival. I mean lighting four small diyas is not an ideal way of celbration. Phew..
On the brighter side, I made traditional South Indian food for the first time, and to sheer joy it was quite edible. At least that's what Viyer and my Dad's best friend who had come home for a meal insisted. :)
Suddenly with a shoestring budget, we also managed to have a small getaway in Malaysia, at a short notice. I like KL so much better than my grey concrete paradise. It is not so fanatically organised and disciplined as my current habitat, but there was colour in the crowd and aroma in the air. There was commotion, excitement, dirt, believable cleanliness, and everything that is not irritatingly perfect.
The highpoint was however the Asian TV awards. My first awards night outside India. In the past, I have just seen similar ceremonies at home on TV. It was quite an experience sitting right there, in the fourth row from the stage. Sometimes, I had imagined that the dancers from the might just throw some props at me, coz I was giggling throughout—like a teenager in a Justin Kimberlake concert J
Met a colleague from Delhi at the event. With a little weight and coats of makeup somehow she looked quite different from when I saw her. Anyways, it is nice to get a smile in an event where the browns were about 0.2% in a quintessential 98.8 Chinese gathering.
Had my first brush with racialism here in the so called cosmopolitan, advanced tolerant society. Almost gave up but for Viyer and a friend’s advice. So now, like a friend of mine always says, I have “lost weight and gained thick skin!!”
Oh by the way also watched Incredibles, SAW, Princess Dairies -II, To Sir With Love, Monalisa Smile, Alfie, Addicted to Love…
More action in my blog when there is some in my life. Hee Haa..
Cheerio people!
11/06/2004
November - Rain, Heat and Fun
November has crept in silently, I am pinching myself hard to believe that it really has. With the temperatures soaring high, and recurring rains, no sane soul who has enjoyed four seasons would believe that. The truth is I hate it. I want to see winter. I want to sleep on Sundays in my warm quilt. I want my Mommy to give me that strong ginger tea. Phew...lemme slap myself back to the Singaporean reality. It's summertime here in the beautiful month of November.
Saw my sideburned boss at his best today. Always thought he was low in the balls department. Lo, he proved me and the entire team wrong. To one of our clients, which is more like a sick rabbies-stricken dog that needed to be shot dead, he did exactly that! With complete conviction, on the square table, he banged his right hand and sprouted those golden words, most of which you and I would only sound to our inner selves silently in most closed door meetings.
"We have had enough, we put our foot down....you dont like us....well, mate, we dont like you either!". Superlative performance it was, and I am going to relive this exhilaration throughout this weekend.
Among other things, US elections kept me entertained as well. Singapore , like a true blue asian dot (read country) did not miss a single frame of the footage from ABC and CNN.
One thing is sure, only America can provide wholesome entertainment to the entire world. We will be entertained by the same clown for another four years. It will be fun!
Oh by the way, I also watched a mixed collection of films this week, Cellular, Along Came Polly, and SharkTale and Pacific Heights. Hope the next week will be so much fun too.
Saw my sideburned boss at his best today. Always thought he was low in the balls department. Lo, he proved me and the entire team wrong. To one of our clients, which is more like a sick rabbies-stricken dog that needed to be shot dead, he did exactly that! With complete conviction, on the square table, he banged his right hand and sprouted those golden words, most of which you and I would only sound to our inner selves silently in most closed door meetings.
"We have had enough, we put our foot down....you dont like us....well, mate, we dont like you either!". Superlative performance it was, and I am going to relive this exhilaration throughout this weekend.
Among other things, US elections kept me entertained as well. Singapore , like a true blue asian dot (read country) did not miss a single frame of the footage from ABC and CNN.
One thing is sure, only America can provide wholesome entertainment to the entire world. We will be entertained by the same clown for another four years. It will be fun!
Oh by the way, I also watched a mixed collection of films this week, Cellular, Along Came Polly, and SharkTale and Pacific Heights. Hope the next week will be so much fun too.
10/31/2004
Singapore slips in global press freedom survey
SINGAPORE has slipped down the latest world press freedom ranking, according to international association Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF). The Republic is now ranked 147th out of 167 countries, three rungs lower than last year, making it the lowest ranked developed country when it comes to press freedom. Malaysia is ranked 122nd while Indonesia is 117th.
RSF described The Straits Times as practising "systematic self-censorship in its domestic reporting" while noting that Today and Streats published independent commentaries on the domestic situation more often. RSF said that the rankings are not indicators of the press quality. Read the complete rankings here.
