Life is filled with Mixed Blessings...There is no gurantee to anything.....
Expecting to have a peaceful weekends...these days all are beginning with sad news..
- Fight for democracy or what? In Egypt and Middle East states?
- Bandra fire periphery!!:-( Intentional or unintentional?
- Japan affected by a huge earthquake followed by tsunami. Oil flowing in water, causing fire....Nuclear reactor explosion....Death....Following other countries?
- Kidnaps, murders in Delhi..and other places...
It is all so strange, you expect one thing and you get another, you pay a price for everything in life.....I guess....the good, the bad, the dreams, the nightmares....it all comes rolled up together...Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart, that's the hard part. Life is full of surprises....
Mixed Blessings by Danielle Steel written in 1985, it was made a television film in 1995 directed by Bethany Rooney. .....
The plot follows three different couples, who have no correlation to each other trying to make ethical decisions about modern day lives and family life.
After the wedding of Diana Goode and Andrew Douglas, Diana comments that they will make a baby on their honeymoon. However, after the honeymoon period is over, she is still not pregnant. After repeated attempts, the couple both have to question their willingness to have a baby. Because Andy always wanted to have a child as well, she thinks she is only preventing him from his dream and files for divorce.
Eventually, Andy convinces Diana that he only wants to be with her and together, they decide to adopt a child. They find Jane, a student who thinks a baby will destroy her promosing future and after giving birth to a girl, Hilary, allows Diana who is filled with joy to finally become a mother. Meanwhile, Diana turns out to be pregnant after all and in the end, she ends up with two children.
The second couple consists of Charlie Winwood, an orphan who, like Diana, always wanted to have children. He is married to Barbie, an aspiring actress who isn't too enthusiastic to become a mother. While she is on a vacation to Las Vegas, Charlie brings a visit to the doctor and finds out he is sterile. However, five weeks later, Barbie announces she is pregnant, which means she cheated on him. Charlie immediately leaves her and later meets Beth, another orphan who is now enjoying her life as a single mother. They fall in love with each other and soon marry. Not only does Charlie become the father figure of her child, but they also decide to adopt another child like him having astama.
The third couple is Pillar Graham, a prominent Santa Barbara attorney, who marries Judge Brad Coleman, who is nineteen years her senior and father of two grown children. They are happy with their comfortable life together, untill Pillar begins to wonder is she will someday regret not having a baby with Brad. Are they crazy to begin now - with Brad about to become a grandfather and Pillar, in her early forties, possibly putting herself at risk? After consulting doctor she first have a miscarriage, then she delivers twins, a boy Christin and a gril Grace. But Grace die soon after she is born. And soon after she is expecting a baby again...
Through the lives of these couples, Danielle Steel shows us the mixed blessings we face as we build our families and live our modern lives. She touches us with the triumphant people who prevail, their victories, their defeats, their tragedies and joys, their compormises, their lives.
With life becoming easier, faster, and much more to do...there are so many invited worries too...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Ten Ways to Love Yourself...
In our everyday hectic and busy schedule, do we get time to love ourself? So just thought to share this small piece of information with you all.
Ten Ways to Love Yourself...
1. Act like you're wearing an invisible crown
According to Shana Kad, a Dubai-based NLP life coach, you project how you perceive yourself onto everyone around you - so you may as well be regal. "If you make a conscious effort to feel good about yourself, you will inevitably attract this same energy into your life from the people around you," she says.
"Simple acts - like waking a little earlier each morning and giving yourself the time to enjoy your breakfast while visualising the way you want your day to play out - work wonders," she explains. "Be conscious of your state at all times, as it determines your behaviour, which in turn determines your results."
2. Sleep well
Show yourself love by getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, including the two hours before midnight if possible as some research suggests these hours are particularly important. According to Patricia Hope, founder of the website Towards Happiness (www.towards-happiness.com), sleeping well is important for our sense of wellbeing. She explains, "When we haven't had enough sleep, we may get irritable and not be able to concentrate. This is unlikely to make us feel good about ourselves. However, when we are sufficiently rested we perform to our optimum potential. Now this is certainly a good way to show love and kindness to ourselves."
3. Get to know yourself
To know your ‘self' is to love yourself, explains Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist at The LightHouse Arabia (www.lighthousearabia.com). "It's important to know your ‘self' as ‘you' without the shell of your ego, fears and other defences you have developed over time," she says. To do this, she explains, you must separate the self from the ego, which entails being vulnerable, taking risks and loving others without reservation. This more often than not cannot be done without a psychologist, mentor or guide, who can point out your patterns and blind spots.
4. Meditate
Meditation is an act of self-love, as it trains you to be present with your own mind and your moment-to-moment experiences, explains Tom Von Deck, corporate meditation trainer and author of Oceanic Mind - The Deeper Meditation Training Course (Create Space). He advises taking some timeout every hour, even if it's just for30 seconds, to slip into an activity that accumulates a little bit of presence and peace. "This can be stretching, praying... deep breathing, gratitude and many other things," explains Von Deck. "It will really add up behind the scenes, especially when you add in regular meditation. Suddenly, everything will just click, and you'll be a lot calmer and present with yourself, your thoughts and your feelings," he says.
5. Write happy thoughts about your life
Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of How Do I Love Me? (available from howdoiloveme.com/the-book) suggests writing happy thoughts about your life (things you love about yourself and things you've accomplished) on Post-its and sticking them up somewhere visible, such as your fridge, bathroom mirror or computer screen. "Change them around so you see different ones in different places every few days. Every time you read something positive you'll feel good, smile more, and be reminded that life is good," she says.
6. Forgive yourself
Before you can forgive others, you need to learn to forgive yourself, explains Rawan Albina, a certified life coach based in Dubai. She says that you should remember events that have happened in the past that have left you feeling less than good and check in with your emotions. "Are there any negative residues there? If there are, don't try to understand them; simply accept that they are there," says Albina. "Acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards dealing with them because you then become aware of them. The next step is to stand in front of a mirror and say the following from the heart, ‘I love everything about me. I forgive myself for all past mistakes and accept these as part of my learning and growth'," she says.
7. Do a five-minute recap every night
Each night, when you climb into bed, aim to write down one thing you did that day that was 100 per cent in alignment with what you love doing. If you have more than one, write them all down. "This is a great exercise for being in a state of gratitude," says John Strelecky, best-selling author of The Big Five for Life: Leadership's Greatest Secret (St Martin's Press). "Often we focus on the negative parts of the day. Ending your night with that focus sets you up for more negativity the next day." If you have nothing to write at the end of the day, Strelecky advises you pick up a book you've been meaning to read and read for five minutes. Then pick up your journal and write ‘read a book for five minutes.' He says, "Knowing that at the end of the day there is this little ‘accountability moment' helps you align more of your activities with who you know in your heart you are. What may start off as one item per night quickly grows into a lengthy list."
8. Schedule ‘me days'
You should regularly dedicate a whole day to doing what you truly enjoy, during which you do no chores or errands. "Plan your day ahead of time and think about what you'd like to do," says Daylle Deanna Schwartz. "Write it down and look forward to it, and remember this is your day to do what you please. Make plans with you as important as those you make with other people," she says.
9. Give back
Giving back to the community is a great way to boost your self-esteem. According to Dr .Afridi, due the cultural collapse, loss of communities and rise of social media websites such as Facebook, we have forgotten we exist in a world and have a responsibility to it. "Any act of giving or loving actually pays back manyfold," she says. "If you feel unloved, go show love to someone else, if you feel lonely, go be a friend to someone else, if you feel hurt, go be a part of someone else's healing," she suggests.
10. Simply smile
Research has found that smiling helps increase serotonin (also known as the happy hormone), and is a vital component in the regulation of sleep, appetite and mood. By smiling at other people, you're also doing them a favour; researchers at The British Dental Health Foundation found that after participants were shown pictures of smiling individuals, their heart and brain activity was equivalent to what it would have been had they eaten 2,000 chocolate bars.
