Monday, April 28, 2008

“Art raises its head where creeds relax”

This weekend was quite a relaxing one. I happened to watch two movies, not that 2 is my limit though weekends used to end once upon a time in many movies ;) 5-or 6!!!
I saw Hindi ‘Krazzy 4’ and English ‘Next’ staring Nicolas Cage!

“Humor is a whisper from the soul, imploring mind and body to relax, let go and be at peace again.”
I have two things to say as now a days Hindi movies either they are copy of some or the other English movies if not then from some South Indian movies!!

“Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensations.” ~ Paul Cezanne

This movie kind of good but I felt the concept or the element that was tried to bring in was like the one ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ where Gandhi principles were brought in as how it can be workable even in today’s situations! So I would say I liked the songs almost all and yes the Sharukh and Hrithik’s dance number was cool!

“Xerox is a copying device that can make rapid reproduction of human error possible”

About ‘Next’ it’s a fiction yet cool. Imagine if you can see your future 2 minutes ahead ;) isn’t that tricky yet funny: D…!
I found Nicolas Cage young from his last release :)
Over all it was fine I can say three Star…is that too much lol!

“The only relevant test of the validity of a hypothesis is comparison of prediction with experience” ~ Milton Friedman

Monday, April 21, 2008

“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”

Dear friends, it had been a long time since I am talking about publishing my Hindi Poetry book and I believe I was thinking of publishing it on the valentine’s day Feb 14th of this year.
Unfortunately, I gave very aggressive date for myself and tried completing it from my end however; I forgot to count the hurdles that will come on my way for printing this book through a publisher.

“Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”

It is indeed a great experience as to know what all requirements are there which needs to be fulfilled and more over one needs to prove before writing anything to publish.
People want to know who you are and your education. First I was offended as why can’t anyone should have the right to write something or say something which can be published – thinking of freedom of speech: D

“An obstacle is often an unrecognized opportunity”

But then yes it is also true one need to convey the speech in certain manner and if it is appropriate or not should be validated. This is my understanding; hopefully that is what the motive of the publisher is too!!!
Finding a publisher, then meeting his needs, then poor my friend who had to go every now and then to the publisher’s office (it reminds me of some old art movie where a write is struggling to publish something) and finally we got our draft copy completed which needed lot of editing and correction as sometimes spelling was incorrect or at times the sentence itself didn’t made any sense;)

“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times” ~ Aeschylus

After all the struggle and effort its time to see the output and I am so proud of my friend who took all the do-diligence to make sure everything work out properly: D
My thanks will not be sufficient and hence I am visiting my friend this July to give him that big hug which he definitely deserves :)! I have decided for any of my future book releases he is my manager. You would think why I call him so, well like a true manager he has taken charge and have already defined an agenda for my next releases, keeping me on my toes isn’t that awesome!!! :D

Well, friends this is how the cover page of my book looks like and the poster too. I loved the poster and the cover page. Blue is my favorite color and I didn’t realize until I saw this cover page …what a coincidence!!! But I hope its not too bluish ;)

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ~ Epicurus

My book will be released by June, as soon I will be getting my first copy in hand by end of this month.
As I said this is sharing of emotions with everyone and hence I don’t see this book to be charged more than $ 9:00.
This poetry is in Hindi currently, this is a dedication from me to the language of the country and to the people of India. I have all my intentions to translate this poetry in English too as I have so many friends around the world who have shown interest in reading it and I am really excited to do the translation of the same.

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” ~Denis Waitley

So watch out friends, it’s coming and I need all your blessings and wishes while I take that baby step and I believe you will hold me before I fall :)

It’s land of dreams!!!

“The dream was always running ahead of me. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was the miracle”.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

“The secret of success is sincerity.”

Lately dealing with lot of government officials and this is not of one country and hence I cannot generalize any comment on any particular country but yes it seems I am coming to a conclusion to agree the generalized statement that is said about government services in all countries ;)

“A government is the most dangerous threat to man's rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.” ~ Ayn Rand

I always have this confidence getting things done with government when I am present in person to handle it. But then how often can you do this kind of visits?

It is very inconvenience when someone doesn’t do their do-diligences and sends your documents back saying something is incomplete, without noticing that what they are asking for is already enclosed.