10/02/2004
Just felt like writing in hindi today
Aaj pehli baar lagta hai jaise ki mein likhoon
Likhoon woh sab kuch zehan mein mere
Baar baar jo sochne par majboor kartee mujhe
Aisa kya hua ki bachpan jo kal tak yaheen tha
Aaj achanak alvida keh raha hai
Abhi kal hi ki baat thi sardi ka mausam tha,
Garam rajayee mein baithee,
Chai peete huae padhne ki koshish kar rahee thee
Tabhi telephone ki ghanti bajtee
Aur phir kitaab band aur shuru hotee
khoob saari idhar udhar ki betuki batein, bewajeh gupshup..
Ghanto hum baat karte,
Na jaane kya woh mausam tha
Ki baaten khatm hi nahi hoti
Matlab, maksad bina, aise hi bas
Aur phir jeb kharch ke naam par choubees rupaye
Woh bhi yaad hai mujhe
Yakeen hain ki koi college ke paas waale chole bhature,
Aur woh bus ke dhakke kabhi bhool nahi sakte
Tab sarkaar banee thee jab Atal Bihaari ki
Hum sum Khadi pehen kar parlaiment ke session discuss karte
aur phir Pramod Mahajan ke speech kole kar emotional hote
Jab padosi desh ne parmaanu bomb kee pareeksha kee
Dilli ki sadko par hum naare laga rahe the
Chappal ghis jatee par sadkain kabhi khatam nahi hotee
Connaught place ke anginat chakkar
aur woh burger aur aloo chat
Shhaam hotee to bus stop par
hum aise alvida kahte jaise
ki phir kabhi milenge hi nahi
Chaar paanch saal mein lagta hai
jaise ek arsaa guzar gaya
doston ka saath choota,
zindagi bas jaise college ke baad se ruk hee gayee
Kya aisa sab ke saath hota hai?
Ya, mein over react kar rahee hoon aaj?
Likhoon woh sab kuch zehan mein mere
Baar baar jo sochne par majboor kartee mujhe
Aisa kya hua ki bachpan jo kal tak yaheen tha
Aaj achanak alvida keh raha hai
Abhi kal hi ki baat thi sardi ka mausam tha,
Garam rajayee mein baithee,
Chai peete huae padhne ki koshish kar rahee thee
Tabhi telephone ki ghanti bajtee
Aur phir kitaab band aur shuru hotee
khoob saari idhar udhar ki betuki batein, bewajeh gupshup..
Ghanto hum baat karte,
Na jaane kya woh mausam tha
Ki baaten khatm hi nahi hoti
Matlab, maksad bina, aise hi bas
Aur phir jeb kharch ke naam par choubees rupaye
Woh bhi yaad hai mujhe
Yakeen hain ki koi college ke paas waale chole bhature,
Aur woh bus ke dhakke kabhi bhool nahi sakte
Tab sarkaar banee thee jab Atal Bihaari ki
Hum sum Khadi pehen kar parlaiment ke session discuss karte
aur phir Pramod Mahajan ke speech kole kar emotional hote
Jab padosi desh ne parmaanu bomb kee pareeksha kee
Dilli ki sadko par hum naare laga rahe the
Chappal ghis jatee par sadkain kabhi khatam nahi hotee
Connaught place ke anginat chakkar
aur woh burger aur aloo chat
Shhaam hotee to bus stop par
hum aise alvida kahte jaise
ki phir kabhi milenge hi nahi
Chaar paanch saal mein lagta hai
jaise ek arsaa guzar gaya
doston ka saath choota,
zindagi bas jaise college ke baad se ruk hee gayee
Kya aisa sab ke saath hota hai?
Ya, mein over react kar rahee hoon aaj?
9/17/2004
Dhananjoy to be portrayed as demon
I just love this one. Death sentence is undoubtedly the highest punishment the law could slap on Dhananjoy's face.
However, I maintain that castration would have been more effective than capital punishment.
But what these guys are doing to this rapist-murderer is the best he deserves.
However, I maintain that castration would have been more effective than capital punishment.
But what these guys are doing to this rapist-murderer is the best he deserves.
9/16/2004
I will never hate anything...
Because when I really detest an institution or a concept, I finally end up liking it beyong my own belief.
Some time back in my ludite years, I used to believe that INTERNET is surely going to die by 2005, and so will the concept of generating revenues using web as a medium.
Well exactly half a decade after I made that vehement preposterous statement, here I am facing a room full of people preaching the virtues of technology and Internet. I can almost see Viyer laughing his ribs out.
To borrow some academic jargon, I am probably a late adopter of change. My first reaction to anything new is denial. This cynicism in fact compels me to research more about new things and disprove what the general "public" has been endorsing.
God why did u make me like this?