Warm Regards,
:) happy "Keep Smiling..." :) happy
Ten Ways to Love Yourself...
1. Act like you're wearing an invisible crown
According to Shana Kad, a Dubai-based NLP life coach, you project how you perceive yourself onto everyone around you - so you may as well be regal. "If you make a conscious effort to feel good about yourself, you will inevitably attract this same energy into your life from the people around you," she says.
"Simple acts - like waking a little earlier each morning and giving yourself the time to enjoy your breakfast while visualising the way you want your day to play out - work wonders," she explains. "Be conscious of your state at all times, as it determines your behaviour, which in turn determines your results."
2. Sleep well
Show yourself love by getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, including the two hours before midnight if possible as some research suggests these hours are particularly important. According to Patricia Hope, founder of the website Towards Happiness (www.towards-happiness.com), sleeping well is important for our sense of wellbeing. She explains, "When we haven't had enough sleep, we may get irritable and not be able to concentrate. This is unlikely to make us feel good about ourselves. However, when we are sufficiently rested we perform to our optimum potential. Now this is certainly a good way to show love and kindness to ourselves."
3. Get to know yourself
To know your ‘self' is to love yourself, explains Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist at The LightHouse Arabia (www.lighthousearabia.com). "It's important to know your ‘self' as ‘you' without the shell of your ego, fears and other defences you have developed over time," she says. To do this, she explains, you must separate the self from the ego, which entails being vulnerable, taking risks and loving others without reservation. This more often than not cannot be done without a psychologist, mentor or guide, who can point out your patterns and blind spots.
4. Meditate
Meditation is an act of self-love, as it trains you to be present with your own mind and your moment-to-moment experiences, explains Tom Von Deck, corporate meditation trainer and author of Oceanic Mind - The Deeper Meditation Training Course (Create Space). He advises taking some timeout every hour, even if it's just for30 seconds, to slip into an activity that accumulates a little bit of presence and peace. "This can be stretching, praying... deep breathing, gratitude and many other things," explains Von Deck. "It will really add up behind the scenes, especially when you add in regular meditation. Suddenly, everything will just click, and you'll be a lot calmer and present with yourself, your thoughts and your feelings," he says.
5. Write happy thoughts about your life
Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of How Do I Love Me? (available from howdoiloveme.com/the-book) suggests writing happy thoughts about your life (things you love about yourself and things you've accomplished) on Post-its and sticking them up somewhere visible, such as your fridge, bathroom mirror or computer screen. "Change them around so you see different ones in different places every few days. Every time you read something positive you'll feel good, smile more, and be reminded that life is good," she says.
6. Forgive yourself
Before you can forgive others, you need to learn to forgive yourself, explains Rawan Albina, a certified life coach based in Dubai. She says that you should remember events that have happened in the past that have left you feeling less than good and check in with your emotions. "Are there any negative residues there? If there are, don't try to understand them; simply accept that they are there," says Albina. "Acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards dealing with them because you then become aware of them. The next step is to stand in front of a mirror and say the following from the heart, ‘I love everything about me. I forgive myself for all past mistakes and accept these as part of my learning and growth'," she says.
7. Do a five-minute recap every night
Each night, when you climb into bed, aim to write down one thing you did that day that was 100 per cent in alignment with what you love doing. If you have more than one, write them all down. "This is a great exercise for being in a state of gratitude," says John Strelecky, best-selling author of The Big Five for Life: Leadership's Greatest Secret (St Martin's Press). "Often we focus on the negative parts of the day. Ending your night with that focus sets you up for more negativity the next day." If you have nothing to write at the end of the day, Strelecky advises you pick up a book you've been meaning to read and read for five minutes. Then pick up your journal and write ‘read a book for five minutes.' He says, "Knowing that at the end of the day there is this little ‘accountability moment' helps you align more of your activities with who you know in your heart you are. What may start off as one item per night quickly grows into a lengthy list."
8. Schedule ‘me days'
You should regularly dedicate a whole day to doing what you truly enjoy, during which you do no chores or errands. "Plan your day ahead of time and think about what you'd like to do," says Daylle Deanna Schwartz. "Write it down and look forward to it, and remember this is your day to do what you please. Make plans with you as important as those you make with other people," she says.
9. Give back
Giving back to the community is a great way to boost your self-esteem. According to Dr .Afridi, due the cultural collapse, loss of communities and rise of social media websites such as Facebook, we have forgotten we exist in a world and have a responsibility to it. "Any act of giving or loving actually pays back manyfold," she says. "If you feel unloved, go show love to someone else, if you feel lonely, go be a friend to someone else, if you feel hurt, go be a part of someone else's healing," she suggests.
10. Simply smile
Research has found that smiling helps increase serotonin (also known as the happy hormone), and is a vital component in the regulation of sleep, appetite and mood. By smiling at other people, you're also doing them a favour; researchers at The British Dental Health Foundation found that after participants were shown pictures of smiling individuals, their heart and brain activity was equivalent to what it would have been had they eaten 2,000 chocolate bars.
Warm Regards,
:) happy "Keep Smiling..." :) happy
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
It was morning, and the new sun sparkled Gold across the ripples of a gentle sea...
Claimed to be the most inspirational fable of our time, by Richard Bach and beautiful pics (Most of the pages are on pics) by Russell Munson.
Indeed this is a story for people who follow their dreams and make their own rules.
For most seagulls, life consists simply of eating and surviving. Flying is just a means of finding food. However, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is no ordinary bird. For him, flying is life itself. Against the conventions of seagull society, he seeks to find a higher purpose and become the best at doing what he loves.
This is a fable about the importance of making the most of our lives, even if our goals run contrary to the norms of our flock, tribe or neighborhood. For not being like others he was outcast. But with inner control, he flew to another place, which at first he thought to be heaven, with others of similar taste. But then he wanted to come back and help others home.
As he continued learning we realise...
If we follow our dreams, we too can soar.
Speed was power, speed was joy, and the speed was pure beauty.
Boredom, and fear and anger are the reason, why life is short. With these gone, you can live a long life indeed.
Most of us live, forgetting right away where we had come from, not caring where we were headed, living for the moment.
We choose our next world, through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing, and the next world is the same as this one, all the limitations and the lead weights to overcome.
It always works, when you know, what you are doing, and keep working on love.
If our friendship depends on space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we've destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle is Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?
To fly high, you need to be firm, but smooth.
The flight of ideas could be as real as other flights. Each of us in truth is an idea. Everything that limits us, we must put aside. Practice.
Your whole body is nothing but your thought. Break the chains of your thoughts, and your break the chain of your body too.
We're free to go where we wish and to be what we are.
You know nothing till you prove it!!
Understand what you really are and practice it. The only true law is that leads you to freedom. Whatever stands against it must be set aside, may it be ritual, or superstition or limitation in any form.
The hardest thing in the world is to convince a person that he is free, and that he can prove it for himself if he'd spend a little time practising.
You don't love hatred and evil of course. See the good in everyone, and help them see it themselves. It's fun, when you get the knack of it.
You need to keep finding yourself, a little more each day.
No limits! Your race to learn has begun!!
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Kyon? Why?
Nope, I am not talking about the song from Hrithik’s ‘KAHO NAA PYAAR HAI’
Kyon Chalti Hai Pavan
Kyon Jhume Hai Gagan
Kyon Machalta Hai Mann
.
.
.
Kyon Aati Hai Bahaar
Kyon Lutta Hai Karaar
Kyon Hota Hai Pyaar
But there are some Kyon’s lingering in my mind:
1. Why do we garnish our own traits while tarnish that of others?
2. Why do we eat junk food, even when we know it is not good for health?
3. Why do we sneeze frequently at times?
4. Why don’t we use facilities (I regret not using spell check facility) even if available?
5. Why don’t we have the same enthusiasm/energy always?
6. Why do we dream?
7. Why do we try to imitate others?
8. Why can we not keep resolutions, walk the talk?
9. Why do good people suffer?
10.Why people go from our life, die?
