जो अपनी जात से अंजुमन कहा जाये
वो शख्स तक मुझे तनहा दिखाई पड़ता है
(Forwarded)
वो शख्स तक मुझे तनहा दिखाई पड़ता है
(Forwarded)
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
National Handloom Expo 2015
When: 6th - 27th February
Timing: 2pm-9pm, 12pm-9pm (on Sunday and public holidays)
Where: Bandra Reclamation Ground No.1, in front of Leelavati Hospital, Bandra (W)
Timing: 2pm-9pm, 12pm-9pm (on Sunday and public holidays)
Where: Bandra Reclamation Ground No.1, in front of Leelavati Hospital, Bandra (W)
Zoo – James Patterson
If you like animals, don’t read this one. Ever. I am not member of the pet-the-stray-cat group but I can admire animals from a distance. You can never be too careful around stray dogs but the other day I found myself wincing as a cute lab passed me in the street along with his owner, imagining what horrors it could unleash if he suddenly started viewing the people around him as threats. That’s the kind of effect this novel can have on you.
The plot is simple – and sinister. And not beyond the realm of possibilities. It can happen. It can be summed up in one sentence – the animal kingdom is going berserk and attacking humans. At the beginning, this is noticed by only a few people – most notably by one Jackson Oz, who has been shunned by the community of scientists because he is voicing his concern about it and no one is taking him seriously. That changes when Jackson, on a trip to Botswana, manages to record the behavior of a pride of lions that is so bizarre and directly flying into the face of all the available knowledge that these same academicians have to sit up and take notice. And just when they have begun to do so, all hell breaks loose, all over the world.
Like I mentioned before, the plot isn’t unreasonable. And that’s why it chills you right to the bones. You find yourself torn between the opposing feelings – horror at the ghastly deaths that you don’t want to read even a word more about and a reluctance to put the book down simply because you want to know what happen will next.
I don’t think I will look at the dogs and cats with complete ease ever again :(
The plot is simple – and sinister. And not beyond the realm of possibilities. It can happen. It can be summed up in one sentence – the animal kingdom is going berserk and attacking humans. At the beginning, this is noticed by only a few people – most notably by one Jackson Oz, who has been shunned by the community of scientists because he is voicing his concern about it and no one is taking him seriously. That changes when Jackson, on a trip to Botswana, manages to record the behavior of a pride of lions that is so bizarre and directly flying into the face of all the available knowledge that these same academicians have to sit up and take notice. And just when they have begun to do so, all hell breaks loose, all over the world.
Like I mentioned before, the plot isn’t unreasonable. And that’s why it chills you right to the bones. You find yourself torn between the opposing feelings – horror at the ghastly deaths that you don’t want to read even a word more about and a reluctance to put the book down simply because you want to know what happen will next.
I don’t think I will look at the dogs and cats with complete ease ever again :(
I checked the Times Of India site in the middle of the day for a routine ‘Breaking News’ check and did a double take. This can’t be right. AAP at 67/70 in Delhi? BJP 3? Congress 0? Nope, I won’t define it as an earth-shattering moment the way the newspapers and news channels have proceeded to do. But it is a surprise nevertheless.
There is no denying the fact that an absolute majority for BJP everywhere wasn’t a good news for the democracy. The fringe groups within the party have been making too much of a noise these days. The Sants, Mahants and Sadhwis that have been asking the Hindus to sire 4 or more children should be made to walk on the streets of the city during the morning and evening rush hour and dare to walk two steps without bumping into another human being. And I am not even talking about providing healthcare, education, accommodation and jobs to this population. These so-called saintly people might not need to worry about these things, thanks to their rich fan following, but us mere mortals do.
Coming back to the point, though on one hand I was glad that BJP got a much-needed setback to keep them from becoming over-confident or arrogant, I could not get over my unease about Kejariwal. I wouldn’t be able to put a finger to it if you ask me but I somehow cannot find it in me to trust the man. So I texted a dear friend saying I don’t know whether I should be happy or worried. His reply took me by surprise – it said something about victory of simplicity, honesty and good-intentions. Huh? Where did this come from? Simplicity? Can a person who was miffed because he wasn’t invited for the 26th January celebrations be called simple? When I said so, I was told that Modi has disappointed and that his feet are leaving the ground. The very fact that my friend is elated at Kejariwal’s victory indicates that he expects better from him and by that very act has set himself up for future disappointment.
I, however, didn’t have it in me to point this out to him. So I changed track and said that Modi or Kejariwal, it would be wrong to expect that they will change the country in a jiffy. Neither of them can change each and every person in this country. We have to change ourselves and that will only happen when each one of us realizes that we have to change – for the better.