Some time back in my ludite years, I used to believe that INTERNET is surely going to die by 2005, and so will the concept of generating revenues using web as a medium.
Well exactly half a decade after I made that vehement preposterous statement, here I am facing a room full of people preaching the virtues of technology and Internet. I can almost see Viyer laughing his ribs out.
To borrow some academic jargon, I am probably a late adopter of change. My first reaction to anything new is denial. This cynicism in fact compels me to research more about new things and disprove what the general "public" has been endorsing.
God why did u make me like this?
9/09/2004
Being In Touch
I have a select circle of friends and acquaintainces. I have not made any close friends after 1999--and when I made one in my University, I ended up marrying him. :)
What gives me a kick is that I am in touch all of my buddies from school and college. The feeling that I get when I read a classmate's blog or even an SMS, it is absolutely fabulous. I feel connected, and loved.
Woke up this morning with a call from Bangalore. It is so nice to hear mom and dad in the morning. It is almost like they can see me getting ready for office. Miss home, parents, and my lovely twin brothers.
What gives me a kick is that I am in touch all of my buddies from school and college. The feeling that I get when I read a classmate's blog or even an SMS, it is absolutely fabulous. I feel connected, and loved.
Woke up this morning with a call from Bangalore. It is so nice to hear mom and dad in the morning. It is almost like they can see me getting ready for office. Miss home, parents, and my lovely twin brothers.
9/07/2004
Bye Bye Love...
Journalism has been a passion and profession for almost 15 years in the quarter of my life. I made the best of friends, worthy enemies and not-so-kind competitors. To all of whom, I owe a lot! From being an internee, errand-boy-cum-trainee, writer, sub-editor, I relished various roles in the same field.
It is hard to imagine what else I would have done to earn my cheese and bread. I had the good fortune of seeing dreamy-eyed cubs, inspiring career journos, op-ed writers, frustrated sub-editors, and business scribes in the industry.
From awe to boredom to stress, I experienced it all. Well, so did I think!In the last two years, when most of my experienced colleagues left journalism for brighter and "better paying pastures", I stood up like a upholder of ethics and journalistic conscience. I never missed an opportunity to give my two-pence worth of criticism on these quitters as I loved to call them.
Although I was getting just above peanuts at the end of my month, it helped me sail through the month and even leave me with decent savings. And so, I never took up any "paying" options that came my way. I have no regrets at all!
Today I am in a different place, and am looking at taking up a different job on the other side of journalism. What is it? That is not important. The truth is that I have untied the laces of my shoes, and am ready to get into new ones. Almost. I cannot feel anything. It is just a job. There is no love, passion, or the feeling of belonging. What is there, is a drive, that tells me I should take this as a challenge to run an entirely new race.
I am enthusiastic, I only wish my heart that is still stuck somewhere in 90's ideals, dreams and aspirations, was back in my person with me.
PS: I abstained from blogging because I was at loss for words to describe what I have been going through.
It is hard to imagine what else I would have done to earn my cheese and bread. I had the good fortune of seeing dreamy-eyed cubs, inspiring career journos, op-ed writers, frustrated sub-editors, and business scribes in the industry.
From awe to boredom to stress, I experienced it all. Well, so did I think!In the last two years, when most of my experienced colleagues left journalism for brighter and "better paying pastures", I stood up like a upholder of ethics and journalistic conscience. I never missed an opportunity to give my two-pence worth of criticism on these quitters as I loved to call them.
Although I was getting just above peanuts at the end of my month, it helped me sail through the month and even leave me with decent savings. And so, I never took up any "paying" options that came my way. I have no regrets at all!
Today I am in a different place, and am looking at taking up a different job on the other side of journalism. What is it? That is not important. The truth is that I have untied the laces of my shoes, and am ready to get into new ones. Almost. I cannot feel anything. It is just a job. There is no love, passion, or the feeling of belonging. What is there, is a drive, that tells me I should take this as a challenge to run an entirely new race.
I am enthusiastic, I only wish my heart that is still stuck somewhere in 90's ideals, dreams and aspirations, was back in my person with me.
PS: I abstained from blogging because I was at loss for words to describe what I have been going through.
9/01/2004
Wishful thinking...
My week has started on a very good note. Finally, I found some body who would pay me for doing what I like the best--writing. But here in Singapore, finding a job is not just enough. The employment pass is a big hurdle. So, I am urging all my friends, and readers of this blog to please please pray for me.