1. Is it because, all want to be running, and it’s in everyone’s mind, that only the person who can prove can survive? Even if so, garnish your traits, but why tarnish that of others? Even though we know that Smile and Silence is the best, why do we end up being angry and shout or speak too much? Is it to prove our point? When we know that there is so much of good in the worst of us and so much of bad in the best of us, then why do we try to figure only the good of some, and only the bad of others? Also on the same footing, I wonder why do people want to take credit, for all the good, and blame others and be irresponsible for all the negative things? We all know that Adjustment & Compromise are 2 crucial sides of the same coin called Relationship, havent we hear it many a times? Then why adjust and compromise only with some and not all? Oh! I see, the rest says 'Adjust....when someone wants to be with you & Compromise.....when you want to be with someone: YOU LOVE', is 'You Love' the main factor in there?
2. These days, I had been eating so much of noodles; food kept in fridge, from thattukada, non vegetarian…All the ‘Tamasic’ food. Though always think no…Is it because we like junk foods or lazy to make healthy food? After all how long it will take to make a Ganji?
3. It is not only when there is some irritation or allergy, mostly every day begins with sneezing, and especially and longer, when we have a good hair massage and bath?
4. I'm very bad at grammar, spelling well writing for that matter. I can never find the right proposition or punctuation. Though this does not make me take an effort in spell checking or proof reading, nor does it make me hesitate before writing.
5. I don't have the same enthusiasm for learning new languages any more. Why alone language, anything for that matter. Is it because I am growing old or should I blame information overload? Aren’t youngsters quick at learning?
6. I dream mostly every night. Well everyone does, but I remember them in the morning. I kind of know the insecurities and unexpressed thoughts, feelings and judgments that trigger my dreams and though sometimes it's really weird and depressing to face the facts dreams throw at me, I think it keeps me honest. To myself. It helps me face the insecurity. But why insecurities?
7. Isn’t the first and this thought contrary but true? Looking around don’t we find people trying to tarnish others traits, while trying to imitate them? Being an outsider for just two months helped me at least in one way to take an objective look. For instance, I really appreciate diversity and what it really means in the Indian context and how rare that is in this world and how fast disappearing. Yes, all the diversities, in language, dress, currency, are slowly disappearing.. I believe dresses in each place are based on the geography of the location. Then does it make sense wearing high collared suits and ties in a temperate region like ours? Wouldn’t life be boring if everything was same?
8. I don't like having "principles" - I like doing what is best for the situation, but it doesn’t mean I can tolerate people being late, or not keeping words. Often I wonder, why should we be loosing our time when others are late? Why am I not able to keep my timetables or resolutions at times? And why can we not practice what we preach or fight about? Especailly the oaths taken?
9. We can share others sorrow, but can we share the pain that they suffer because of ill health? Why do good people suffer? Well may be some of them whom we consider good, may be good in their behavior, but not really good, but what about others? All right, some of them are inefficient and some of them are lazy, but then what about others?
10. I have lost many friends/relatives always. Was it because of the distance or due to other preoccupations, priorities and lack of interest/accessibility? Is it true that the only real friends are the ones that stay? People keep coming together and moving away and that there is no pattern in this flow. Do birds of a feather flocking together be able to keep the flock? Why these days, I find people with dislike towards relatives, and more inclination towards friends? And then why death? More torturing when the news is like that of Arushi or Sowmya?
Offf!!! Confusions…Unnecessary thoughts??
Kyon? Why? These thoughts!! Is it because 'Idle mind is devils workshop'?
Finally why do I spend my time here? Shall I bid good bye?
Babumoshai: Will I ever get an answer to these Why’s?
My mind is singing the song from Dulari (One of my father's favourate):
Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki Na Jaane Tum Kab Aaoge
Jahan Ki Rut Badal Chuki Na Jaane Tum Kab Aaoge
Nazaare Apni Mastiyaan Dikha Dikha Ke Kho Gaye
Sitaare Apni Roshni Luta Luta Ke So Gaye
Why can I not follow the powerful women's motto?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Traffic
When we had been to watch No one Killed Jessica, there was this SMS to watch Traffic from Jomon, and then there was long discussions in office and this review from Vinay:
First things first.
Movie Traffic is a path breaking film that takes the viewer through a thrilling journey of human emotions with a narrative style that has never been attempted before in a Malayalam film. With a cleverly written script laced with right doses of sentiments, drama and thrills it gives the viewer a visual spectacle.
The plot is about a bunch of characters (portrayed by Anup Menon, Kunchako, Lena, Father Son duo Sreenivasan Vineeth etc) and strange coincidences that connects these characters. There are sub plots within the main plot that are cleverly interwoven into the main incident that unfolds in dramatic style. The twists and the turns keep the viewers guessing and the adrenalin pumping all the way till the end.
Technically the film is brilliant especially the cinematography, BGM and the stunt departments. Screenplay is another highlight of the film and easily qualifies to be one of the finest written screenplays ever in Mollywood history.
In the acting department all the actors are given meaningful roles and delivers quality performances. To mention a few, Saikumar as Vineet’s father, Anup Menon as the city police commissioner and Rahman as a helpless Superstar are top class!
When crass movies are ruling the roost these days, Traffic is a welcome relief for viewers who get to see a different storyline and its splendid execution on screen that is nothing short of spectacular. This is one movie for which you can go to the theatres without leaving your brains back home.
All actors, technicians and crew associated with this film can be proud of the fact that they are part of a product that is crafted with so much thought, intellect and care that it will remain carved in the minds of movie goers for a long long time.
Brilliant!
And then, there was another set of people who felt the move was very good, but not an exceptional. What was exceptional was something like Manichitrathazhu.
Was the opinion difference a matter of expectation? The first set of people had been for the move, expecting it to be just like any other malayalam movie. But their reviews created a hype, and others expectated something great! So are'nt the reviews biased, based on expecations?
Expecations are the root cause of most sorrows, you will be happy when you expect nothing but is able to expect as it comes, is'nt it?
The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own
2009 began with Ghajini with Sreeragh & Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Saroja(Though release in end of Dec 2008), 2010 with 3 Idiots, with Sujith and Anup, again release in the end of Dec 2009, 2011 was with No One Killed Jessica in Hindi; with Barkha, Gaurav, a week before she was to leave WLI.
A role model to every one around, Barkha, who my my colleague in office, is an enlightened personality and a thorough professional to the core. She is ambitious, independent, with good managerial ability, and communications skills, punctual, ambitious, honest in her opinions, Intelligent, Achiever. She is a wonderful colleague and a good person to be with. Though we will miss her.
While watching the move, we kept relating the roles to most of us in WLI, as it had similar names but different character and vice versa.
The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own. Case reopened to a wider public on 7th January 2011
New Delhi, 1999. The guns at Kargil were still blazing when another one goes off, this time in the nation's capital. Jessica, a young attractive model trying her hand at bartending, is shot dead at a celebrity party. Her crime - refusing to serve a drink after closing hours!
Based on the famous Jessica Lal murder case, No One Killed Jessica is a class apart in the sense that never ever a film, based on a true life incident, has turned out to be so thrilling and interesting. A film that surely deserves a watch by each and everyone!
Untill the movie released, I for that matter many, had expected Rani to play the role of Jessica, but Jessica (Myra Karn), is shot dead by Manish Bharadwaj (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), son of a powerful politician (Shireesh Sharma). Jessica’s sister Sabrina (Vidya Balan) and their parents are shattered with the news of Jessica’s death. The police arrests Manish and his accomplices and it seemed like an open and shut case. After all, there were 300 people in the party with few prime witnesses.
Although the film has few fictional add-ons, it has tried to give as true an account of the incident as possible. This was definitely not an easy task especially for a filmmaker who’s out there to make a feature commercial film and not a documentary or a docudrama like Black Friday. But director Raj Kumar Gupta manages to come up with a film on a true story with thrill, shock, tragedy and all other elements well in place! Kudos to him!
The first half has more of Vidya who plays Sabrina, the elder sister of the deceased Jessica. She has a quiet demeanour that hides a dogged, never-say-die spirit. She has made it her life’s mission to seek justice for her sister.