While my friend agreed he stressed the need for ‘honest, simple, sincere and hardworking visionaries’ to lead important positions. I have my doubts about whether Kejariwal fits the bill. But then I could simply be cynical.
And that’s why I hope that Kejariwal succeeds – because if he doesn’t my friend, and scores like him, will be in for a Jurassic disappointment. :(
There is no denying the fact that an absolute majority for BJP everywhere wasn’t a good news for the democracy. The fringe groups within the party have been making too much of a noise these days. The Sants, Mahants and Sadhwis that have been asking the Hindus to sire 4 or more children should be made to walk on the streets of the city during the morning and evening rush hour and dare to walk two steps without bumping into another human being. And I am not even talking about providing healthcare, education, accommodation and jobs to this population. These so-called saintly people might not need to worry about these things, thanks to their rich fan following, but us mere mortals do.
Coming back to the point, though on one hand I was glad that BJP got a much-needed setback to keep them from becoming over-confident or arrogant, I could not get over my unease about Kejariwal. I wouldn’t be able to put a finger to it if you ask me but I somehow cannot find it in me to trust the man. So I texted a dear friend saying I don’t know whether I should be happy or worried. His reply took me by surprise – it said something about victory of simplicity, honesty and good-intentions. Huh? Where did this come from? Simplicity? Can a person who was miffed because he wasn’t invited for the 26th January celebrations be called simple? When I said so, I was told that Modi has disappointed and that his feet are leaving the ground. The very fact that my friend is elated at Kejariwal’s victory indicates that he expects better from him and by that very act has set himself up for future disappointment.
I, however, didn’t have it in me to point this out to him. So I changed track and said that Modi or Kejariwal, it would be wrong to expect that they will change the country in a jiffy. Neither of them can change each and every person in this country. We have to change ourselves and that will only happen when each one of us realizes that we have to change – for the better.
While my friend agreed he stressed the need for ‘honest, simple, sincere and hardworking visionaries’ to lead important positions. I have my doubts about whether Kejariwal fits the bill. But then I could simply be cynical.
And that’s why I hope that Kejariwal succeeds – because if he doesn’t my friend, and scores like him, will be in for a Jurassic disappointment. :(
Monday, February 9, 2015
Supernatural – About A Boy
The episode came as the much-needed breath of fresh air. Granted, it was a fallback on the old days of monster-hunting but for once I didn’t have to worry about whether Dean will go all dark by the end of it. Plus I got to see the baffled ‘boy-next-door’ cute expression on Sam’s face after a very long time. :) So I ain't complaining. I was sorry though to see Charlie go in the earlier episode because I was hoping that she would stay and bring about some relief to the always-below-the-surface tension between the Winchesters what with Dean seeing his going to the dark side as inevitable while Sam forever looking for ways to avoid it.
The story was a bit different as well – people who won’t be missed by many going up in smoke and getting transformed to their younger selves so a witch can have them for dinner. I just wish that Dean hadn’t bumped her off without knowing how she planned to get rid of Rowena. One thing perplexes me though – how the Mark disappeared from Dean’s body when he was turned into his younger self. I thought the Mark tainted you forever. But if that’s not the case what’s keeping the Winchesters from finding a friendly-neighborhood witch who can concoct a portion to turn back the clock for Dean just before Dean got the Mark. :)
The story was a bit different as well – people who won’t be missed by many going up in smoke and getting transformed to their younger selves so a witch can have them for dinner. I just wish that Dean hadn’t bumped her off without knowing how she planned to get rid of Rowena. One thing perplexes me though – how the Mark disappeared from Dean’s body when he was turned into his younger self. I thought the Mark tainted you forever. But if that’s not the case what’s keeping the Winchesters from finding a friendly-neighborhood witch who can concoct a portion to turn back the clock for Dean just before Dean got the Mark. :)
Elementary – The One That Got Away
Hmmm.....I think this is one mystery right up Sherlock Holmes’ Alley – why was Kitty bumped off the show? Sure, Watson has been laid off her corporate job and if she doesn’t decide to start her own practice she would be back by Sherlock’s side but then it wasn’t as if the two gals didn’t get along. In fact, Kitty added a nice twist to the original plot of the doctor and the detective investigating exactly whodunit! I think if her departure was necessary she could have been retained till the end of the season. :( I am not sure what was that ‘I Love You’ bit in the end till I snuck a peek at the plot of the next episode on Wiki – Joan is dissatisfied with her relationship with Andrew. Oh no, I hope and pray that we don’t get to see a romantic relationship between Sherlock and Watson because that would be like – GROSS. I will never be able to read a Holmes story again. Forget about Arthur Conan Doyle, the mere thought of it makes me turn in my non-existent grave. :(
I had been to the Annual exhibition of flowers, fruits and vegetables in VJTI over the weekend. The entry fee was as follows – Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for senior citizens and Rs. 10 for photography using mobile phones. I think it was Rs. 50 for use of digital camera but I cannot be sure as I wasn’t carrying mine.