I have cribbed enough about SG. From now onwards, I will also say some nice things. I managed to see a full episode of FRIENDS on my bus journey from City Hall to Whampoa Drive on TV Mobile. I am wondering if DTC (the notorious, irate public transport of the Indian Capital, Delhi) would ever be able to do that. Not that I doubt its potential, but am thinking there would be too many channels and programmes to choose from! But a re-run of KSBKBT (a must see hindi soap that old women see and young women feign to not see in India!!) might just bring a little smile on our sweater-knitting Pammiji's face.
In other news, movie mania continues...amused myself with a very kiddy "13 going on 30".
PS: Bad roads, undone flyovers, snobbish people, oily food, and extreme weather just dont bother me any more. Despite all, I love the place I came from, Delhi.
I have cribbed enough about SG. From now onwards, I will also say some nice things. I managed to see a full episode of FRIENDS on my bus journey from City Hall to Whampoa Drive on TV Mobile. I am wondering if DTC (the notorious, irate public transport of the Indian Capital, Delhi) would ever be able to do that. Not that I doubt its potential, but am thinking there would be too many channels and programmes to choose from! But a re-run of KSBKBT (a must see hindi soap that old women see and young women feign to not see in India!!) might just bring a little smile on our sweater-knitting Pammiji's face.
In other news, movie mania continues...amused myself with a very kiddy "13 going on 30".
PS: Bad roads, undone flyovers, snobbish people, oily food, and extreme weather just dont bother me any more. Despite all, I love the place I came from, Delhi.
8/28/2004
In a nutshell
This week has been rather interesting. Met a cab driver who wanted to write a book, and a corporate guru who wanted to actually become a cab driver.
Films, my current passion…
Watched two Irfan Khan films in the Indigo film festival--Warrior and Maqbool. Liked the latter better for his good acting and hated the former for the lack of it. Also saw Dream Catchers at home. Alone. I think now I am immune to most alien, supernatural, horror films.
On the job front...
Attended some more interviews. So, there are more hopes. Also waiting for the work permit to come through for my teaching job!
On the personal front…
Viyer and have been wondering if we ever going to have a disciplined life, just like the one our parents had. I mean we really dont know what is it to wake up at 5 am, go for morning walks, plan and make breakfast. I wonder if they will be a time in future, when we will sleep by 10 pm and not talk endlessly on strange topics till the wee hours. I know I am yearning for that structure and order, something that Viyer has been running away from.
Looking Forward to…
Next week. And, my dad's birthday :)
You guys have a nice weekend!
Films, my current passion…
Watched two Irfan Khan films in the Indigo film festival--Warrior and Maqbool. Liked the latter better for his good acting and hated the former for the lack of it. Also saw Dream Catchers at home. Alone. I think now I am immune to most alien, supernatural, horror films.
On the job front...
Attended some more interviews. So, there are more hopes. Also waiting for the work permit to come through for my teaching job!
On the personal front…
Viyer and have been wondering if we ever going to have a disciplined life, just like the one our parents had. I mean we really dont know what is it to wake up at 5 am, go for morning walks, plan and make breakfast. I wonder if they will be a time in future, when we will sleep by 10 pm and not talk endlessly on strange topics till the wee hours. I know I am yearning for that structure and order, something that Viyer has been running away from.
Looking Forward to…
Next week. And, my dad's birthday :)
You guys have a nice weekend!
8/23/2004
To some words, these are my reactions
Television---visual exhaustion, dark circles, and heavier butts
Laptop/PC-- lifeline in a non-social environment
Infidelity----Unhygienic
Beauty--Foreign word, don't know much about it
Films--Expression
Coffee--Catalyst
Brains--Oxygen
Clothes--the lesser the better (at least in Singapore)
Jeans--the dirtier, the better
Karan Johar----maata, pita, pyar, laal dupatta, gayatri mantra, shahrukh khan, and white cotton see-through tops
Laptop/PC-- lifeline in a non-social environment
Infidelity----Unhygienic
Beauty--Foreign word, don't know much about it
Films--Expression
Coffee--Catalyst
Brains--Oxygen
Clothes--the lesser the better (at least in Singapore)
Jeans--the dirtier, the better
Karan Johar----maata, pita, pyar, laal dupatta, gayatri mantra, shahrukh khan, and white cotton see-through tops
8/21/2004
Two days after Blair Witch
Viyer and I watched the above mentioned movie very recently. We had loads of questions hovering between us. After much discussion, we concluded that witchcraft is a congnizable science. Whether we like it not there are men and women who indulge in this craft.
The movie did not scare me. I think I appreciate Heather Donahue's commitment to her documentary film. I remember how I rushed through when I was making my own film. Imagine the commitment!
Meanwhile, when I googled for more info on the film, I found that the cinematographer of Blair Witch died in a plane crash. The independent film maker was killed after being strapped into a single-engine Cessna 206 in order to film aerial shots for his new film "Cross Bones" in the Florida Keys.