In the first half Rani is Feisty and fearless, Meera (taking you to Barkha for NDTV) a celebrated TV journalist who does whatever it takes to seek the truth. When the Jessica murder case catches her attention, at the interval, she is determined to teach the culprits a lesson. She drum up every resource at their disposal to outwit Manish at his own game, if the truth is to have any chance of prevailing over money and political clout.
How they go about doing it in order to get justice for Jessica is what the film is all about.
It also portrays relationships: Parent-children, siblings.
The move is with the heavy-metal background song, "Dilli Dilli"
More on the actual case and facts thereafter:
The court had relied on the evidence of four key witnesses namely Bina Ramani, her daughter Malani Ramani, George and Deepak Bhojwani who testified in the courts despite threats to their lives.
November 11, 2009 — In the midst of a gigantic controversy over his parole, the man who killed Jessica Lall, has returned to Tihar Jail, two weeks before his parole expires.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSUiUJ3HEA Jan 19 2010
Jessicas photo and mothers face in the first instance, and Justice for Jesscia movement, by media gave strength to Sabrina Lal to fight the case..
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/19/jessica-lal-case-11-year-long-battle-for-justice.htm
• April 29-30 1999: Jessica shot at a party in Qutub Colonnade restaurant in south Delhi [ Images ].
• April 30, 1999: Doctors at Apollo Hospital declare Jessica brought dead.
• May 2, 1999: Delhi Police recovers Tata Safari [ Images ] car belonging to Manu Sharma, son of Haryana Congress leader Venod Sharma, from Noida, Uttar Pradesh [ Images ].
• May 6, 1999: Manu surrenders before a court in Chandigarh. Subsequently 10 other co-accused, including Vikas Yadav, son of UP politician D P Yadav, arrested.
• August 3, 1999: Chargesheet filed against accused for killing Jessica under various sections of IPC.
• January 31, 2000: Magistrate court commits the case to a Sessions court for trial.
• November 23, 2000: Sessions court frames charges for murder against nine persons and discharges one accused, Amit Jhingan, while declaring Ravinder Sudan alias Titu as proclaimed offender.
• May 2, 2001: Court starts recording of prosecution evidence. Deepak Bhojwani, an eye witness deposes before the trial court.
• May 3, 2001: Complainant and eye witness Shyan Munshi turns hostile and fails to identify Manu in court.
• May 5, 2001: Another eye witness Shiv Das, an electrician at Qutub Colonnade, turns hostile.
• May 16, 2001: Third key witness Karan Rajput turns hostile.
• July 6, 2001: Malini Ramani, eyewitness, identifies Manu.
• October 12, 2001: Socialite Bina Ramani, owner of the restaurant and bar, identifies Manu.
• October 17, 2001: George Mailhot, Ramani's Canadian husband, deposes and identifies Manu.
• July 20, 2004: Surinder Sharma, controversial investigating officer in the case, deposes after returning from UN assignment in Kosovo.
• February 21, 2006: Trial court acquits all nine accused due to lack of evidence against them.
• March 13, 2006: Delhi Police file appeal in the high court.
• October 3, 2006: High Court begins hearing on appeal on a day-to-day basis.
• November 29, 2006: High Court reserves its verdict.
• December 18, 2006: High Court convicts Manu, Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and acquits Aloke Khanna, Vikas Gill, Harvinder Singh Chopra, Raja Chopra, Shyam Sunder Sharma and Yograj Singh.
• December 20, 2006: High Court awards life imprisonment term to main convict Manu Sharma with a fine of Rs 50,000 and also sentences co-convicts Amardeep Singh Gill and Vikas Yadav to four years' prison term with Rs 3,000 fine each.
• February 2, 2007: Manu Sharma appeals in the Supreme Court.
• March 8, 2007: Supreme Court admits Manu Sharma's appeal.
• November 27, 2007: Supreme Court rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• May 12, 2008: Supreme Court again rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• January 19, 2010: Supreme Court commences hearing on Manu Sharma's appeal.
• February 18, 2010: Supreme Court reserves verdict on the appeal of Manu Sharma.
• April 19, 2010: Supreme Court upholds conviction and life term of Manu.
Just a note, Movie Halla Bol : Could be more on Shayan Munshi, but not exactly Jessica.
This film explores how justice can be pursued even when denied at the first go. Also it drives the attention of the massed who did not know much of this case, and what next in similar situation.
Is'nt The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own?
A role model to every one around, Barkha, who my my colleague in office, is an enlightened personality and a thorough professional to the core. She is ambitious, independent, with good managerial ability, and communications skills, punctual, ambitious, honest in her opinions, Intelligent, Achiever. She is a wonderful colleague and a good person to be with. Though we will miss her.
While watching the move, we kept relating the roles to most of us in WLI, as it had similar names but different character and vice versa.
The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own. Case reopened to a wider public on 7th January 2011
New Delhi, 1999. The guns at Kargil were still blazing when another one goes off, this time in the nation's capital. Jessica, a young attractive model trying her hand at bartending, is shot dead at a celebrity party. Her crime - refusing to serve a drink after closing hours!
Based on the famous Jessica Lal murder case, No One Killed Jessica is a class apart in the sense that never ever a film, based on a true life incident, has turned out to be so thrilling and interesting. A film that surely deserves a watch by each and everyone!
Untill the movie released, I for that matter many, had expected Rani to play the role of Jessica, but Jessica (Myra Karn), is shot dead by Manish Bharadwaj (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), son of a powerful politician (Shireesh Sharma). Jessica’s sister Sabrina (Vidya Balan) and their parents are shattered with the news of Jessica’s death. The police arrests Manish and his accomplices and it seemed like an open and shut case. After all, there were 300 people in the party with few prime witnesses.
Although the film has few fictional add-ons, it has tried to give as true an account of the incident as possible. This was definitely not an easy task especially for a filmmaker who’s out there to make a feature commercial film and not a documentary or a docudrama like Black Friday. But director Raj Kumar Gupta manages to come up with a film on a true story with thrill, shock, tragedy and all other elements well in place! Kudos to him!
The first half has more of Vidya who plays Sabrina, the elder sister of the deceased Jessica. She has a quiet demeanour that hides a dogged, never-say-die spirit. She has made it her life’s mission to seek justice for her sister.
In the first half Rani is Feisty and fearless, Meera (taking you to Barkha for NDTV) a celebrated TV journalist who does whatever it takes to seek the truth. When the Jessica murder case catches her attention, at the interval, she is determined to teach the culprits a lesson. She drum up every resource at their disposal to outwit Manish at his own game, if the truth is to have any chance of prevailing over money and political clout.
How they go about doing it in order to get justice for Jessica is what the film is all about.
It also portrays relationships: Parent-children, siblings.
The move is with the heavy-metal background song, "Dilli Dilli"
More on the actual case and facts thereafter:
The court had relied on the evidence of four key witnesses namely Bina Ramani, her daughter Malani Ramani, George and Deepak Bhojwani who testified in the courts despite threats to their lives.
November 11, 2009 — In the midst of a gigantic controversy over his parole, the man who killed Jessica Lall, has returned to Tihar Jail, two weeks before his parole expires.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSUiUJ3HEA Jan 19 2010
Jessicas photo and mothers face in the first instance, and Justice for Jesscia movement, by media gave strength to Sabrina Lal to fight the case..
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/19/jessica-lal-case-11-year-long-battle-for-justice.htm
• April 29-30 1999: Jessica shot at a party in Qutub Colonnade restaurant in south Delhi [ Images ].
• April 30, 1999: Doctors at Apollo Hospital declare Jessica brought dead.
• May 2, 1999: Delhi Police recovers Tata Safari [ Images ] car belonging to Manu Sharma, son of Haryana Congress leader Venod Sharma, from Noida, Uttar Pradesh [ Images ].
• May 6, 1999: Manu surrenders before a court in Chandigarh. Subsequently 10 other co-accused, including Vikas Yadav, son of UP politician D P Yadav, arrested.