“What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence.” ~ Samuel Johnson
It is very frustrating, because for such things you are not sure even if you resend the entire set of documents what is the assurance that this time again the officials due to their ignorance will return the document?

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment” ~ Dale Carnegie

Some times I believe privatization of services is beneficial than having it with government officials not that I am against anything or prejudiced but then such kind of ignorance is not expected and everyone has the fear to risk their job.

“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” ~ Douglas Adams

It is quite frustrating, when you want to take it all on the so called government official proving that its error on their part.

When things will change, for a change? :D and why government services has to be as they are known to be?

“Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion . . . . I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.”

Friday, April 11, 2008

“A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.”

Every parts of India its celebration time as ‘New Year’ with the harvesting season and what not.
All, I remember is celebrating with food and sweets :)

It reminds me the poem written by William Arthur Ward….

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.
And to those its Vishu – Happy Vishu …:)


During Vishu you get money from elders as blessings ;) isn’t that fun!!!! I remember saving lot of money that I used to get but hesitated to spend as I thought my parents will scold me …lol

What is Vishu? I have always heard stories and read articles so there are various stories depending on the region of Kerala State. Some what I heard as a kid ;)

Once the custom of Vishukani gets over, people take a dip in the holy water or take bath at their home and visit nearby temples to offer prayers. To celebrate the festival of Pooram Vishu, (as commonly called in Kerala) people of Kerela wear new clothes specially worn on auspicious occasions. People of Kerela multiply Vishu celebrations by traditional singing and dancing. They also burst firecrackers. Then its time for lavish meals. Women prepare sadya (feast). These are special dishes prepared using jackfriuts, mangoes, pumpkins and gourds hmmm mouth waters as I write :D.
The best part is Payassam (porridge could be of rice or made of rice called ada etc), Malayalam feast is an equal proportion of all tastes!

Gosh, I got lost in it …as I describe…but this year few friends organizing this ‘sadya’ unfortunately I wont be there to enjoy as I will be in Lake Tahoe.

Well my dear friends I will be away so have a great one you all

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

“Sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly”

Lately with my long commute and rush to reach the destination either way has limited me from listening to the songs.
I believe if I am not listening to the music and the lyrics then it doesn’t make any point in playing that player.

Though my morning starts with my hot coffee, breakfast on the go and FM radio where I listen to some awesome numbers which keeps me motivated about the morning commute.

“Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac” ~ George Carlin
When I am returning back, I have to switch to AM 910 the radio talk show by Michael Savage. The thing I like about it is his way of expressing what he feels about everything that is happening around the world which has some or the other way an impact of America.

Now let me tell you this Mr. Savage is a radio talk show host and author for few books too. He is a conservative and racist in his way towards women :), towards illegal immigrants, Muslims and what not – I guess you can make out what he talks about ;)

“Conservatism is the blind and fear-filled worship of dead radicals” ~ Mark Twain

He is very straight forward, rude and uses adult languages in his talk show where it expresses his anger about the whole system.

“Unhappy, let alone angry, religious people provide more persuasive arguments for atheism and secularism than do all the arguments of atheists.” ~ Dennis Prager

The other day I was telling my friend about something Mr. Savage shared and my friend said I shouldn’t be listening to his talk show.

Well, my justification was, I don’t support the conservative thoughts of Mr. Savage but it does gives me an outside look at when I am listening to him. I can make out what the conservatives think and what they think about the democrats :)

As always the old times poet Kabir Das said: Keep the critics near you so that way you can improve on your weaknesses or one can improve upon their strengths.

“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her”. ~ David Brinkley

He puts some interesting fast numbers in between and often he shares stories from his childhood, about his restaurant visits, he in fact mocks up different voices as how someone must be talking on a certain topic. I enjoy his talk show and more over if anything that is adding information and at times knowledge to my database- hey what the harm is.

It just makes me crack my bones at times as when you give a humor look at it, it really makes my journey so quick and smooth.. lol

Thanks to Michael Savage ;)

“If your heart acquires strength, you will be able to remove blemishes from others without thinking evil of them”. ~ Mohandas K Gandhi

We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead!!!

This year, right from its inception, has unfolded with a profound sense of intrigue. My surroundings are bustling with noteworthy events – t...