Is it just a coincidence that he 'too' died while shooting a doc film? Ever since I read the news I just cant sleep alone.
The movie did not scare me. I think I appreciate Heather Donahue's commitment to her documentary film. I remember how I rushed through when I was making my own film. Imagine the commitment!
Meanwhile, when I googled for more info on the film, I found that the cinematographer of Blair Witch died in a plane crash. The independent film maker was killed after being strapped into a single-engine Cessna 206 in order to film aerial shots for his new film "Cross Bones" in the Florida Keys.
Is it just a coincidence that he 'too' died while shooting a doc film? Ever since I read the news I just cant sleep alone.
8/18/2004
Hype, and its subversive effect on audience
Some times trailers of movies just lead you on. From a 45 second promo, the viewer decides to watch or reject a movie.
The example in this case is Manoj Shyamalan's The Village . Going by the hype, the promotions almost self-declared the movie as a hit of the year, a promising oscar winner, and blah blah...
Fortunately for Shyamalan, his track record came to rescue, and most people (incuding me..) fell for it.
The man who did Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable has made a movie that probably deserves no attention at all. It is unpardonable and absolutely over-promoted. Behind the hype, great cinematography, and mystery-laden publicity, is a film that irks an average movie goer.
The film lacked dialogue, and it almost seemed as if the entire movie was an anti-climax. So, after sitting through till the end, just in proximity of an earth-shattering climax, one falls really hard on the chair. The climax is a huge let down! If you have seen the movie already, my deepest sympathies are with you. And for those who are planning to watch it in the immediate future, my advice is, don't.
The example in this case is Manoj Shyamalan's The Village . Going by the hype, the promotions almost self-declared the movie as a hit of the year, a promising oscar winner, and blah blah...
Fortunately for Shyamalan, his track record came to rescue, and most people (incuding me..) fell for it.
The man who did Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable has made a movie that probably deserves no attention at all. It is unpardonable and absolutely over-promoted. Behind the hype, great cinematography, and mystery-laden publicity, is a film that irks an average movie goer.
The film lacked dialogue, and it almost seemed as if the entire movie was an anti-climax. So, after sitting through till the end, just in proximity of an earth-shattering climax, one falls really hard on the chair. The climax is a huge let down! If you have seen the movie already, my deepest sympathies are with you. And for those who are planning to watch it in the immediate future, my advice is, don't.
8/17/2004
8/16/2004
an after-thought
Monisha Singh joins Miditech as VP programming
How do 27-year olds manage to get such kind of designations???
Grrrr.....
Is life so easy for kids of bureaucrats??
I am fuming, not with jealousy, but with anger!
How do 27-year olds manage to get such kind of designations???
Grrrr.....
Is life so easy for kids of bureaucrats??
I am fuming, not with jealousy, but with anger!
Setting Me Free
Heard this on TV. "Life is what happens to you when you are planning other things." Not only was this profound, it set me thinking.
I have spent months on planning my education, career; years in delving into my future. And, every hour thinking about potential jobs. Every minute, I ruminated over the present and assesed myself against some self-made tough yardsticks every second of my existence.
I am not unhappy with what I have, but am pining for things that others have.
Marriage happened suddenly, I never planned it. And I have a big reason to believe that somethings come to you when you least expect or worse when you least deserve 'em.
May be the moral of the story is that I should not (and cannot) plan everything.
At a time when I am trying hard to break into the media in a foreign market, academics is beckoning me. I never thought I am good with teaching. Looks like I am going to end up in doing only that for a good part of my life here in Singapore.
I have been a good student, may be I will be a good teacher too. Atleast I know I have never cheated in a economics paper. (Can think of atleast two unmentionables who sucked at college, and are now preaching gyan to ignorables!!)
Do I have complaints? No.
I am setting myself free from my own set standards and expectations.
Phew, I feel a lot lighter now!
I have spent months on planning my education, career; years in delving into my future. And, every hour thinking about potential jobs. Every minute, I ruminated over the present and assesed myself against some self-made tough yardsticks every second of my existence.
I am not unhappy with what I have, but am pining for things that others have.
Marriage happened suddenly, I never planned it. And I have a big reason to believe that somethings come to you when you least expect or worse when you least deserve 'em.
May be the moral of the story is that I should not (and cannot) plan everything.
At a time when I am trying hard to break into the media in a foreign market, academics is beckoning me. I never thought I am good with teaching. Looks like I am going to end up in doing only that for a good part of my life here in Singapore.
I have been a good student, may be I will be a good teacher too. Atleast I know I have never cheated in a economics paper. (Can think of atleast two unmentionables who sucked at college, and are now preaching gyan to ignorables!!)