• August 3, 1999: Chargesheet filed against accused for killing Jessica under various sections of IPC.
• January 31, 2000: Magistrate court commits the case to a Sessions court for trial.
• November 23, 2000: Sessions court frames charges for murder against nine persons and discharges one accused, Amit Jhingan, while declaring Ravinder Sudan alias Titu as proclaimed offender.
• May 2, 2001: Court starts recording of prosecution evidence. Deepak Bhojwani, an eye witness deposes before the trial court.
• May 3, 2001: Complainant and eye witness Shyan Munshi turns hostile and fails to identify Manu in court.
• May 5, 2001: Another eye witness Shiv Das, an electrician at Qutub Colonnade, turns hostile.
• May 16, 2001: Third key witness Karan Rajput turns hostile.
• July 6, 2001: Malini Ramani, eyewitness, identifies Manu.
• October 12, 2001: Socialite Bina Ramani, owner of the restaurant and bar, identifies Manu.
• October 17, 2001: George Mailhot, Ramani's Canadian husband, deposes and identifies Manu.
• July 20, 2004: Surinder Sharma, controversial investigating officer in the case, deposes after returning from UN assignment in Kosovo.
• February 21, 2006: Trial court acquits all nine accused due to lack of evidence against them.
• March 13, 2006: Delhi Police file appeal in the high court.
• October 3, 2006: High Court begins hearing on appeal on a day-to-day basis.
• November 29, 2006: High Court reserves its verdict.
• December 18, 2006: High Court convicts Manu, Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and acquits Aloke Khanna, Vikas Gill, Harvinder Singh Chopra, Raja Chopra, Shyam Sunder Sharma and Yograj Singh.
• December 20, 2006: High Court awards life imprisonment term to main convict Manu Sharma with a fine of Rs 50,000 and also sentences co-convicts Amardeep Singh Gill and Vikas Yadav to four years' prison term with Rs 3,000 fine each.
• February 2, 2007: Manu Sharma appeals in the Supreme Court.
• March 8, 2007: Supreme Court admits Manu Sharma's appeal.
• November 27, 2007: Supreme Court rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• May 12, 2008: Supreme Court again rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• January 19, 2010: Supreme Court commences hearing on Manu Sharma's appeal.
• February 18, 2010: Supreme Court reserves verdict on the appeal of Manu Sharma.
• April 19, 2010: Supreme Court upholds conviction and life term of Manu.
Just a note, Movie Halla Bol : Could be more on Shayan Munshi, but not exactly Jessica.
This film explores how justice can be pursued even when denied at the first go. Also it drives the attention of the massed who did not know much of this case, and what next in similar situation.
Is'nt The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own?
Straight Through The Heart: By Lyn Stone
A Mills & Boon production, Straight Through The Heart: By Lyn Stone is about Special Agent Eric Vinland a Telepath and Clairvoyant who was in one hell of a fix. Because Dawn Moon had seen the killer who'd murdered her boss and stolen a valuable disk, she'd be masquerading as his wife on a Greek island where they hoped to outbid "other" terrorists for that disk.
And he couldn't deny that Dawn did something powerful to him. The attraction sparked between them like a high-voltage wire, and she caused him to lose his special, all-defining ability to read people's minds. Without that gift, he and Dawn might not survive Day One. And if they did? Well, this was going to be a long, long assignment....
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Journey this far...
Yet the end of another year, 2010. It was just yesterday we celebrated the New year for 2010 after the Escape of 2009, and now we are here waiting to welcome 2011. Can I call that period as an era from escape to freedom?
2010, was Thankfully a good year, eventful year, in which there were so many things happening, so many dreams realised, so many new friends made..I wish I could enjoy and keep the new, but not leave the old...
The year had begun with Abhi and Srees wedding, my talking to Sharyn, OPI Farewell, and joining WLI.
Raghee got wedded in Jan, had a kid in Oct. who had an operation on the 5th day, and was hospitalised for more than a month. Manu too got wedded, Santhu got into a bank. There were so many kids born, and so many expecting.
Dance, Mime, Hawaii day, DJ Dandiya: Wow! Had been to places, in Kerala too...Trivandrum, Wayanad, Vagmon, bike trips to Malayatoor/Illithode on the Independence day, and to Athirapilli and Allapuzha on a rainy day and hottest day of the year, since years....From Karpagam to Barkha; Jay to Gaurav; Chennai to Calcutta. With both old an new...But am afraid, I am missing some....Ah! womens brains are entangled...while men have different boxes for everything....and they even do have a nothing box, Remember!!!
Me, Achan & Amma together visited chennai. Though they did not get through the Visa interview then, amma got it later and she flew to Chicago to be with my sis. The journey too, though a bit troublesome in the beginning went on well.
My Sis and BIL had been here for her SIL's wedding, which was yet another memorable and well organised splendour of the year.
And there is a new joy in our life, Neil!! Welcome dear!
Thank you Almighty, for everything, and I do pray....
5 years into blogging, which began on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, and five blogs: Arunoday, Consciousness, Erudition, Thottappilly,Karuveetil...And am still wondering, what next, and how? Kya Pata: Kal ho na ho…….
2010, was Thankfully a good year, eventful year, in which there were so many things happening, so many dreams realised, so many new friends made..I wish I could enjoy and keep the new, but not leave the old...
The year had begun with Abhi and Srees wedding, my talking to Sharyn, OPI Farewell, and joining WLI.
Raghee got wedded in Jan, had a kid in Oct. who had an operation on the 5th day, and was hospitalised for more than a month. Manu too got wedded, Santhu got into a bank. There were so many kids born, and so many expecting.
Dance, Mime, Hawaii day, DJ Dandiya: Wow! Had been to places, in Kerala too...Trivandrum, Wayanad, Vagmon, bike trips to Malayatoor/Illithode on the Independence day, and to Athirapilli and Allapuzha on a rainy day and hottest day of the year, since years....From Karpagam to Barkha; Jay to Gaurav; Chennai to Calcutta. With both old an new...But am afraid, I am missing some....Ah! womens brains are entangled...while men have different boxes for everything....and they even do have a nothing box, Remember!!!
Me, Achan & Amma together visited chennai. Though they did not get through the Visa interview then, amma got it later and she flew to Chicago to be with my sis. The journey too, though a bit troublesome in the beginning went on well.
My Sis and BIL had been here for her SIL's wedding, which was yet another memorable and well organised splendour of the year.
And there is a new joy in our life, Neil!! Welcome dear!
Thank you Almighty, for everything, and I do pray....
5 years into blogging, which began on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, and five blogs: Arunoday, Consciousness, Erudition, Thottappilly,Karuveetil...And am still wondering, what next, and how? Kya Pata: Kal ho na ho…….
Prayer
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.
Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and at home begin the disruption of peace of the world.
Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in those little things is a great thing.
A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, and the fruit of service is peace.
Make us worthy lord to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Help me, help them come out of it and give them through our hands this day their daily bread and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy.
And as I type this, Neil is born...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Shawshank Redemption
Here is yet another from the Vinay Series, and with this began the exchange. It was Rohith who wanted to see it, and asked for the Video.
Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.
Andy faces many trials in prison (Shawshank), but forms an alliance with the wardens because he is able to use his banking experience to help the corrupt officials amass personal fortunes. The story unfolds....
Director: Frank Darabont
Writers: Stephen King (short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"), Frank Darabont (screenplay)
Stars:Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. Not overnight, but after a decade (for one) and four decades (other)of patience, hope, hardwork and...?
Hope sees the invisible and achieves the impossible.
Annual day and other celebrations
Annual day celebration: with passion in red, on 26th November 2010 at PJ Princess Regency.
It was a day of Fun & Frolic...A day to celebrate oneness!!!There was Flaunt, Grove, Chant and....tons of fun...to experience the Passion and Pride of being a Williams Lea-ite.
Danced to the tunes of Vande Matram sung by Lataji, Mime of the police and thief!
Sports
Dandiya DJ Night Celebration!