Every year I visit this exhibition, I am simply amazed at the riot of colors. And I am well aware of the fact that the floral variety on display here is but the tip of the iceberg. I am in two minds as far as the bonsai section goes. On one hand, the small trees look cute but then you feel sad that they were never allowed to reach their full potential. :(
BTW, we brought home 3 new flower saplings :)
Every year I visit this exhibition, I am simply amazed at the riot of colors. And I am well aware of the fact that the floral variety on display here is but the tip of the iceberg. I am in two minds as far as the bonsai section goes. On one hand, the small trees look cute but then you feel sad that they were never allowed to reach their full potential. :(
BTW, we brought home 3 new flower saplings :)
Spanish – The Viva
I was proud that I wasn’t at all nervous (though I had planned on saying ‘Estoy bien pero un poco nerviosa’ if the teacher asked ‘Que Tal’!) before the viva till my brother ruthlessly pointed out that it was because not much depended on the outcome. Sadly, he is right (as younger brothers so rarely are!). So apart from going through the notes once and rehearsing a few questions, I didn’t do much by way of preparation.
When I reached the classroom at 10am, a handful of students were sitting poring over their notes. The good news was that the 9am batch wasn’t still done with their viva. Oh no! I had plans to go to the VJTI exhibition after this. I had deliberately not brought any notes with me – in stark contrast to my student days when I could be seen going through the notes till the last possible moments. Experience has taught me that the last-minute studying doesn’t make any difference to what I remember or don’t during the exam. So I sat reading a James Patterson novel (yes, I have rejoined the library this month) in a corner of the classroom till a student who sometimes sat next to me during classes came to me and asked me to help her practice for the viva.
So for the next 15 minutes or so we went through the whole drill – Como te llamas (what is your name), que haces (what do you do), donde vives (where do you stay), como es tu casa (how is your home), que hora es (what time is it), que dia es hoy (what day is today), cual es la fecha hoy (what date is today), cuando es tu cumpleanos (when is your birthday), cual es tu numero de telefono (what is your telephone number), como es tu amiga (how is your friend), a ti que te gusta (what do you like), cuantos anos tienes (how old are you) etc. Then we made each other recite 1 to 20 numbers, names of months and days of weeks, names of 5 foods, garments, fruits, vegetables, colors, objects and places in a city. It was good fun!
We were almost done with the revision when we heard some discussion at the back of the classroom. A student who had just finished his viva had been cornered by the rest of the gang and grilled about what he was asked. He had rattled off a few questions when the teacher walked in from another classroom where she was conducting the viva and threatened to cut the marks of everyone for this. For a moment, I wondered if I am back in my Engineering college :)
I was restless as the clock began inching towards 10:30. Just then the teacher walked in again carrying a bunch of papers. These were our written papers from last weekend. She handed mine with a ‘Muy Bien’ – I scored 72.5 out of 80. But I didn’t get much chance to inspect it at that that time because the teacher asked if anyone was ready for their oral and I put up my hand – not because of any over-confidence but simply because I was in hurry to get it done.
When we were seated in the other classroom, the teacher asked me to choose one sheet out of the two that she had and describe the places in it. I think I did okay on that front. She asked me what I was wearing, what do I do, how old I am, what kind of a house do I live in and so on. I think the whole thing lasted for 10 minutes at best. Then she asked me if I was done viewing the paper. When I said no so she asked me to take a look and I headed for one of the benches on the left.
Upon close inspection I wasn’t surprised at my mistakes – I had figured them out while practicing for viva. I had lost 2-3 marks in the audio section, as expected. I would not have lost 3 marks if I had remembered that ‘hay’ goes with ‘un/una’, and not ‘esta’. One mark was lost because I was too dense to figure out that ‘a veces’ means ‘at times’ and not ‘siempre’. I couldn’t understand why one of the answers was marked wrong though – it asked to fill ‘esta’ or ‘es’ when talking about a shop that was new in the locality. Since the shop was ‘new’ now and wasn’t going to be new forever, I had put in ‘esta’ but that answer was marked as wrong.