Do I have complaints? No.
I am setting myself free from my own set standards and expectations.
Phew, I feel a lot lighter now!
8/12/2004
Good I am not a Poet
A friend of mine sent this poem (absolute insult to one though!). Without doubt, this is worst of poems I ever read. Could not bear it alone, so I am sharing it in my blog.
The Uncertainty of the Poet
- by Wendy Cope
I am a poet.
I am very fond of bananas.
I am bananas.
I am very fond of a poet.
I am a poet of bananas.
I am very fond.
A fond poet of 'I am,
I am'-Very bananas.
Fond of 'Am I bananas?
Am I?'-a very poet.
Bananas of a poet!
Am I fond? Am I very?
Poet bananas!
I am.I am fond of a 'very.'
I am of very fond bananas.
Am I a poet?
The Uncertainty of the Poet
- by Wendy Cope
I am a poet.
I am very fond of bananas.
I am bananas.
I am very fond of a poet.
I am a poet of bananas.
I am very fond.
A fond poet of 'I am,
I am'-Very bananas.
Fond of 'Am I bananas?
Am I?'-a very poet.
Bananas of a poet!
Am I fond? Am I very?
Poet bananas!
I am.I am fond of a 'very.'
I am of very fond bananas.
Am I a poet?
8/07/2004
Veebee Senti Mood Mein
There is something about some singers. Their involvement, arrogance in the voice just enhances the rendition. Am listening to Farida Khanum's Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo...
Simply cannot get over the lyrics.. Mean while you guys enjoy the weekend!!
Waqt ki qaid mein zindagi hai magar
Chand ghadiyan yehi hain jo aazad hain
Inko khokar mere jaan-e-jaan
Umr bhar na taraste raho
...Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Simply cannot get over the lyrics.. Mean while you guys enjoy the weekend!!
Waqt ki qaid mein zindagi hai magar
Chand ghadiyan yehi hain jo aazad hain
Inko khokar mere jaan-e-jaan
Umr bhar na taraste raho
...Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
majulah singapura
The National Day celebrations are going on a full frenzy. Constructions and upgradations (in singapore all the old buildings are getting an extreme makeover!) are happening with double zeal. There is celebration in the air. Surely this country has everything to celebrate, an enviable economy, a stable government, a 0.01% corruption rate, booming exports, efficient public transport systems, and a beautiful sky view.
I am less than surprised to not find so many happy faces here.
An average SG woman is worried about the expanding pores on her face, or her sagging breasts. So the frown has replaced the smile, as she fights gravity, nature, and age.
Then I thought, the younger belles must be happy atleast! Wo, no! Just today, I overheard a smart thingie sulk about not having a camera phone.
Young boys in Sg are a sight (read fright) to look at. With an overdose of hairgel, their locks sure look poky enough to puncture a baloon. The dude got ear embellishments so heavy, his jaws are almost touching the ground. Oh, he is sad because the iPOD ain't working properly.
Now come the men, humm they cannot smile ever. Reason--not one but two-- SEX and LOTTO. The problem is they leave too much for chance! They are always tense, and are discussing their fortunes over Durian (a fruit whose stink can give you nightmares).
And the rest of the people, the ones in the crowd on Orchard Road on in Raffles place are just too stiff worried about missing a meeting, an MRT, or worse even the green traffic signal!
Phew!! Here's to "onward singapore", may there be more smiles!!
I am less than surprised to not find so many happy faces here.
An average SG woman is worried about the expanding pores on her face, or her sagging breasts. So the frown has replaced the smile, as she fights gravity, nature, and age.
Then I thought, the younger belles must be happy atleast! Wo, no! Just today, I overheard a smart thingie sulk about not having a camera phone.
Young boys in Sg are a sight (read fright) to look at. With an overdose of hairgel, their locks sure look poky enough to puncture a baloon. The dude got ear embellishments so heavy, his jaws are almost touching the ground. Oh, he is sad because the iPOD ain't working properly.
Now come the men, humm they cannot smile ever. Reason--not one but two-- SEX and LOTTO. The problem is they leave too much for chance! They are always tense, and are discussing their fortunes over Durian (a fruit whose stink can give you nightmares).
And the rest of the people, the ones in the crowd on Orchard Road on in Raffles place are just too stiff worried about missing a meeting, an MRT, or worse even the green traffic signal!
Phew!! Here's to "onward singapore", may there be more smiles!!
8/04/2004
Fun at substation
Films can be extremely therapeutic, and watching them with a discerning audience is a different experience altogether. The experience took me back to my studio in the university where we would watch movies endlessly.