Celebrating oneness. Augmenting prosperity * Rejoicing Harmony. Energizing the heritage.
Dandiya DJ Night celebration! at Park Residency on 22nd October 2010
It was a day of Fun & Frolic...A day to celebrate oneness!!!There was Flaunt, Grove, Chant and....tons of fun...to experience the Passion and Pride of being a Williams Lea-ite.
Danced to the tunes of Vande Matram sung by Lataji, Mime of the police and thief!
Sports
Dandiya DJ Night Celebration!
Celebrating oneness. Augmenting prosperity * Rejoicing Harmony. Energizing the heritage.
Dandiya DJ Night celebration! at Park Residency on 22nd October 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Before Sunrise: P.S. I Love You :
A 1995 romantic drama film about a young man and woman who meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.
Director: Richard Linklater
Writers: Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan
Stars:Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Andrea Eckert
Movie starts with Jesse meeting Céline on a train from Budapest and striking up a conversation with her. Jesse is going to Vienna to catch a flight back to the United States, whereas Céline is returning to university in Paris after visiting her grandmother.
The plot is minimalist, since aside from walking and talking, not much happens. The two characters' ideas and perspectives on life and love are detailed. Jesse is a romantic disguised as a cynic, and Céline is seemingly a romantic, albeit with some doubts.
A 2004 sequel, Before Sunset, picks up the story nine years after the events of the first film, and am yet to watch it.
The film received high critical praise at the time of its release and has received a rare perfect 100% rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and a 77 metascore on Metacritic.
Finally it also took me again to Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, which is one of my all time favourate. Again Thanks to Vinay for this, it was he who introduced me to it.
______________
P.S. I Love You
A 2007 American drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese and screenplay by Steven Rogers is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern. A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.
Holly and Gerry are a married couple who live on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They are deeply in love, but they fight occasionally. Gerry dies suddenly of a brain tumor and Holly realizes how much he means to her as well as how insignificant their arguments were.
Holly eventually enrolls in a fashion course and discovers she has a flair for designing women's shoes. While on a walk with her mother, she learns that her mother was the one whom Gerry asked to deliver his letters after his death.
Dont know why, the narration of the story by Mano brought tears to my eyes..The very thought of how the author thought of Gerry, giving letters, understanding Hollys tastes and situation.
Thanks to Vinay, I could watch it, but the movie was not as touching! Finally with the gift voucher from WL, could read the book too...which indeed was more touching...right from the beginning to the end...With few changes in the story...
Some people wait their whole lives to find their soul mates. But not Holly and Gerry. They were childhood sweethearts - no one could imagine Holly and Gerry without each other...and that is where, the story starts in the novel...just after the death of Gerry when Holly is alone...Gerrys notes, gently guides her into her new life without him, each signed 'PS, I Love You'. Each containing a task that will help Holly move on with her life. So Thoughtful. With some help from her friends, and her noisy and loving family, Holly finds herself laughing, crying, singing, dancing - and being braver than ever before.
Life is for living, she realises - but it always helps if there's an angel watching over you.
________________
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Thank You All! ~Teamwork~
Team work! The fuel that allows common people achieve uncommon result, right?
Doubel joy, when in the team there are cultural exchange, not just gifts like, Lindt Advent Christmas Chocolate Calander, Quality street, roses, celebrations, Lindt Selection but also notes....How can we thank the team...
Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar by Lindt & Sprungli.
A Christmas Advent Calendar from Lindt, filled with a selection of the delicious Swiss chocolates; Snowdrop Balls, the famous hollow figures and Lindor Mini Truffles, one behind each of the doors counting down to Christmas Day.
Milk Chocolate Gold Reindeer, Milk Chocolate Santa Claus, Milk Napolitains, Milk Chocolate snowdrops, Lindor Mini Truffles, A delightful selection of chocolates behind each advent calendar window.
And behind you have games:
Spot the ten difference in the quickest time possible.
WordSearch. Can you find all the Christmas words listed below?
Reindeer, Santa Claus, Present, Mistletoe, Tree, Stocking, Snowman, Turkey, Decorations, Toys, Holly, Candle, Bell, Sleigh, Carols, Chocolate, Snow, Nuts, Ivy, Star
Cadbury Roses
The brightly wrapped Cadbury Roses, in distinctive blue packs, is one of the leading brands in assortments and boxed chocolates.
First Introduced in 1938, Cadbury Bournville - where the chocolates were conceived and produced - was renowned as "a factory in a garden". Roses were one of the most popular flowers at the time - hence the name for this popular assortment.
And the Note for Pravin, Jay and Meera read:
We hope you enjoy these chocolates with your friends and family.
Sharyn: There is one box for each of you. My favourites are Roses (!) With Love & Best Wishes.
Claire: Enjoy the treats! Just a little Thank you for your hard work & Support. Thanks.
Vanessa: Hope you enjoy the choccies guys. Hopefully they will have made the journey successfully. Please dont think that we spend all of the christmas period eating this much chocolate:.) Lots of Love
Garteh:Hope the Chocolates arrives in one piece and they have not melted or Raghu has not eaten them!!! All the very best!!!
Jahan: Hope you enjoy the chocolates. Thank you for your hard work and support. All the best.
And for the team:
In England we mark off the days of the Calendar from the first of december until Christmas day. This is called advent. In recent years this has become secular and ....a chocolate each day.
For each of you there is an advent calendar with a chocolate per day for you to enjoy!
Thank you for all your hard work all year. I am really pleased with the team and how well we work together and I look forward to starting 2011 with you all.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Foot Prints in My Heart
Learn to detach...Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent... But detachment doesn't mean you don't let the experience penetrate you. On the contrary, you let it penetrate fully. That's how you are able to leave it...
Take any emotion--love for a woman, or grief for a loved one, or fear and pain from a deadly illness. If you hold back on the emotions--if you don't allow yourself to go all the way through them--you can never get to being detached, you're too busy being afraid.
You're afraid of the pain, you're afraid of the grief. You're afraid of the vulnerability that love entails. But by throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely.
You know what pain is. You know what love is. You know what grief is. And only then can you say, 'All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. Now I need to detach from that emotion for a moment. - Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie
This is for the one who introduced me to Fireflies! Keeps me going on those long nights! :~)
Because everything is never as it seems…Owl city fire flies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4&feature=player_embedded
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If nature allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, It would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as we could have been And we could never fly.
Have a great day, great life, and struggle a little. Then fly!
Monday, October 25, 2010
The world is flat : Thomas L. Friedman
The book is on how, why and what about the Globalized world in the Twenty-First Century.
The global competitive playing field was being leveled, as Thomas L. Friedman realized during his visit to India, and during a chat with Nandan Nilekani.
Now more people can plug, play, compete, connect and collaborate with more power than ever before. We are all becoming publishers and therefore all becoming public figures.
The three greatest era 0f Globalization:
1. 1492 to 1800: When Columbus set sail. Countries globalized and world started shrinking.
2. 1800 to 2000: Great Depression and World Wars I and II, industrial revolution. Companies globalized and world became smaller.
3. 2000 and after: Individuals collaborate and compete globally, in a flat-world platform.
The ten forces that 'FLATTENED' the world:
#1 (11/9/1989) The New age of creativity: When the walls came down and the windows went up.(Berlin-MS)
#2 (08/9/1995) The New age of connectivity: When the web went around and the Netscape went public.
#3 Work Flow Software: 24/7/365 we are working: The Flat-World platform emerges.
#4 Uploading: Harnessing the power of communities. We are the web: Leads to globalisation of the local.
#5 Outsourcing: Y2K: India is 'The second buyer', who mined the brains of its own people.
#6 Off-shoring: (11/12/2001:China formally joined WTO): Running with Gazelles,eating with lions. While outsourcing takes only a limited specific function, off-shoring takes the whole factory activity.