Anyways, the teacher was busy with viva so I decided not to disturb her with my query. One mark wasn’t going to make or break my career. Besides I was getting late already so I handed her the paper (we were not allowed to keep it with us but I guess I should have taken a photo of the score-sheet) and walked out the classroom.
As mentioned before, I am not going to attend the sessions beginning in March (Saturday 7pm-9pm and Sunday 9am-11am for 2.5 months at least is not my cuppa tea!). That means if I am serious about giving DELE A1 in the second half of 2015, I will have to find a way to prepare on my own.
As I walked out the college, I felt a little bit sad that I won’t be coming back next Sunday. It had been a pain to get up early on Sunday but it had also been fun to be back in the classroom. Sure, it is a tiny step in the goal that had been sitting on the to-do list since eons but it is a step. And I hope it is one of the many that will foll
Hasta La Vista!
When I reached the classroom at 10am, a handful of students were sitting poring over their notes. The good news was that the 9am batch wasn’t still done with their viva. Oh no! I had plans to go to the VJTI exhibition after this. I had deliberately not brought any notes with me – in stark contrast to my student days when I could be seen going through the notes till the last possible moments. Experience has taught me that the last-minute studying doesn’t make any difference to what I remember or don’t during the exam. So I sat reading a James Patterson novel (yes, I have rejoined the library this month) in a corner of the classroom till a student who sometimes sat next to me during classes came to me and asked me to help her practice for the viva.
So for the next 15 minutes or so we went through the whole drill – Como te llamas (what is your name), que haces (what do you do), donde vives (where do you stay), como es tu casa (how is your home), que hora es (what time is it), que dia es hoy (what day is today), cual es la fecha hoy (what date is today), cuando es tu cumpleanos (when is your birthday), cual es tu numero de telefono (what is your telephone number), como es tu amiga (how is your friend), a ti que te gusta (what do you like), cuantos anos tienes (how old are you) etc. Then we made each other recite 1 to 20 numbers, names of months and days of weeks, names of 5 foods, garments, fruits, vegetables, colors, objects and places in a city. It was good fun!
We were almost done with the revision when we heard some discussion at the back of the classroom. A student who had just finished his viva had been cornered by the rest of the gang and grilled about what he was asked. He had rattled off a few questions when the teacher walked in from another classroom where she was conducting the viva and threatened to cut the marks of everyone for this. For a moment, I wondered if I am back in my Engineering college :)
I was restless as the clock began inching towards 10:30. Just then the teacher walked in again carrying a bunch of papers. These were our written papers from last weekend. She handed mine with a ‘Muy Bien’ – I scored 72.5 out of 80. But I didn’t get much chance to inspect it at that that time because the teacher asked if anyone was ready for their oral and I put up my hand – not because of any over-confidence but simply because I was in hurry to get it done.
When we were seated in the other classroom, the teacher asked me to choose one sheet out of the two that she had and describe the places in it. I think I did okay on that front. She asked me what I was wearing, what do I do, how old I am, what kind of a house do I live in and so on. I think the whole thing lasted for 10 minutes at best. Then she asked me if I was done viewing the paper. When I said no so she asked me to take a look and I headed for one of the benches on the left.
Upon close inspection I wasn’t surprised at my mistakes – I had figured them out while practicing for viva. I had lost 2-3 marks in the audio section, as expected. I would not have lost 3 marks if I had remembered that ‘hay’ goes with ‘un/una’, and not ‘esta’. One mark was lost because I was too dense to figure out that ‘a veces’ means ‘at times’ and not ‘siempre’. I couldn’t understand why one of the answers was marked wrong though – it asked to fill ‘esta’ or ‘es’ when talking about a shop that was new in the locality. Since the shop was ‘new’ now and wasn’t going to be new forever, I had put in ‘esta’ but that answer was marked as wrong.
Anyways, the teacher was busy with viva so I decided not to disturb her with my query. One mark wasn’t going to make or break my career. Besides I was getting late already so I handed her the paper (we were not allowed to keep it with us but I guess I should have taken a photo of the score-sheet) and walked out the classroom.
As mentioned before, I am not going to attend the sessions beginning in March (Saturday 7pm-9pm and Sunday 9am-11am for 2.5 months at least is not my cuppa tea!). That means if I am serious about giving DELE A1 in the second half of 2015, I will have to find a way to prepare on my own.
As I walked out the college, I felt a little bit sad that I won’t be coming back next Sunday. It had been a pain to get up early on Sunday but it had also been fun to be back in the classroom. Sure, it is a tiny step in the goal that had been sitting on the to-do list since eons but it is a step. And I hope it is one of the many that will foll
Hasta La Vista!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
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