The Substation in Singapore is a platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. I happpened to go for their screening of short film series screening today. Saw a brilliant ensemble of stories.
Portrait of a Young Man explores the different routes that a young man can take in his search for deliverance and success, and the consequences of taking that route. A dramatic re-enactment of the life of Lawrence Leow, now executive chairman of the Crescendas Group of Companies, the film heralds the redemptive power of education.
The Assassin is a mockumentary-satire on the gangster genre about a professional killer on his last job.
The Funeral Photo is a film about a retired couple who decides to have their funeral photo taken. They just want to look good with the garland on their glam photo. An accident happens during the photography session that sparks off a discussion about the subject of untimely deaths between the couple and the photographer.
The Substation in Singapore is a platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. I happpened to go for their screening of short film series screening today. Saw a brilliant ensemble of stories.
Portrait of a Young Man explores the different routes that a young man can take in his search for deliverance and success, and the consequences of taking that route. A dramatic re-enactment of the life of Lawrence Leow, now executive chairman of the Crescendas Group of Companies, the film heralds the redemptive power of education.
The Assassin is a mockumentary-satire on the gangster genre about a professional killer on his last job.
The Funeral Photo is a film about a retired couple who decides to have their funeral photo taken. They just want to look good with the garland on their glam photo. An accident happens during the photography session that sparks off a discussion about the subject of untimely deaths between the couple and the photographer.
7/27/2004
GRE at this age!!
There are some acronyms I always hated, for one simple reason, they challenge me in the wrong faculty and just beat me black and blue.
Consider these: ICSE, IIT, IAS, CAT, and GRE.
Apparently I am taking the GRE soon because I am planning to do a pHD and put a rest to my fun existence. Since the Nanyang Univ asks for a GRE score for a pHD admission, I am forced to take this.GRE grrr.....
Consider these: ICSE, IIT, IAS, CAT, and GRE.
Apparently I am taking the GRE soon because I am planning to do a pHD and put a rest to my fun existence. Since the Nanyang Univ asks for a GRE score for a pHD admission, I am forced to take this.GRE grrr.....
7/25/2004
Movie Bonanza
It has been quite some time that I visited my fave balestier movie plaza. So this weekend it was movie watching with a vengeance.I mean we have beaten our own record of watching three movies in two days--King Arthur, I Robot, and Whore.
Whore delves into the seedy world of prostitution using some actresses, but also some real prostitutes. It is when the genuine prostitutes, with their ravaged complexions and slurred speech are on screen, that the film has its greatest impact.
Overall, loads of fun after a rather depressing mid-week. Looking forward to the next couple of days.
Whore delves into the seedy world of prostitution using some actresses, but also some real prostitutes. It is when the genuine prostitutes, with their ravaged complexions and slurred speech are on screen, that the film has its greatest impact.
Overall, loads of fun after a rather depressing mid-week. Looking forward to the next couple of days.
7/23/2004
A morning that has broken
my patience and faith. It is impossible to to try to correct the world. I am not upset, am pensive.
I am trying to mentally trace my life from 1996, when I was so sure about everything in my life. School was traumatic, most of it. Teachers were loud, and demanding. Umpteen tuitions, and those fake group study sessions with friends, they all make me feel sick even today.
I am thinking about how my father woke me up in the wee hours for my early morning tutions at schools. When all the alarm clocks, mechanical and electrical ones gave up on me, Dad was there for me always. His technique was unique. He would catch hold of my arm and pull it violently. At that point of time, I thought of him as the most tyrannic father. I also think that one of my hands has actually grown longer than the other because of this.
Well, now that school is over, and even as I made it through college and university all by myself, sometimes I wish he would come here and wake me up with his pulling and screaming. I miss the summer mornings in the university and the warm winters in Delhi. Did not think they could be my best days. Back then, I spent most of my time thinking of a nice bright future. Hey, and now that I am in that "future", I am a little disappointed.
Some how I am convinced that the past was better and glorious. The present, is only concrete, tar roads, ugly grey skyscrapers, and shady underpaths. Miss the Gulmohars on Campus. Miss the bus rides in the capital, and my small victories over eve teasing. I miss the joblessness and the anticipation of a better career after graduation, and post graduation. What is that I am missing most in my present, I cannot say.
My character is intact, and the fire in the belly is still there. Now I feel puky, i feel the fire has caused severe constipation. It has also taken a toll on my sleep. Humm, is a career so important after all? Gawd, is this the beginning of mid-twenty blues??
I am trying to mentally trace my life from 1996, when I was so sure about everything in my life. School was traumatic, most of it. Teachers were loud, and demanding. Umpteen tuitions, and those fake group study sessions with friends, they all make me feel sick even today.