#7 Supply-Chaining: Eating Sushi in Arkansas: Replace inventory with information. Wall-marts Sam Walton's vision was build by David Glass who is to supply-chaining what Bill Gates is to word processing. Selling at EDLP (Every Day Low Prices)
#8 In-sourcing: What the Guys in funny Brown shorts are really doing: FedEx, UPS (slogan: Your world synchronized: They even repair Toshiba laptops), DHL: Not just delivering packages, but doing logistics.
#9 In-Forming: Google, Yahoo!, MSN web search
#10 The Steroids: Digital, Mobile, Personal and Virtual. (iPaq's): Computing, Instant messaging and file sharing, phone calls over internet, Video conferencing, computer graphics, Wireless technologies and devices.
All these reinforce one another like complementary goods.
A new player, in a new playing field, developing new processes and habits for horizontal collaboration - is the most important force shaping global economics and politics in the early twenty-first century.
We have grown up with hippies in the 1960s, became yuppies in the 1980s to Zippies in 2000s. Cool, confident, creative, seeks challenge,loves risk, and shuns fear. Never stop inventing, and continue reinventing.
The great sorting out:
*India Vs Indiana: Who is Exploiting whom?
*Where do companies start and stop: No more in a country or locality.
*From "Verticals" command and control to Collaborate and connect "Horizontalization".
*Multiple Identity disorder.
*Who owns what? (Even what I type?)
*Death of the salesman.
The Untouchables:
@'Special or specialized' and the 'Localized and anchored'. Sufferers are the middle-class: They need to re-skill themselves.
@collaborators and orchestrator.
@Synthesizers
@Explainers
@Leveragers
@Adapters
@Sustainable and renewable green people.
The right stuff:
- Learn how to learn
- Navigate
- CQ+PQ>IQ (C=Curiosity, P=Passion)
- Stressing liberate art: Connect history, art, politics, and science. (India is loosing on it)
- Right brain : Innovate, do what you love.
- The right education
- The right country
The quiet Crisis:
With wealthy parents kids get fat, dumb and lazy. Not looking for education but an MBA and IPO.
We are sleeping in an airmatress from which air is coming out.
Wealth will gravitate to those countries who get three basic things right:
=Infrastructure to connect as efficiently and speedily as possible, with the flat world platform
=Education programs and Knowledge skills to empower people to innovate and do value-added work
=Right governance: Tax policies, investment, trade laws, support,inspirational leadership.
Do your homework, or they will take your job.
GAPS:
o Number gap : Skilled people to replace
o Education gap : Resulting in number gap
o Ambition gap: Love to television, video and online games.
o Education gap at the bottom: Education for mass production jobs which are no more.
o Funding gap
o Infrastructure gap
Bottom line: Creative thinking and entrepreneurship.
Need of the hour:
~ Leadership : Employ-ability
~ Muscle building : Portable benefits and opportunities for lifelong learning : It makes you mobile and adaptable
~ Cushioning : Good fat cushions worth keeping: Social security.
~ Social activism
~ Parenting: Ready to administer tough love: off games, television and i pods and get children down to work.
How to cope:
'Out of clutter, find simplicity.
From discord, find harmony.
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.'
- Albert Einstein
Rule I : Whatever can be done will be done, 'The only question is whether it will be done by you or to you' : (As the greeting card to Barkha: It is upto you to decide you want to be hammered or nailed)
Rule II : The most important competition today is between you and your own imagination.
Rule III : And the small shall act big...One way small companies flourish in the flat world is by learning to act really big. Imagination is necessary, but not sufficient. You have to be able to implement what you imagine. And the key to being small and acting big is being quick to take advantage of all the new tools for collaboration to reach farther, faster, wider and deeper.
Rule IV : And the big shall act small...One way that big companies learn to flourish in the flat world is by learning how to act really small by enabling their customers to act really big.
Rule V : The best companies are the best collaborators. In the flat world, more and more business will be done through collaborations within and between companies, for a very simple reason: The next layers of value creation-whether in technology, marketing, bio medicine, or manufacturing- are becoming so complex that no single firm or department is going to be able to master them alone.
Rule VI : In a flat world, the best companies stay healthy by getting regular chest X-rays and then selling the results to their clients.
Rule VII : The best companies outsource to win, not to shrink. They outsource to innovate faster and more cheaply in order to grow larger, gain market share, and hire more and different specialists - not to save money by firing more people.
Rule VIII: How you do things as a company matters more today than ever.
Rule IX : When the world goes flat - and you are feeling flattened -reach for a shovel and dig inside yourself. Don't try to build walls.
If it is not happening, it is because you are not doing. Walls simply aren't, what they used to be. Muhammad Yunus a Bangladeshi, Micro credit, Noble Peace Prize, in 2006.
Don't use 19th century economics, 20th century engineering to solve 21st century problems. Doing business well is very hard, and the conceptual frameworks and tools underlying the conduct of today's business are hopelessly outdated.
Now that we all have dogs hearing, we're so accessible, that we're inaccessible. We are everywhere-except where we actually are physically. Thanks to the flat world.
Rules to live in the internet world:
* Develop a thicker skin.
* Avoid internet addiction.
* Keep it all in perspective.
* Let your kids know what world they are living in.
There is a parallel unflat world with:
# The sick people : who are yet to know, yet to come up, the yet to know
# Too dis-empowered
# Too frustrated
# Too many Toyota's (So much of imitating the rich, and lots of junks created)
Free Trade is God's diplomacy. There is no other certain way of uniting people in the bonds of peace. - Richard Cobden, 1857 (British politician)
To prevent conflict, things are done JIT, from various places, by the best people, and and author has described 'The dell theory of conflict prevention'
We bring good things to life. It is used by all Infosys Versus Al- Qaeda. What we put it to matters.
Thus in a way we are too personally insecure.
11/9 versus 9/11, is a matter to ponder. From Ebay, India to the curse of oil.
Imagination is more important than Knowledge. - Albert Einstein
Look at the good examples. "One good example is worth a thousand therories."
The flattening of the world, has provided us with new opportunities, new challenges, new partners, but also with new dangers. We need to find the right balance among all of these. Become global citizen. If you don't visit a bad neighborhood, it might visit you.
Remember: The most important competition is now with yourself - making sure that you are always striving to get the most out of your own imagination, and then acting on it.
The world is now becoming flattened. I didn't start it and you can't stop it, except at a great cost to human development and your own future. But we can tilt it, and shape it, for better or for worse.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Grand Canyon....
A Nice View from the top of The Grand Canyon: Absolutly beautiful, everywhere you look, is breath taking.
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s premier natural attractions, known for its visually overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape, is a steep-sided canyon (or gorge, a deep ravine between cliffs often carved from the landscape by a river) carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona in United States.
Geologically it is significant because of the thick sequence of ancient rocks that are beautifully preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon. These rock layers record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet)
In 1908, the Grand Canyon became an official national monument and became a national park in 1919. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.
Weather in the Grand Canyon varies according to elevation.The forested rims are high enough to receive winter snowfall, but along the Colorado River in the Inner Gorge, temperatures are similar to those found in Tucson and other low elevation desert locations in Arizona.
Amanda says "Another nice view, walk all the way from the other side accross to where this pic is taken (following the lowest point, where the river is), 27 miles roughly. Mind you not in a day....(which is not entertained)It took us a total of 4 days, we walked down 8 miles the first day and camped out, across 8 miles the second day and camped out, 4 miles up and camped and then the rest of the way out (about another 4-5 miles). My legs hurt SOOOOO bad, I had to take Aleeve to help with the pain (it was the hardest waking up and having to hike again). My family did a couple of smaller hikes as well so they went about 6 extra miles in total (I stayed at the campsite and rested while they did this). Yes, I walked all 27 mile :)"
This just shows an example of how the trail is, it zig-zags back and forth to make it less steep. But walking around is definitely the hardest thing .
Aside from casual sightseeing from the South Rim (averaging 7,000 feet [2,100 m] above sea level), skywalk, rivers all green because of the minerals in the water, rafting, hiking, running and helicopter tours are especially popular here.
Tons of Thanks to Amanda through whom I could see and write this....
All that I can just say is 'WOW', and you?
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s premier natural attractions, known for its visually overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape, is a steep-sided canyon (or gorge, a deep ravine between cliffs often carved from the landscape by a river) carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona in United States.
Geologically it is significant because of the thick sequence of ancient rocks that are beautifully preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon. These rock layers record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet)
In 1908, the Grand Canyon became an official national monument and became a national park in 1919. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.
Weather in the Grand Canyon varies according to elevation.The forested rims are high enough to receive winter snowfall, but along the Colorado River in the Inner Gorge, temperatures are similar to those found in Tucson and other low elevation desert locations in Arizona.
Amanda says "Another nice view, walk all the way from the other side accross to where this pic is taken (following the lowest point, where the river is), 27 miles roughly. Mind you not in a day....(which is not entertained)It took us a total of 4 days, we walked down 8 miles the first day and camped out, across 8 miles the second day and camped out, 4 miles up and camped and then the rest of the way out (about another 4-5 miles). My legs hurt SOOOOO bad, I had to take Aleeve to help with the pain (it was the hardest waking up and having to hike again). My family did a couple of smaller hikes as well so they went about 6 extra miles in total (I stayed at the campsite and rested while they did this). Yes, I walked all 27 mile :)"
This just shows an example of how the trail is, it zig-zags back and forth to make it less steep. But walking around is definitely the hardest thing .
Aside from casual sightseeing from the South Rim (averaging 7,000 feet [2,100 m] above sea level), skywalk, rivers all green because of the minerals in the water, rafting, hiking, running and helicopter tours are especially popular here.
Tons of Thanks to Amanda through whom I could see and write this....
All that I can just say is 'WOW', and you?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A hat trick for India - Winning
And … India won again! A hat trick !
The Ayodhya verdict first a victory for the nation as a people, for the calm and mature manner that the masses and the politicians took the decision of the courts.
A fantastic victory on the cricket pitch when down and out India fought like seasoned gladiators against the might of the Australians.
The CommonWealth Games amidst apprehensions of all the terrible stories that kept coming out, a spectacular show applauded by one and all through the entire world. to let the world know that we can do it when we want to.
I wonder if ever India has won so many medals, but pray that let the spree continue..
Skies over the national capital lit with multi-colour laser beams and fireworks as part of 160-minute closing ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium filled to capacity of 60,000 cheering sports lovers on 14th October 2010.
Reading out the closure statement, the Prince said, "In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed.
"In accordance with tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games."
No longer that oft repeated tale of how we ‘went down fighting’, but instead how ‘we fought back to win from the brink of defeat’. BUCK UP INDIA !!!
The Ayodhya verdict first a victory for the nation as a people, for the calm and mature manner that the masses and the politicians took the decision of the courts.
A fantastic victory on the cricket pitch when down and out India fought like seasoned gladiators against the might of the Australians.
The CommonWealth Games amidst apprehensions of all the terrible stories that kept coming out, a spectacular show applauded by one and all through the entire world. to let the world know that we can do it when we want to.
I wonder if ever India has won so many medals, but pray that let the spree continue..
Skies over the national capital lit with multi-colour laser beams and fireworks as part of 160-minute closing ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium filled to capacity of 60,000 cheering sports lovers on 14th October 2010.
Reading out the closure statement, the Prince said, "In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation, I proclaim the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 closed.
"In accordance with tradition I call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years time in Glasgow, Scotland, there to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games."
No longer that oft repeated tale of how we ‘went down fighting’, but instead how ‘we fought back to win from the brink of defeat’. BUCK UP INDIA !!!
Hits and Misses : OPI and Tamil Nadu
When it was Sangamam in OPI: Me was in Trichy enjoying BIL's Sisters marriage.
Lovely, name: well managed event and food.
When it was Annual day in OPI : Me was in Chennai the prayer came true, me with parents had been to Ramakrishna Matt, Sayi Baba temple and Kapaleshwara Kovil
Missed somethings, but enjoyed: Which I would not have if still there....
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Need of the hour?
And here comes the result of the long awaited, verdict on the Ayodhya dispute:
Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acre disputed land in Ayodhya be divided into three parts among Hindus and Muslims and held that the place where the makeshift temple of Lord Rama currently exists belongs to Hindus. (0.33+0.33+0.33? so where is the balance 0.01?) A temple would be constructed at the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya and "national unity will be strengthened"? Would the verdict be a catalyst for national unity or a road for further chaos?
"The atmosphere at the national level has been positive with religious leaders of both the communities, political leadership as well as the media. It would not be wise if politically motivated statements which could vitiate communal harmony are issued now," said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangimahli, the Niab Imam of Idgah and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. This was said when there were some political party trying to create chaos…(Mulayam/Modi:Ram Rajya-Gandhi’s dream)
What ‘Madhushala’ said was meaningful. This was written in 1935 when the Ayodhya issue was not even thought of -
Musalmaan aur Hindu hain do, ek magar unka pyala,
Ek magar unka madiralaya, ek magar unki haala
Dono rehte saath na jab tak, mandir masjid mein jaate,
Bair badhate mandir masjid mail karaati Madhushala !
The Muslim and the Hindu are two but their cup is one. One their drinking place, one their wine.
Both remain one till to Mandir Masjid they go. The mandir and the masjid bring the differences and tear them apart. But the House of Wine brings them together again.
Written in 1935. So many years ago, but so topical even now in these prevailing circumstances. The symbolism strong and meaningful.
Wondering how the people from Kerala would have managed two consequtive dry days?
True as said in My Experiments with truth: Those who say what religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion or politics is.
Here I remember Swami Vivekananda’s words in his Chicago address: ‘ I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as ture. ……….’
Though a small booklet, it is something I cherish, with:
The Background story: On how Vivekananda reached Chicago.
Response to Welcome: The forceful, mesmerizing introduction.
Why we disagree: Frog in the well story.
Paper on Hinduism.
Religion, Not the Crying Need of India.
Buddhism: The fulfillment of Hinduism
Address at the final session.
‘Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.’
Friday, September 24, 2010
Yesterday the beginning, Tomorrow the end
The 2010 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi, between 3 October and 14 October 2010. An international, multi-sport event which is held every four years and features competitions involving thousands of elite athletes from members of the Commonwealth of Nations, previously known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states. All but two of these countries were formerly part of the British Empire.
There are currently 72 nations planning to field teams at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
There were various initial concerns about the games that varied from terror threats, delays, labour violations, and corruption allegations. Security concerns were highlighted by an Australian TV crew from the Seven Network who walked past security with a suitcase containing a dummy bomb and its detonator on 18 September. The concerns over infrastructure came to media attention in late September 2010 after media outlets began reporting on "filthy and unlivable conditions" at the games village and safety concerns after the collapse of a pedestrian bridge near the main stadium. The footbridge collapsed injuring 27 and seriously injuring five on 21 September 2010. On 22 September 2010, a stadium false ceiling partly collapsed into the competitor’s area of the weightlifting venue with no reported injuries.
There is not any need for mixing the two (above and below), but both these are in my mind.
There is Ali in Diwali and Ram in Ramzan…but today, the media reports that the verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, has been deferred by a week. The vociferous claims and counter-claims over the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, has been from the days of freedom struggle, but the demolition of the mosque was on December 6, 1992. http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/jan/24spec.htm
A bench of the Allahabad High Court was likely to pronounce judgement on the Ayodhya dispute on 24th Sept. 2010, There were pretensions of unrest in major cities going on owing to the fact that in the past any verdict or comments in the media in either favour have always lead to unprecedented communal riots developing into curfews, if uncontrolled.
We need to avoid making unwarranted comments/opinions on the subject in public and/or at large gatherings with family or friends to avoid any conflicts of interest or spark of disputes of any order.
At the outset, let's hope that everything goes well and our country and its men maintain the sanity of peace-keeping. Given all the cautionary notes, and corruptions life goes on.
Yesterday marked the beginning, tomorrow may bring the end, amidst it life goes on.
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