I am thinking about how my father woke me up in the wee hours for my early morning tutions at schools. When all the alarm clocks, mechanical and electrical ones gave up on me, Dad was there for me always. His technique was unique. He would catch hold of my arm and pull it violently. At that point of time, I thought of him as the most tyrannic father. I also think that one of my hands has actually grown longer than the other because of this.
Well, now that school is over, and even as I made it through college and university all by myself, sometimes I wish he would come here and wake me up with his pulling and screaming. I miss the summer mornings in the university and the warm winters in Delhi. Did not think they could be my best days. Back then, I spent most of my time thinking of a nice bright future. Hey, and now that I am in that "future", I am a little disappointed.
Some how I am convinced that the past was better and glorious. The present, is only concrete, tar roads, ugly grey skyscrapers, and shady underpaths. Miss the Gulmohars on Campus. Miss the bus rides in the capital, and my small victories over eve teasing. I miss the joblessness and the anticipation of a better career after graduation, and post graduation. What is that I am missing most in my present, I cannot say.
My character is intact, and the fire in the belly is still there. Now I feel puky, i feel the fire has caused severe constipation. It has also taken a toll on my sleep. Humm, is a career so important after all? Gawd, is this the beginning of mid-twenty blues??
7/21/2004
What's in a job
Okay! Since the Bloombergs and Straits have rejected me and squashed all my dreams of getting a full time journalism job in Singapore, I have decided on working from home.
So when all those irritating guys ask, "So, where are you working", I would have a respectable answer. Let's see how long employers here can resist me.Hee Haaa!!
So when all those irritating guys ask, "So, where are you working", I would have a respectable answer. Let's see how long employers here can resist me.Hee Haaa!!
6/30/2004
6/25/2004
Down and Out
The largest and most 'respected' media organisation has turned me down. I feel not just sad--but devastated. So, what do I do now? Humm...lemme think.
Now that I have cried enough, I think I will push that pessimism and cynicism away, and carry on with my hunt for bread and butter.
Gawd, I miss being home, in my country. Wondering about menon, saurav, and gaurav, my potential HR heads in India. Hope...phew..
Now that I have cried enough, I think I will push that pessimism and cynicism away, and carry on with my hunt for bread and butter.
Gawd, I miss being home, in my country. Wondering about menon, saurav, and gaurav, my potential HR heads in India. Hope...phew..
6/23/2004
Job Hunting
Actually, things are not so bad. Bruce is on a holiday, and has not kept C Bickers in the loop. Well, how do people live with a surname like bickers..something that sounds more reflective of his diposition.
Any ways, the blockhead has been informed that I will take the test next week. I better rush to study now.
Big Robin met Recruitment Veronika. I hope things work out for both of us.
Any ways, the blockhead has been informed that I will take the test next week. I better rush to study now.
Big Robin met Recruitment Veronika. I hope things work out for both of us.
6/15/2004
6/08/2004
Good Week
My first job interview in Singapore went off well. I have finally come out of my slumber, and in the active mode.
Spoke and SMSed friends in India. Suddenly it feels nice, to be liked and loved by so many people. Hee hee..
Big Robin is overworking and sacrificing sleep. Today, his lady boss has taken some pity/vested interest and sent him home...
Looking forward to tomorrow...
Spoke and SMSed friends in India. Suddenly it feels nice, to be liked and loved by so many people. Hee hee..
Big Robin is overworking and sacrificing sleep. Today, his lady boss has taken some pity/vested interest and sent him home...
Looking forward to tomorrow...
6/01/2004
The Week Gone By
Eventful week, that is how I can best describe my last six days in the Lion City. Watched a couple of movies--Laws of Attraction, Shrek, Yuva, Little Rascals (on Tv). And the wicked moment of the week—I went to watch LOA all alone--just by myself.
Yuva was a brillaint movie. For once, the critics were all against the film just for the sake of it. And yes the movie is strictly for the youth..not from kids of 14 and repentants of 35 plus.
Went on a shopping spree--my tested therapy for all emotional ailments.
Yuva was a brillaint movie. For once, the critics were all against the film just for the sake of it. And yes the movie is strictly for the youth..not from kids of 14 and repentants of 35 plus.
Went on a shopping spree--my tested therapy for all emotional ailments.
Returning to my fave blog spot
After a long hiatus from blogger, and a not-very-conspicous absence, I am returning back to my old favourite host. Friends have been talking no end about the new BLOGGER. So, here I come live and kickin' from a new place on the globe--Singapore.
I was here all this while.
I was here all this while.
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